FAQS

Our changes and requirements in relation to the traffic light system in effect 3rd Decemeber 2021. 

We are all double vaxed and boosted.

We seem to be in a grey area, but after discussion with the business advisor at the Covid department, we have agreed to operate under these rules to keep everyone safe. These rules apply to voucher holders as well. 

Vaccinated guests.

Business as usual. Please show your vaccination pass at check in. You can walk, or be driven by Richie, or yourselves in your 4WD. 

Un-vaccinated

We all need to be contactless for you to be able to stay with us under the Government rules/guidelines.  Therefore you need to either be able to drive yourself up in a four-wheel-drive vehicle owned by you, or be able to walk to 20min walk up. 

We can take your gear if you walk and explain things at the pods as per normal but we are to be contactless and socially distanced. 

You have the option to cancel your booking as per the normal conditions we operate under if this isn’t possible. 

A reminder of our booking conditions.

Our business is all small business, and as such, cancellations have a big impact. For this reason, we adhere strictly to our cancellation terms.

Your 25% deposit paid on booking is refundable as long as any changes are made prior to 14 days of your arrival date.

If you cancel within 7-14 days of your arrival date, you will receive a 50% refund of your deposit. If you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date, 100% of the cost of the stay will be charged to your credit card and you will not receive a refund*.

If we have not received payment of your stay (or communication regarding payment) by the morning or your arrival,we will assume you would like the credit card on the booking to be charged including the credit card fees.

*With last minute cancellations due to COVID related issues, we require full payment as per the conditions above, BUT we will change your booking date to week dates in the future. Thank you for your understanding.

 We are $325/night during the week for two nights and $350/night in the weekends  for two nights(Fri-Sun).

Our Winter rate for weekends is $300/night.

As from January 2022 we are really encouraging minimum two nights stays week days and weekends but if you can only stay one night it is $450/night.

This price includes the heating hot tub, breakfast (a choice of eggs on toast (cooked by your good selves) or Kates homemade muesli). Hot drinks are provided as well as some other wee extras to surprise you. There is a French press/plunger if you'd prefer to bring your own coffee. The water is drinkable at all the Pods. It is spring water but we do chlorinate for H and S reasons requested by the Chch Council.

We provide all linen, towels, robes, face cloths, chairs (3 types), picnic table, table cloth, toilet paper, cutlery, crockery, umbrella, large chilly bin with icepacks for cooling, a coffee press , tea pot....apparently we've thought of everything. 

There is a Weber BBQ to cook on as well as a single ring burner, a kettle, oil, utensils to cook with, pots, frying pans, mugs, Go Vino wine glasses, Macconna coffee, Dilmah tea, milo, sugar, milk, salt, tomato sauce, butter, ciabatta bread, hollandaise sauce. Marshmallows are provided for the fire pit. 

 We are very active on social media @Tewepufrenchfarm and you can search others photos using #tewepu on Facebook, Instagram and Google.

When arriving, we meet you at the carpark and give you the option to walk or be driven, or take your own 4WD up. We ask that (due to our late check out) that you arrive no earlier than 3pm. Should you choose to walk, please be mindful that you do need adequate fitness to be able to walk for 20-30mins up hill. Sturdy footwear is required. Richie meets everyone at the Pod site to run over how to run everything, and also health and safety around the fire pit and hot tub. A compendium is available in the Pod which covers everything Richie explains, if you aren't concentrating. The view and amenities can be a bit distracting :)

We ask that the Pod site is left as you found it, this does not mean you need to clean but it does include leaving the dishes done, drying or even better put away, ensuring furniture that has been moved is restored to its original position and the Pod sites are left generally neat and tidy and ready for servicing. If the Pod site is left unreasonably messy, food and wine spillage on linen, requiring more time to clean, we charge a $100 fee to cover the additional cleaning required.

Guests are required to be back down at the car park by 11am. This means if you choose to walk you will need to leave the Pod site by 10.40, or 10.50am if you are in your own vehicle. 

We provide Richie's phone number in the Pod and he will collect any gear should you choose to walk.

As of Jan 2022 are really encouraging min two nights only across the weekends and weekdays. Because of this we have altered the voucher request form on our website to be a nominal amount not a night rate.

One nights are still available during weekdays but at a rate of $450/night.

******Please note a weekend is Friday Saturday/ Sunday and Monday. We cannot get people in on a Saturday as we have sporting commitments and are a family run business and we don't employ anyone. Apologies for this inconvenience *****

If you have an expired voucher we will extend the length of the voucher for 3 months from it's expiry date but it must be used during the week, and be part of a two night stay.

2022 Pricing for 2 people

Week days $325/night

Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) $350/night

We are really encouraging two night stays but if you want to stay one night it will be $450/night - week days only.

Dinner Hamper $120 

Weekend Hamper $230

Vouchers are valid for a year from purchase. To redeem the voucher, DO NOT BOOK THROUGH THE WEBSITE but follow the instructions on the voucher (find a date and email us at kateandrichie@tewepu.co.nz)

They can be regifted but not redeemable for cash.

One night vouchers can not be used when we have a two night minimum.

Any shortfall of the voucher amount is the responsibility of the recipient.

The value of a one night voucher will be put towards the second night, if a night is added.

Any disruptions with COVID will be added on to the length of the voucher expiry, we are human :)

To redeem a voucher, have a look at our availability, pick a date/s and then email us at kateandrichie@tewepu.co.nz and we will send through your confirmation. Please don't book through the website as your credit card will be charged. On our home page is a 'check availability' box which will show if we have pods left or not.

******Please note a weekend is Friday Saturday/ Sunday and Monday. We cannot get people in on a Saturday as we have sporting commitments and are a family run business and we don't employ anyone. Apologies for this inconvenience *****

Any changes to voucher booking dates must be made prior to a week of the arrival date, otherwise the night is cancelled and no refund is made. If another night is added to the voucher booking date (if changing within a week of arrival date) then we will look into it.

Purchase a Gift Voucher 

On farm hazards – Te Wepu 01/06/21

-          All walking spaces on our working farm are uneven, slippery in places, requires sturdy footing and an adequate level of fitness. Please don’t be offended if we over rule you not walking.

-          Ongaonga (stinging nettle) is managed, but present. Be aware of a nettle type plant.

-          Things may fall out of trees (ie pinecones) in the wind or otherwise. Be aware of objects from above throughout the walk.

-          Don’t walk off track as cattle can be in a paddock and electric fences are used.

-          The hot tub has a fire box and will be hot when lit.

-          The hot tub will be full of water so anyone not familiar with water (young children or non-swimmers) to be aware.

-          The fire pit is an open fire and will be an added danger when young children are about and consuming alcohol. The surface around the fire pits needs full attention. Lanterns are provided in the Pods which are fully charged.

-          The decks are uneven in places and solar lights have been placed strategically to avoid tripping or falling off the deck. Please don’t move them or please notify us if more are needed.

-          Tui Pod requires extra care with the deck. Solar lights are placed strategically for your safety. Again please don’t move these.

-          Dousing your fire pit when unattended is VERY important as weather can change when not present and embers can blow out. There is a bucket in the utility pod for this. Take water from the hot tub. Everyone is legally required to respect the fire ban when in place.

-          Anyone consuming Alcohol/drugs while in the hot tub is at risk, especially if you are on medication of any kind. Stay hydrated, and get out of the hot tub if you feel dizzy, nauseous or unwell. Ring 111 for any emergency.

-          There is cell phone Spark and Vodafone) reception at all the Pods.

-          There is an emergency procedure in all the Utility Pod (bio loo) providing our GPS coordinates, phone numbers, local Defibrillator and medical centre.

-          There is a first aid kit in all Utility pods.

-          Richie and Kate are licensed and capable drivers of the vehicles on the property.

-          The Kubota has a max speed of 25km/hr

-          Do not grab any animals (possums or hedgehogs or cats) given them space and time to move on.

Hazards – FARM

-          Bulls and young bulls, heifers and calves will be on farm. Do not approach any cattle in general.

-          Stay within the confines of your Pods unless otherwise given the OK by the Owners, Kate and Richie

-           Troughs are in every paddock, do not swim in or drink from them

-          The fences are electric surrounding each paddock. Do not touch them if you are unsure which one is electric.

-          We are a working farm so please leave all gates as they were.

-          In adverse weather we will advise you to stay put until we have checked tracks and access.

We do have solar camping showers which are available at the Pods and can be filled with hot water from the kettle and mixed with cold water when you wish to use it. These are the ones hung from a tree or hook.

Our business is all small business, and as such, cancellations have a big impact. For this reason, we adhere strictly to our cancellation terms.

Your 25% deposit paid on booking is refundable as long as any changes are made prior to 14 days of your arrival date.

If you cancel within 7-14 days of your arrival date, you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date, 100% of the cost of the stay will be charged to your credit card and you will not receive a refund*.

*With last minute cancellations due to COVID related issues, we require full payment as per the conditions above, BUT we will change your booking date to dates in the future.

Thank you for your understanding.

Booking Terms
Please make sure you are familiar with our website especially the FAQ page as this experience isnt for everyone. A full list of farm hazards are listed on our website.

As we are a family business and dont employ staff check in time is between 3-7pm (at the latest) This gives people time to get to us after work from Christchurch after which an after hours fee will be charged. Check out is by 11am.

 In the case of an extreme weather event we will get in touch and give you some options. More than 2inches of rain in 12hrs is our trigger point.

 For anyone with medical conditions that might be affected by anything on site (E.g. Pregnant, Heart conditions, Blood pressure, Mobility) please let us know and we will can help. . Health and Safety. By agreeing to this booking you are accepting personal responsibility with regard to fire, water, walking tracks and the farm hazards marked on farm; you will also heed the advice from the property owners in regard to fire safety around the Pod sites and the farm.

To respect the experience and privacy of our other guests we request that no DRONES or PETS are bought to the pods.

×Payment Terms
Our business is all small business, and as such, cancellations have a big impact. For this reason, we adhere strictly to our cancellation terms.

Your 25% deposit paid on booking is refundable as long as any changes are made prior to 14 days of your arrival date.

 If you cancel within 7-14 days of your arrival date, you will receive a 50% refund of your deposit. If you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date, 100% of the cost of the stay will be charged to your credit card and you will not receive a refund*.

If we have not received payment of your stay (or commiunication regarding payment) by the morning or your arrival,we will assume you would like the credit card on the booking to be charged including the credit card fee's.

*With last minute cancellations due to COVID related issues, we require full payment as per the conditions above, BUT we will change your booking date to dates in the future. Thank you for your understanding.

We normally do but because of these uncertain times are are opening for weekends only in June-August so check our website for availabilty.

We have a reduced rate of $300 per night. 

Please note the outdoor temperature will be cold and the days shorter, so come equipt with warm clothing.

There is no heating in the Pods, as after 5 mins you would be sweltering. Hot water bootles and winter weight duvets are provided.

Yes we are.  We are very active on social media @Tewepufrenchfarm to find us, and you can search others photos using #tewepu on Facebook, Instagram and Google.

A great way to see photos others have shared and we welcome you to do that same once you've stayed.

We get asked this enough to pop it in here... "it is like sleeping on a cloud".

It is from Briscoes 'Alastairs Bamboo 1000gsm microfibre filling' 

No we take them up and down for you.

We get asked this a lot and without knowing how much you eat it's difficult to answer. For the normal person with a normal appetite, we would suggest getting one hamper (which feeds two) and one exra meat pack or order the Weekend Hamper which provides two dinner meals and a lunch.

No, just the view :)

Vodafone reception is great - Spark not as good but we still have reception.

We had Wifi in the Pods but no one used it (so refreshing to hear) so we took it out.

Yes you are more than welcome to bring your own food and use all our facilities at the pods (BBQ, gas ring, chilly bin which has ice packs included, pots, kettle, pots and utensils).

Breakfast is provided - Eggs and Bread or Homemade Muesli but if you have food intolerances then perhaps plan for them. Milk, Tea, Coffee, Milo is also available in the pods.

You can order the BBQ Hamper which is $110 or the Weekend Hamper is $220 (both feed two people comfortably)

The hamper includes a bottle of local wine. Certain components of the hamper, such as the Cob Loaf and Meat, can be purchased separately which you can accompany with your own food. 

The weekend hamper provides two dinners and a lunch.

In the case of an extreme weather event we will get in touch with you and discuss options. We don't want to be driving around the hills in a cyclone anymore than you may want to be glamping in one. Some people are undeterred but we are human and understand this happens. Safety never sleeps :) 
Our trigger point is 'water over the culvet' (roughly 2inches of rain in 12hrs).

Yes there are thermometers in all the tubs and cold water to cool things down if or when required.

This is controlled by yourselves at the Pods and we run through the operation of the hot tubs with you on site, when we deliver your bags.

There are also instructions in printed form at the pods, as guests are often not concentrating properly, due to being so overwhelmed.

If you are pregnant or have medical conditions that might be affected by the hot tub, then make us aware at booking.

Just email kateandrichie@tewepu.co.nz once you have checked availability and we will manually book you in and send you a booking confirmation.

Please note we are now really encouraging minimum two nights stays. This is explained to the purchaser at booking (stated on the online form) and is on the vouchers. 

******Please note a weekend is Friday Saturday/ Sunday and Monday. We cannot get people in on a Saturday as we have sporting commitments and are a family run business and we don't employ anyone. Apologies for this inconvenience *****

As of February 2018 you can. There are two pods that can be driven by 4WD vehicle to, the 3rd Pod is a bit tight for a vehicle.

We do have conditions though which are; you must be confident, have a 4WD and have driven it off road before.

We have metalled our tracks so all pods are now accessible by 4WD. We have to be careful with this rule and accept no responsibilty for your vehicle or your driving.

Remember when you book, all we have is your name. We don't know how much you eat but I cater for the mid to big eater with my hampers.

If you are Kim Dotcom reading this, bring snacks.

A one night dinner hamper feeds two well but if you are a mouse then it will stretch for two nights. We are more often than not, here on site and happy to run up with more food if required. No one goes hungry on our shift!

Anything surplus can be taken away with you.

Yes for sure, we aren't 'anti' the midget mafia ;) but most of our couples decide to leave them behind for cost and relaxtion efficiency.

We can only accommodate two people per Pod so 2 - 3 Pods would be needed depending on how many children.

For tiny children we allow parents to share the bed with them or bring a small portacot. One of the pods has a king bed which works well. 

No – its included in the nightly price. The hot tubs are emptied, cleaned and refreshed after every guest. They are also re-lit for you around midday so are heating, if not hot for your arrival. In the summer months we may leave later for heating as they make a great plunge pool after your hike up the hill.

No, we have a no pet policy as we have our own pets and are a working farm. 

We have decided to make it two nights from 2022 to reduce our environmental foot print. We don't have a unlimited supply of water and one nighters go through so much more water and wood as well as the fuel involved with the trips up and down the hill. We also have an Avo orchard which needs attention and stock that need work so by us making the Pods min two nights is a way we can sustainably run our business. Thank you for your understanding.

*Due to Omicron, we may have one nights available during the weeks for a short time, so keep an eye out on our website. The cost is $550/night for a one night. Just cone for two.

The One  night dinner hamper is $120 and feeds two people comfortably. It includes farm grown meat, steak and sausages (which have been processed to MPI accreditation), as well as Kate's already infamous cob loaf, accompanied by seasonal things to make a BBQ's veggie couscous salad. It also includes a bottle of local wine.

We can also provide a 'Weekend Hamper' which covers two nights for two people. This has all of the above plus chocolate and a juice, but also Richie's Akaroa 'Kanuka Smoked' Salmon on some fresh bread with cream cheese and capers for lunch. It incudes a bottle of local wine as well.  The cost is $230.

Certain components of the hamper, such as the Cob Loaf and Meat, can be purchased separately.

No sorry, we are canvas free :)

If you are travelling as a group of four then you will need to book another Pod.

Ruru and Kereru bode well for this.

We don't discount for two Pods per night as we encourage two nights for the good of your soul.

No you don’t. You can be taken up with your bags in the Kubota or if you have 4WD there is the option to drive up.

As of January 2022 we are really encouraging minimum two night stays. We have one night availabilty during the week which is $450/night.

Yes we have plenty of parking space at the carpark and at the back of the house.

Bring the boat ;)

Yes - absolutley!

The hot tubs take 5-7hrs to heat.

After each guest they are emptied cleaned and refilled, then lit. They are heating for your arrival but not hot until late afternoon or early evening.

Yes that's fine but please don't expect us to be around or awake to run you up and down after 6pm.

You can come and go as you please via 4WD track and walking track but we will charge $50 (for two) one way, for any after hours runs, otherwise you will need to walk up and down with a torch.

....Just get the hamper :)

You can but we may not be able to accommodate that option. It's all due to previous bookings, two nighters vs one nighters, water, access in the season as to where we put people. If you have stayed before and would like to try another Pod then please let us know and we will try to arrange, although once again this is not guarranteed. 

How to put it positively....No, but we don't want to put your off Banks Peninsula so perhaps a generic B&B or Motel is better suited for you?

If you don't know how to use a BBQ, put wood on a fire, or you need to sleep with a light on, then this isn't for you. We understand that so we just want to make sure you are aware of this before you book.

Yes to both but our water is Spring Water. You can bring your own bottled water (one or two bottles is fine) but if you bring a case of bottled water, you will be taking the bottles away with you. Otherwise you are handing over the plastic problem to us. That's just our way of educating you on the issues of plastic bottled water. We will help you pack them back into your vehicle. All part of the service ;)

We are trying to be as environmentally sustainable as possible and if we have safe, healthy drinking water, then there is no need for large quantities of bottled water. 

Our business is all small business, and as such, cancellations have a big impact. For this reason, we adhere strictly to our cancellation terms.

Your 25% deposit paid on booking is refundable as long as any changes are made prior to 14 days of your arrival date.

If you cancel within 7-14 days of your arrival date, you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date, 100% of the cost of the stay will be charged to your credit card and you will not receive a refund*.

*With last minute cancellations due to COVID related issues, we require full payment as per the conditions above, BUT we will change your booking date to dates in the future. Thank you for your understanding.

Any voucher holders needing to change their booking within a week of staying will be declined.

You are always welcome to onsell your nights booked if you are unavle to make it - just let us know their names.

Yes there is coverage but no to WiFi. We used to provide it but no one used it so we took it out.

No, but we are minimum two night stays in the weekends.

No sorry.

They are transferrable to another person though so you can regift, on sell or use it yourself.

Never forget you are glamping which means glamous camping. If it rains you will get wet outside. We have an unbrella which keeps the rain off over the hot tub and while you are cooking.

If you book in Winter - prepare for winter conditoons and if you book in Summer prepare for summer conditions.

Guests who have stayed in the rain have left not wanting it any other way. It's not often one sits out in the rain and it's pretty cool sitting in a hot tub or reading a good book (also provided) in a warm cosy pod.

Anytime between 3-6pm please. If you are struggling to get there by 6pm, pleae get in touch but no later than 7pm. There are no street lights up the hill and your/our Health and Safety is crucial.

If you are running ahead of time then let us know. We have had people saying they will be here at 6pm and turning up at 10pm. We don't want that.

Check out is 11am back at the carpark.

Yes you can.

It's quite steep but we have a track that is mud and shingle and would be a great for the keen Mt Bikers out there.

One is a sleeping pod and the other is the utility pod which includes the Bio-loo, towels, and robes.

There is a large chilly bin outside in the kitchen area. Each pod site has a hot tub which is emptied, cleaned and refreshed after each guest.

You will need the basics which are;

- how to turn on a Gas BBQ,

- how to light a fire (instructions on how to keep the hot tub going is given by Richie on site)

- be not afraid of the dark. Solar electricity and lights are provided but is not infinite especially during cloudy days. A lantern is also provided though.

If you've read this far then you deserve some light entertainment...real messages/comments we've received!

+ My wife is afraid of the dark - will she like it? 

No

+ Can you put a sofa in the pod, and Mum and Dad sleep on it?

No

+ I know we were being tight and let the kids sleep on the deck..but the solar lights were too bright and they couldn't sleep well, was there anyway we could have turned- the solar lights off?

(Our first week we opened) Never.again.

 ---Same person "You should put some tape or something on the glass door, into the Pod, as I almost walked into it"

                We could, but we wont.

+ Is there a Restaurant up here?

 No

+ The noises the cows make in the paddock - is this them having sexual intercourse?

No - translate the moo-ing into "Mum-mum-mum-mum-muuummmmm" or "food food food food fooooood"

+ Can I get hot water to come out of any of the taps?

No, just the kettle. Once it's boiled.

+ The full moon was amazing!!! Did you plan that?

Yep :)

+ I heard that Lorde stayed here, is that true?

Yes and there is photographic evidence at reception to prove it! And then she put a out an album called Solar Power ...we'll take it.

+ Do you provide a Vegan Hamper?

 No, Te Wepu is a farm.

+ I'm on a Keto diet, can you provide a Keto hamper?

No (admittedly the hampers are very much non processed but still...)

+ Will the tiger worms ever escape?

Only if they don't get enough to eat (but no)

+ How big are the tiger worms?

depends how much they've had to eat

(seriously though - about the length of a pin and twice as fat. They are given their name because of their stripy colours)

+ Where is the flush button on the toilet?

Nowhere.

+ Is there water at the Pods?

Yes - vital for a hot tub.

+ Can I cook noodles in the kettle?

NO! Please no!

+ You say you are minimum two nights in the weekends. Can we stay one night and our friends stay the other night? No

+ Is Friday part of the weekend?

Yes, yes it is the fun end of the weekend 

+ Where is the shower?

Nowhere (but a camping solar shower is available at all Pods

+ My wife's best friend would like to join us for the second night. We won't need a mattress as we can all squeeze in to the one bed. Is this ok?

 NO. (Get two pods so we remain mentally pure).

+ Do I have to cook this Steak and Sausages?

Yes  (sushime sausages.....:?)

+ Can we bring our cat?

No (this person then got stuck into us for not allowing them to bring it. (Uhm sorry but allergies for the next guests/native birds/and our cat hating Jack Russell Louie...)

 + My daughter is a student and would like to stay but she can't afford it, can you drop the price?

No

+ Is there air conditioning in the Pods?

Yes, if you open the back window and the front door.... ;)

+ Do yous fullas live around these ways?

(as we are introducing ourselves in front of the house)

Yes we do.

+ Sometimes I don't really like sleeping with my husband, is there anywhere he can go?

 Can you leave him behind?

 (we joke, but if anyone has sleep apnea we only have 12v so nothing to plug a machine into sorry. We can move the bed to the side though and pop in a mattress which is what we have done for someone)

+ My partner and I are both 17, do I have to get Mum and Dad to book for us?

Just get him a crate.

+ I know you are minimum two nights, but can you change it just for me?

 No.

+ Guest "Why would you (us) come into the Pod site at night and take the wood out of the fire pit?"

Us: We didn't, we don't, we wouldn't!!

G "But it was gone in the morning..."

Us "Did you douse the fire when you went to bed?"

G "No"

Also same person "Why would you have a lantern that only goes on strobe?"

Us: (what we wish we could have said: Why would we buy a $200 Ledlenser lantern, that only has one setting?)