Terms and conditions

1. Bookings and acceptance

All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation. By confirming a booking, the guest confirms they have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

The person making the booking accepts responsibility for:

• All guests associated with the booking
• Any visitors attending the property
• Any damage, loss, excessive cleaning, or breaches of these Terms

Horotiu Homestead reserves the right to decline or cancel bookings where necessary.

2. Payments

Full payment, deposits, bonds, add-ons and additional guest fees must be paid by the due dates provided. Failure to make payment may result in cancellation of the booking.

Additional charges incurred during the stay, including extra guests, damage, rubbish removal, excessive cleaning or undisclosed property use, must be paid on request.

3. Refunds and cancellations

All bookings are non-refundable and non-cancellable unless otherwise agreed in writing. Once dates are secured and blocked from availability, Horotiu Homestead commits those dates exclusively to the guest.

No refunds will be provided for:

• Change of mind
• Early departure
• Reduced guest numbers
• Weather conditions
• Travel disruptions
• Failure to read booking information or property details
• Breaches of these Terms and Conditions

Any exceptions remain entirely at the discretion of Horotiu Homestead. We strongly recommend guests arrange travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

4. Bond and security deposit

A refundable bond may be required before check-in. Standard bookings may require a minimum bond of $200. Larger groups, or bookings involving additional property use, may require a higher bond.

The bond may be used to cover:

• Damage
• Excessive cleaning
• Missing items
• Rubbish removal
• Undisclosed guests
• Breaches of these Terms and Conditions
• Additional costs incurred during the stay

Bond refunds are processed after the property has been inspected. Horotiu Homestead reserves the right to retain part or all of the bond where necessary.

5. Use of the property

Bookings are for standard accommodation use unless another use has been selected and approved during the booking process.

Additional property use, including gatherings, celebrations, functions, organised activities, commercial activity or increased visitor attendance, may require additional pricing, a higher bond, or specific conditions.

Failing to accurately disclose the intended use of the property may result in:

• Additional charges
• A higher bond requirement
• Cancellation of the booking or stay
• Forfeiture of the bond
• Liability for damages or associated costs

6. Guests and visitors

Only the number of guests included in the booking may stay overnight unless otherwise arranged. Additional overnight guests are charged at the applicable per-person rate.

Guests expecting daytime visitors, gatherings or increased attendance must select the appropriate visitor or gathering option during the booking process where available. Visitors contribute to overall property use, including parking, utilities, rubbish, water systems, facilities, wear and tear, and general property management.

Visitors are permitted only where included in the booking or approved in advance. Any person remaining on site after 10:00 pm may be considered an overnight guest and may incur additional charges.

The primary guest is responsible for all visitors and guests associated with the booking.

7. Noise and respect for neighbours

Guests must respect neighbouring properties and the rural environment. Excessive noise, disruptive behaviour, unsafe conduct or disturbances are not permitted. Music and noise must be reduced after 10:00 pm.

Horotiu Homestead reserves the right to cancel a booking immediately where behaviour is unsafe, disruptive, unlawful or inappropriate.

8. Cleaning

Standard cleaning fees cover linen and basic turnover preparation only, unless otherwise stated. Unless a full cleaning service has been purchased, guests must leave the property in the same clean condition as on arrival.

Guests may purchase a full Horotiu Homestead clean where available. Additional cleaning charges may apply where:

• Excessive mess is left behind
• Furniture is moved excessively
• Stains or spills need specialised cleaning
• Rubbish is left on site
• Smoking residue or odours are present
• The property’s condition goes beyond normal use

9. Rubbish removal

Guests are responsible for removing all rubbish from the property on departure unless otherwise arranged. Rubbish left on site may incur removal charges, including per-bag fees and additional labour costs where applicable.

10. Damage and liability

Guests are responsible for any damage caused during their stay by themselves, their guests, visitors, contractors or invitees. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Property damage
• Furniture damage
• Linen damage
• Lost keys
• Excessive staining
• Damage to grounds or landscaping
• Damage caused by misuse of facilities or equipment

Repair or replacement costs will be charged accordingly. Horotiu Homestead accepts no responsibility for personal injury, loss of belongings, theft, vehicle damage, accidents on site, or power, internet or water interruptions outside its reasonable control. Guests use the property and facilities at their own risk.

11. Water, utilities and rural conditions

Horotiu Homestead runs on a rural water tank and pump system, and guests agree to use water responsibly. Temporary interruptions may occur, and guests may be asked to restart the pump system as instructed.

As a rural property, insects, weather, farm activity, mud and outdoor conditions may occur and are accepted as part of the rural experience.

12. Wi-Fi and technology

Wi-Fi is provided free of charge. Connection quality may vary with weather, provider performance and the number of connected devices. Guests must not tamper with, unplug, reset or interfere with internet equipment or property systems. Horotiu Homestead is not liable for internet interruptions or reduced speeds.

13. Smoking, illegal activity and dangerous behaviour

Smoking or vaping inside the property is strictly prohibited. Illegal activity, unlawful substances, dangerous behaviour, violence, intimidation or unsafe conduct will result in immediate cancellation without refund. Additional cleaning, damage or remediation costs may apply.

14. Add-ons and hire equipment

Optional add-ons, including cabins, commercial fridges, marquees, décor, tables, chairs, event equipment, styling items and other hire items, remain the property of Horotiu Homestead unless otherwise stated. Guests are responsible for their safe use, and for any damage, theft or loss, and must return them in acceptable condition. Additional charges may apply where items are damaged, excessively dirty, missing or misused.

15. Check-in and check-out

Check-in is from 2:00 pm and check-out is by 10:00 am unless otherwise arranged. Late departure without approval may result in additional charges. Before leaving, guests must make sure the property is secured, keys are returned, lights and appliances are turned off where appropriate, rubbish is removed, and the property is left in the agreed condition.

16. Right to refuse or remove

Horotiu Homestead reserves the right to refuse bookings, refuse entry, remove guests or visitors, or cancel bookings immediately where these Terms are breached or behaviour is unsafe, unlawful, aggressive, disruptive, misleading or inappropriate. No refund will be provided in these circumstances.

17. Website information

While every effort is made to keep information accurate, Horotiu Homestead may update pricing, availability, property features, terms, policies, add-ons and services at any time without notice. Images are for illustration, and some styling or set-up may vary.

18. Privacy

Guest information collected during bookings may be used for booking management, communication, security, legal compliance and property protection. Personal information will not be sold to third parties.

19. Acceptance of terms

By making payment, confirming a booking, accessing the property or using this website, guests acknowledge and agree to these Terms and Conditions in full.