Wacky Stays

The train carriage made this such a special family stay. We travel with a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old, and it’s not easy to find something this unusual. The setting was beautiful and calm, with a sky full of bright stars after dark. Feeding the animals was a lovely part of it too. Our 5-year-old went back to kinder and drew the carriage, telling everyone how brilliant the farm was. We loved the whole experience and hope to return early next year.

We stayed in the beautifully restored 1930 truck and had a night we won’t forget. Wacky’s Days has all sorts of distinctive places to stay, from a covered wagon and tipi to a train carriage, and everything feels carefully put together. The llamas, chickens and two friendly dogs were a big part of the charm, especially getting to help feed the animals. We had a barbecue in the evening, then fresh eggs from their chickens for breakfast. It’s wonderfully quiet, and the stars at night were breathtaking. A peaceful place with real soul. We’d love to come back.

The yurt was a fun change from the motels in Kaikoura, and it only cost a little more. It was roomy and comfortable, and I enjoyed staying somewhere I’d never tried before. The outdoor kitchen was thoughtfully set up for a barbecue, though we got in too late to cook. After settling the kids, we sat outside watching the stars until midnight and wished each other a Happy New Year. That was perfect. The owners are doing something different, and I’d happily stay again to try another option, maybe the train carriage. It’s a short drive into town, so the location may feel isolated if you want shops, bars and restaurants close by. The facilities are simple too: the bathroom and kitchen are separate from the yurt, so you have to step outside to use them. It felt a bit like camping. We enjoyed it, but it won’t suit everyone.

The tipi is basically a large tent, and since it’s an authentic one, it isn’t insulated or soundproof. We had to count on electric blankets to keep warm overnight, which wasn’t what I expected from glamping. Being right among the animals was enjoyable, though, and I can see kids having a great time here. It’s also clearly a working farm.