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Daan Kramer
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

An authentic and lovely farmstay experience

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 2 Jan 2020
If you want to know what it is like to be on a farm, and to be surrounded by all kinds of animals (sheep in particular ;-)), Karetu Downs is probably as genuine as it gets.

But apart from being authentic, the B&B is hosted by a lovely couple that does tremendous hosting. We were placed in a complete and comfortable part of the house and had breakfast at Karen's dinner table each morning, which one lovely and allowed us to ask all kinds of questions about the farm.

Finally, it is clear that Karen and Bruce (the man running the farm) absolutely love the animals and love what they do. This gives the whole experience a little extra that is worth mentioning.
Date of stay: December 2019
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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    Reviews (52)
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    6 - 11 of 52 reviews
    Reviewed 5 November 2019

    We stayed in the farm cottage which has been renovated and is bright,clean and well appointed and now has wifi. The views from the farm are beautiful as is the garden at the farmhouse. There is the option to go mountain biking or walking independently up into the hills on the farm or down to the river gorge. We walked down the river and swam in the (deep) swimming hole which was fantastic on a hot day. Karen was very welcoming and easy to communicate and arrange things with. The farm feels quiet and peaceful but is only 20 minutes or so from Waipara with wineries and restaurants.

    Date of stay: November 2019
    Thank Torlesse
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    KaretuFarmstay, Owner at Karetu Downs Farmstay, responded to this reviewResponded 7 November 2019

    Thank you so much for the review. It is great to now have wifi in the cottage so when guests stay they are still able to connect with family and friends and work if required.
    Really pleased you enjoyed the river walk too on hot summer days the river is a fabulous place to cool off and is lovely and private as well.
    Thank you
    Karen and Bruce x

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 30 September 2019

    What an awesome NZ farm experience!! The accomodation was so comfortable and had everything a family could want. Stunning surroundings. The highlight was all the animals and the incredibly lovely Karen and Bruce. The kids loved feeding all the lambs, sheep, pigs, chickens and the all the dogs. The boys loved going for a bit of a tour of the property. Karen and Bruce were so patient and nothing was a problem. This stop was a definite highlight for us all. We hope to back again one day very soon! Thank you!!!!

    Date of stay: September 2019
    Trip type: Travelled with family
    Thank Brumby01
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    KaretuFarmstay, Owner at Karetu Downs Farmstay, responded to this reviewResponded 7 November 2019

    Thanks Caroline,
    We both loved meeting you guys and the kids were amazing. It's so nice to read this review and to read how the kids liked interacting with the farm animals. I think the lambs really missed the kids feeding them!
    We would most definitely love to see you all again anytime. Best wishes Karen and Bruce xx

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    Reviewed 16 December 2018 via mobile

    We had a 3 night stay here recently. It was pefect! The scenery that surrounds the farm is breathetaking... Karen and Bruce are very friendly and her breakfasts are beautiful, using their own produce. We will definitely return.
    Thank you guys for making our stay perfect.

    Date of stay: December 2018
    Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    Thank H2622FWmarkh
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    KaretuFarmstay, Owner at Karetu Downs Farmstay, responded to this reviewResponded 18 December 2018

    Thanks Jo and Mark for staying at Karetu. It was a pleasure to meet you and we are so pleased you both enjoyed your stay with us.
    Best wishes Karen and Bruce x

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    Reviewed 11 December 2018

    Thank you Karen & Bruce you both should feel very proud of what you have to offer - great hosts, great meals and excellent accommodation all located in a beautiful garden setting - next time we must book one of your farm tours - Thank you Malcolm & Pauline Lay

    Date of stay: December 2018
    Thank 460polly
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    KaretuFarmstay, Owner at Karetu Downs Farmstay, responded to this reviewResponded 15 February 2019

    Thanks Malcolm and Pauline just read your review and appreciate your kind words. Best wishes Karen & Bruce x

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    Reviewed 3 December 2018 via mobile

    Had looked to have a farm stay during our month long exploration of New Zealand. Fortunately, I found Karetu Farms to end our tour. Karen and Bruce have created a beautiful enclave on their sheep/cattle farm just outside of Christchurch. The Louisa suite is perfectly appointed with all amenities for comfort-even a fireplace for the cool evenings we experienced. Karen’s breakfast and family style dinner made us feel as part of the family. Absolutely, a highlight of our holiday.
    A must do on any South Island trip.

    Date of stay: November 2018
    Trip type: Travelled as a couple
    Thank jimsH9456JJ
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    KaretuFarmstay, Owner at Karetu Downs Farmstay, responded to this reviewResponded 5 December 2018

    Hi Jim,
    Thank you for your great review. We enjoyed chatting to you both and it was equally nice to listen to stories from your side of the world. We love meeting interesting people and enjoyed showing you our farm. Sharing our land and way of life with others is particularly rewarding.We are pleased you had a relaxing time and yes the Louisa suite and the Musterers studio offer just that little bit of luxury while staying in the New Zealand countryside.
    Best wishes to you both.
    Karen & Bruce x

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