Ica Station 'Whare' (an original historic Shepherds' Quarters) offers our visitors comfortable, clean, rustic accommodation in a location with interesting early NZ rural character. Situated at the end of a 'no exit' road, simply enjoy the peace and quiet of an early settler 'Whare', in the beautiful country side setting of Ica Station Homestead and grounds.
The unit has a queen bedroom, a living/dining area, kitchenette and inside shower room with flushing toilet. With views over the garden, here you can relax, read a book, have a glass of wine and listen to the birds in the peaceful setting of the unit. Next door is the main homestead with B and B accommodation where ALL our guests have shared use of the swimming pool and spa pool during their stay.
With Riversdale and Otahome Beaches only 15 minutes drive away and the Castlepoint Beach 35 minutes in the opposite direction, this bach is an ideal base for couples to explore the East Coast of the Wairarapa!
There's plenty to see and do in the area. Nearby Riversdale and Castlepoint offer superb Golf Courses, Tennis Courts, Swimming, Fishing, Surfing, Walking, Diving and Boating, plus local store. Or Otahome, where you often have the beach to yourselves. Close by is the village of Tinui that has a Cafe and Bar, Craft Shop and Living Historic Village as well as the oldest Anzac Memorial Cross which now has a public access walkway up to it from the Cemetery (Nov - Apr annually).
Check-in is available from 1.30pm and check-out by 10.30am.
We also run the 'Whareama Coastal Walk' a 2 or 3 day fully catered 'Walking Adventure' over private farmland and isolated Wairarapa coastline. See the 'Whareama Coastal Walk' website for more details.
Smoking allowed outside only. Well behaved pets only with prior approval - cost $15 per night. No pets, bottles or glass allowed in the Spa Pool or Swimming Pool area.
Please note - there is only limited cellphone reception, but good wifi at the cottage.
Extras: Linen and towels (included); Tea/Coffee provisions (included); Continental Breakfast Provisions (available at extra cost).
NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave;
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Strictly by request only.
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking outside allowed.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20020883
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Mangapakeha
Located in Mangapakeha, this cottage is in a rural area. Castlepoint Rock and Castlepoint Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Otahome Beach and Basil Bodle Reserve. Discover the area's water adventures with surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Riversdale Beach Golf Course - 21 min drive - 26.0 km
Castlepoint Beach - 40 min drive - 47.2 km
Restaurants
‪Tinui Cafe And Pub - ‬29 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Ica Station Whare, (1 Bedroom Garden Cottage) have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Ica Station Whare, (1 Bedroom Garden Cottage)?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ica Station Whare, (1 Bedroom Garden Cottage) on 18 May 2026 start from NZ$202, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Ica Station Whare, (1 Bedroom Garden Cottage) pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Ica Station Whare, (1 Bedroom Garden Cottage)?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Ica Station Whare, (1 Bedroom Garden Cottage)?
Check-in begins at 1:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Ica Station Whare, (1 Bedroom Garden Cottage)?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Ica Station Whare, (1 Bedroom Garden Cottage) located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 16 miles (25 km) of Otahome Beach, Basil Bodle Reserve and Riversdale Beach. Karaka Reserve and Riversdale Beach Golf Course are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
It was great! We were testing out travelling with our indoor cat and it was perfect. A very chill spot with lovely people and a comfy, cozy little whare. The pool was awesome, too, though chilly enough to require a bit of bravery. Lots of tūī, pīwakawaka, riroriro, and happy magpies, too. Thank you!
A very old 1 room - servant's quarters? - building that has been added on to with a kitchen, bathroom/laundry and done in a quite amateurish manner. The floor is several levels, the roof doesn't match, all in all quite a turn off. To call it "rustic" is a euphemism. I expected much better for the price. Never saw any sign of the host at all, we let ourselves in and left again in the morning without so much as a hello.
Neville H.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 November 2022
Yes, this cottage is an original very, very old building (Shepherds' Quarters), with additions done decades ago. As described on the website it is comfortable, clean and 'rustic' - we have done very little to alter the actual building, as it is a part of New Zealand history.
As hosts we try our best to greet all our guests (including 1 night stays), however when we arrived home, you had gone out and when we came over to see you in the morning, you had already departed.
It was one day retreats trip to celebrated my birthday in Castles Points. We had a good time staying here enjoying quietness and tranquility n nice host.
The property is gorgeous and it was a lovely stay. The bed was really cosy, the place was lovely and everything was super easy. Having the heaters on when we arrived was absolutely lush too. Thank you for the stay 😊
We had a fabulous stay with our cocker spaniel accompanying us.
Wonderful hosts and an awesome peaceful environment.
Shirley M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2020
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Denise L.
3 April 2018
We had such a Fabulous stay here, everything we needed and More.
We had such a Fabulous stay here, everything we needed and More.
Denise L.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Georgina S.
24 January 2018
Stunning rural location complemented with beautiful gardens and a lovely swimming pool and spa.
Stunning rural location complemented with beautiful gardens and a lovely swimming pool and spa. Easy drives to Riversdale beach and Castle Point/surrounding areas - absolutely loved it
Georgina S.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
25 April 2017
Excactly how we expected - and excellent accomodation for a weekend away.
Excactly how we expected - and excellent accomodation for a weekend away.
Archival
8/10 Good
1 March 2017
Fascinating historic site well cared for
Fascinating historic site well cared for
Archival
6/10 Okay
21 February 2017
Beautiful old homestead in a wonderful location.
Beautiful old homestead in a wonderful location. If you are looking for a relaxing break with the best nature has to offer this is the perfect spot.
About the host
Hosted by Carmen Tredwell
Your hosts are Dick & Carmen Tredwell, originally from the UK, we've spent the past 121years living in the Wairarapa. We have a beautiful historic homestead which we have turned into a B&B and have two ornate cottages in the 20 acres of grounds around the Homestead - India House being one of these cottages. We welcome you to our 'little piece of paradise!'
What makes this property unique
Only 15 mins drive to Riversdale Beach and Golf Course! Only 30 mins drive to Castlepoint.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests