The Old Shepherd

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  • The Tararua Ranges
  • Nosey Neighbours
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  • From my Grandfather's Day
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  • Icebox
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2
Max Guests
1
Bedroom
1
Bathroom

About this Holiday House

A nod to simpler times with it's battery radio, playing cards, gas cooker and outdoor fire. During your time at the Old Shepherd you may choose to read a book from the little library or just enjoy looking out over the pastures. As the sun sets on the mountains, you could decide to toast marshmallows and cosy up ready for a magnificient night sky. The Old Shepherd is located 8km north of Masterton on our family farm. In 2023 we celebrated being here for 100 years. There is a cooker so that you can make yourself a brew (tea, coffee and milo provided) and an icebox for your food and beverages. For guest convenience we have recently added two beautiful old solar lanterns inside the hut. Just behind the hut, the modern outhouse is equipped with a flushed loo and a hot gas shower. We provide your linen and towels. Other things to note: Come with your phones charged as there is no electricity. We provide a starter pack for the brazier but if you are wanting to sit outside all evening, we recommend that you bring some extra wood. Recent reviews: Tammy Rating, 5 stars We were looking for somewhere a bit different and this wee gem was just what we were after. Leaving from work, we arrived in the early evening, but sitting on the grass with a glass of wine, watching some lambs racing each other in the paddock below the hut, it didn't take us long to feel relaxed and happy. Our favourite time though, was toasting marshmallows on the outdoor fire as we had the most beautiful night sky. The milky way was stunning and we were even treated to shooting stars. Inside the hut, the light from the old lamps just added to the romance of it all. This was a really relaxing and special night away and we will be recommending the experience to everyone. If you are reading this because you're wondering if you should do it, click that book button right now! Emily Rating 5 stars If you are wondering about booking this place, do it now and add to cart! It is so cute and incredibly clean, based on a very tidy working farm, the perfect rest stop for a weary traveller with a warm and cozy bed. Doesn’t have power but that just adds to its charm. A magical little cottage and not a speck of dust or damp which I was grateful for as I get asthma. 110% will be back.

Details and amenities

Amenity: No kids
No kids
Amenity: No pets
No pets
Amenity: Linen provided
Linen provided
Amenity: No smoking
No smoking
Amenity: No disabled access
No disabled access
Kitchen
Amenity: Tea, coffee, sugar etc
Tea, coffee, sugar etc
Bathroom
Amenity: Accessible Bathroom
Accessible Bathroom
Amenity: Shower
Shower
Parking
Amenity: Off Street Parking
Off Street Parking
Outdoors
Amenity: Outdoor furniture
Outdoor furniture
Other
Amenity: Cellphone coverage
Cellphone coverage

Bed layout

1 Double(s)

Special Attractions and Activities Nearby

Standing on the front step, you can see the La Gra Vineyard and just beyond the old red barn is Wingate Lane which offers casual dining Tues-Sun. Only 15 minutes up the road is the Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, home to endangered wildlife such as brown kiwi, whio (blue duck), takahe, kokako, kaka and tuna (longfin eels).

Reviews

Average Rating: 5
1 total review

Hugo Randerson
Thank you for a great stay at Old Shepherd. Perfect little base camp for our short trip around the wairarapa, even in bad weather we felt cozy, and when the sun did decide to shine we appreciated the great views and location. We felt the price per night was fair and exactly the simple accommodation we were looking for. Thanks, Hayley, for the excellent communication and hospitality - we would love to stay here again and would recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, affordable, place to stay in this beautiful region.

Availability

No upcoming blocked dates.

Rates

Date rangeRatesMinimum stay
All year$100 / Night for 2 guests1 Night
All year (Weekends)$110 / Night for 2 guests1 Night
All year
$100 / Night for 2 guests
Min. stay: 1 Night
All year (Weekends)
$110 / Night for 2 guests
Min. stay: 1 Night


Cancellations

The pending booking will be automatically cancelled after 48 hours or earlier depending on the check-in date.

The house-specific cancellation policy will appear here.

Location