Stay & eat

Character stays. Generous food. Rural quiet.

The accommodation and hospitality are part of the walk itself, from quiet homestead cottages to the coastal retreat and the meals waiting after a day outside.

India House veranda and lawn at Ica Station

First evening

Arrive, settle in and meet your hosts.

Arrive at Ica Station Homestead between 4:00 and 6:00pm. Depending on group size, you stay in India House, Ica Whare, or both. There is private parking, established gardens and a quiet rural setting.

Once the group has arrived, Dick and Carmen give a short briefing at around 6:00pm. The first evening meal for fully catered guests is already in the accommodation and needs only minimal finishing.

India House three-bedroom cottage at Ica Station01

Ica Station · 3-bedroom cottage

India House

A stand-alone self-contained cottage in the Ica Station Homestead grounds.

Sleeps up to 63 bedroomsFull kitchenWood burnerBBQSecure parking
  • Bedroom 1 · 2 single beds
  • Bedroom 2 · 2 single beds
  • Bedroom 3 · 2 single beds
Ica Whare one-bedroom cottage at Ica Station02

Ica Station · 1-bedroom cottage

Ica Whare

A smaller self-contained cottage for couples and compact groups.

Sleeps up to 4KitchenetteElectric heaterBBQSecure parking
  • Bedroom · 1 queen bed, plus singles if required
  • Living area · 1 single bed if required
Wai Ngaio Retreat on the Whareama route03

Coastal night · large lodge

Wai Ngaio Retreat

A large former hunting and fishing lodge belonging to Castlepoint Station, set back in the hills with Pacific Ocean views.

4 bedrooms3 showers3 flush toiletsFull kitchenWood burnerBBQ
  • Bedroom 1 · 2 king single beds
  • Bedroom 2 · 3 king single bunks / 6 people
  • Bedroom 3 · 3 king single bunks / 6 people
  • Bedroom 4 · 1 queen bed

Between the walking

The overnight stop is part of the experience.

Real moments from Wai Ngaio and the evening meal show the quieter side of the two-day walk.

Sunrise beside Wai Ngaio Retreat above the coast
Wai NgaioWake to the coast at first light
Whareama guests sharing their first-night dinner before the walk
EveningDinner together before the walk
Walkers sharing a catered Whareama meal

Fully catered

Healthy, hearty food after a day outside.

The catered package provides self-serve continental breakfast provisions, picnic lunch, afternoon tea, an evening meal and dessert. The business uses locally sourced fresh produce where practical.

Breakfast & hot drinks
Tea, instant coffee, hot chocolate / Milo, juice and filtered water are provided.

Picnic lunch
Fresh lunch provisions are prepared for the route, including a sandwich, fruit, yoghurt and other items.

BYO refreshments
You can bring alcohol; the hosts can transport it ahead and chill it for your arrival after Day 1. Wine is also available to purchase at Ica.

Compare catered & self-catered

Dietary needs

Tell the hosts when you book.

Meat and vegetarian meal options are included. A gluten-free two-course evening meal can be arranged, while guests are asked to bring preferred gluten-free bread, cereals, milk and snacks. Discuss any other intolerances or special requests when booking, as an extra charge or self-catering may be the best option.

Outdoor swimming pool and spa area at Ica Station
After Day 2Pool and heated spa at Ica Station
Small groupsGroups of 2 or 3

These groups may be collected and brought back to Whareama each night for their accommodation.

Self-catered groupsSame cottage each night

Self-catered walkers use the cottages and cooking facilities and are brought back to Whareama after Day 1.

After Day 2Pool & heated spa

Walkers can swim, shower or use the outdoor heated spa pool at Ica Station before heading home or continuing their travels.

Beds & linen

Bring your own, or add the linen package.

All beds have mattress and pillow protectors and a fitted bottom sheet. The standard arrangement asks guests to bring a pillowcase, sleeping bag or duvet and towel.

Optional linen package

NZ$40per person

Cotton sheets, duvet with cover, pillowcases and a large bath towel.

Ready when you are

Choose the way you want to experience Whareama.

Compare the fully catered, self-catered and single-day options, then enquire about a date that works for your group.

View prices & availability