Charming Rural Accommodation Oamaru – Farmstay Cottage Getaway
Looking for peaceful accommodation near Oamaru visitors love? Our farmstay cottage offers a unique bed and breakfast experience in a beautifully restored historic school, just 30 minutes inland from Oamaru.
Surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect country escape—ideal for couples seeking a romantic retreat, solo travellers looking to unwind, writers and artists seeking inspiration, or anyone wanting a break from the everyday.
Escape the everyday—unwind in the new outdoor baths, enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride, and take time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Winter Escape Special at the Little Red School House
Slow down this winter and soak up the serenity of the countryside with our cosy seasonal offer.
Stay 2 nights at our charming rural Bed & Breakfast and receive a complimentary bottle of Central Otago Pinot Noir and locally made award-winning Whitestone Cheese – the perfect pairing for a relaxed evening by the fire or a romantic night in. (Available for stays during June, July, and August 2025 only).
Oamaru Country Retreat
Find availability and book direct here!
Our accommodation is located on a 1,140-hectare working beef and sheep farm. The farm is situated over 400m above sea level so has panoramic country views from the ocean to the mountains.
The accommodation operated as a school from 1925 to 1949. We have tried to retain its historic notations during the restoration process while still providing comfort.
Guests enjoy exclusive use of the entire building, set in a spacious private garden with an outdoor deck.
A self-catering continental breakfast is included—featuring cereals, breads, spreads, and fruit.
Extras like wine, snacks, frozen meals, and sweet treats are available for purchase.
You can also pre-order a delicious Lumina lamb dinner or a grazing platter—just let us know when booking or at least 48 hours before arrival. Please advise us of any food allergies.
Accommodation Features
- Outdoor deck with new outdoor baths
- Queen size bed
- Pull out sofa bed
- Full kitchenette with stove top, convection microwave and fridge
- Nespresso Coffee Machine
- Free WIFI
- Smart TV
- Heat pump/Air conditioning
- Washing machine and drying rack
- Ironing board
- Hair dryer
- Carport with free parking
- BBQ
On-site Activities
Whether you’re here to soak up the peace and quiet or looking for something a little more hands-on, we offer a range of experiences to enjoy during your stay:
- Scenic Walking Tracks – Choose from two beautiful walks: the 3.5km Valley View Walk or the 8km Puhiohio Ridge Walk, both offering panoramic views of hills, mountains, ocean, and farmland. (Free)
- Animal Feeding – Meet and feed our friendly hens, calf, and pet sheep. (Free)
- Petanque on the Lawn – A relaxing game with a scenic rural backdrop. (Free)
- Guided 4WD Farm Tour – Take a narrated off-road tour across the farm. $70 per person for 1.5 hours.
- Farm Life Experience – Depending on the season, you may be able to join in with mustering, shearing, or other hands-on farm work.
- Telescope Hire – Explore the incredible night sky with our telescope, available to hire for just $25 for the duration of your stay.
- Horse Riding – Bring your own horse and ride across our scenic farmland. $45 per horse.
Nearby Attractions
Oamaru which is a 30-minute drive from us offers the famous historic Victorian precinct, great walkways, an aquatic centre, Clarks Mill (historic flour mill with original machinery), Totara Estate (historic farm), Oamaru’s Prehistoric World, Steampunk HQ, Blue Penguin Colony, Ten Pin Bowling and our famous Whitestone Cheese Store to name a few.
In the other direction we are only a 30-minute drive from Duntroon which is home to the Vanished World Centre and 45 minutes from Kurow which hosts some great wineries. And if biking is your thing, then the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail is a must. It starts at Mount Cook (the highest mountain in New Zealand), goes past the great lakes and rivers and ends in Oamaru. We are happy to collect any guests and their bikes from the Duntroon to Oamaru section of this cycle trail.
