Our 100 year old Homestead B&B is the ideal romantic hideaway for the weary traveler. Our hill country farm is kiwi owned and operated and has belonged to the Forrester family for over one hundred years. We Offer comfortable private accommodation for tourists, travelers and families who want to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings of the New Zealand country side. The prominent feature of this 2000 hectare property is the hill country which rises to just on 3 thousand feet above sea level. The climb to the top of the farm along tussock tracks provide panoramic views of the Southern Alps, the east coast and to the South the views of Christchurch and surrounding areas are breath taking. The farm offers over 20 kilometers of back country tracks for you to enjoy at your leisure. 4WD tours available.

Bruce and I have farmed Karetu downs for the past 26 years after taking on the property from Bruce's parents. We love to show our guests around our farm and share with them our unique Kiwi lifestyle. Guests are welcome to book a sheep shearing demonstration or a 4 wheel drive farm tour of our hill country. Please ask when making the reservation. You can take a leisurely walk along the river to see the perfectly formed round concretions (rocks) in the Black Gorge or take a fishing rod and fish for brown trout, swim in the river or hike or bike the hill country. Meet the pet lambs, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks and Sid and Billy our resident goats. Karetu homestead has an extensive garden for you to sit and enjoy, you can even sit back and listen to the native bird life while relaxing in the spa pool (only available when you book the Musterers studio or Louisa suite the rooms are for couples only). The Karetu downs farm cottage is ideal for families with big or small children. Karetu cottage is a large and comfortable fully furnished house complete with a large garden. Come and join us and experience farm life like no other. We look forward to meeting you.

We are 20 minutes via car to the Waipara Valley vineyards and cafes including the well regarded Pegasus Bay winery. 10 minutes drive from Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park and 20 minutes from the Weka Pass Railway which is a fun activity for the kids. • Easy day trips to Whale Watching in Kaikoura and the Hamner Springs Thermal pools both wonderful places to take the children. • Amberley township is 20 minutes drive away with a good selection of shops and restaurants-check out the Brew Moon cafe with its craft beers and delicious pizza and the Little vintage cafe ideal for breakfast or lunch. Amberley farmers market is open from 9am-12pm Saturdays. • Pegasus, Amberley and Hawarden Country golf clubs are all close by. • Easy day trip to Mount Lyford ski field. The area is safe for travelers and overseas guests.