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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is your location?
    Skylark Cabin is located 10km from the town of Twizel, in the South Island’s stunning Mackenzie Region. It’s a 50-minute drive to Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.
  • How far is Skylark Cabin from the nearest town?
    The town of Twizel is a ten-minute drive (12km). It has restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, pharmacy, general shops, and a petrol station.
  • Can I book directly with you?
    Yes, please click here to book directly with us.
  • What do we need to bring?
    All bedroom and bathroom linen is supplied and we have a range of pillows to choose from so just bring a suitcase and anything you want to eat or drink. We provide continental breakfast supplies (bread, muffins, cereals, bagels, yoghurt, eggs, milk, coffee, tea, herbals teas and sugar). We also provide a delicious platter with cheese, local smoked salmon, fruit, vegetables, olives, crackers, chocolates, and New Zealand wine. The kitchen is fully stocked with cooking oil, salt, pepper, hot sauce, spices, herbs, flavoured oils, and vinegars.
  • Can we get fuel, groceries, medication, hunting, fishing supplies etc locally?
    Yes, the nearest town of Twizel has everything you need. Click here to view all the services in Twizel.
  • What time can we check in or out?
    Check in is after 3pm and check-out is by 11am but if you have any special requirements contact us and we can discuss.
  • Are children allowed?
    It’s designed to sleep two people in one bed, however, it’s suitable for a baby or toddler (under 3) as we can supply a portacot, linen, highchair, and baby bouncer. It’s not suitable for older children (3+) as there is only one bed.
  • Can I bring my dog?
    A well-behaved, house-trained dog is welcome upon request only. Please note that while the property is fenced, there are places where a dog might be able to escape so they must be under your control at all times, thank you. A pet fee applies so please contact us about bringing your dog for your stay.
  • Tell me all about the outdoor hot tub!
    The beautiful outdoor hot tub for two is included in the price of your stay. For your bathing experience, simply turn on the tap to fill the tub with pure artesian water, instantly heated with gas. Towels, robes, and bath salts are included, and there is an outdoor shower. The tub and shower are situated for total privacy and amazing views.
  • Is breakfast included in the price?
    Yes, it is and we provide everything you’ll need for a delicious continental breakfast: bread, muffins, cereals, bagels, yoghurt, eggs, milk, coffee, tea, herbal teas and sugar.
  • Can you cater for allergies or other dietary requirements with the breakfast supplies?
    Of course! Just contact us prior to your check-in date and we’ll arrange this for you.
  • Is there mobile reception or WiFi?
    Yes, there is excellent mobile phone reception and great Wi-Fi with a speed of 30mb per second. The Wi-Fi password is on display in the cabin.
  • Is there a TV?
    Yes, there’s a Smart TV with streaming apps (Netflix etc) so you can log into your own account.
  • Is there off-street parking?
    Yes, we have plenty of free, off-street parking at the cabin, including a covered carport.
  • Are there restaurants and cafes nearby?
    There are many great dine and drink options in the town of Twizel, just a ten-minute drive from Skylark Cabin. You can see all the options on the official Mackenzie Tourism website.
  • What's the weather like?
    The Mackenzie Region is an intermontane basin with a dry, alpine climate and four distinct seasons. Summer is hot and dry; Winter is crisp and clear with frosts and sometimes snow and fog. Spring can be wet and windy at times, and Autumn is cooler but still has many warm days. There is not much rainfall and temperatures can range from around –5℃ to 10℃ in winter to 15℃ to 30℃ in summer. New Zealand has an variable climate and the weather can change quickly so we recommend bringing layers and a warm jacket, even if you’re traveling in summer.
  • What can we do in the surrounding area?
    There are many great activities, hikes, and sightseeing opportunities! Click here to see everything the beautiful Mackenzie Regin has to offer.
  • What's provided in the bathroom?
    We provide complimentary toiletries and basic hygiene and medical products for you to use. These include things like hand soap, bodywash, shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, toothpaste, sunscreen, first aid kit etc.
  • Where can I buy my groceries?
    You can shop from the wide range of groceries available at the two supermarkets in Twizel. See their location and opening hours here: Twizel Four Square Mackenzie Four Square
  • Where can I go for an evening meal?
    Twizel has great restaurants as well as several food trucks and takeaway places too. Click here for the local dine and drink options.
  • What are the cooking and laundry facilities?
    We have a fully-equipped kitchen including a full-sized fridge complete with ice-making and a vegetable drawer. The laundry has a washing machine, laundry liquid, and a dryer.
  • Can I smoke or vape inside?
    No, the interior of the cabin is smoke and vape free. You can smoke outside but please place cigarette butts in the cigarette disposal unit provided, due to the extreme wildfire risk in our region.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    There is a full refund for cancellations up to 30 days before check-in. If booked fewer than 30 days before check-in, there is a full refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 days before check-in. After that, there is a 50% refund up to 7 days before check-in. There is no refund within 7 days prior to check-in.
  • What amenities are available?
    We provide the following for our guests: all bed linens, bathroom linens, bathrobes, E-bikes, toiletries, hairdryer, continental breakfast supplies, kitchen supplies, laundry powder, fishing rods, cold weather jackets and gumboots, boot dryer, games, digital telescope, binoculars, New Zealand books, picnic basket, and beach towels for summer.
  • How is the cabin heated?
    There’s a log burner with kindling and wood as well as instructions on how to use the log burner. There’s also a heat pump/air-conditioning unit for heating in winter or cooling in summer.
  • Can we drink the tap water?
    Absolutely, it comes from 71 metres underground so it’s crystal clear, free of any chemicals and delicious.
  • Can we explore the four acres (1.6 hectares) of land surrounding Skylark Cabin?
    Yes, you’re welcome to walk within the fenced area and if you’re lucky, you might see some native birds and lizards.

GENEROUS, THOUGHTFUL & HIGH ATTENTION TO DETAIL

"Wow! Where do we start…what an experience that was for my wife and I, for our honeymoon!! Garry and Liz were exceptional hosts – generous, thoughtful and high attention to detail. From the moment we arrived, we felt right at home – the architecture and design of the space was so well thought-out. We especially loved the outdoor bathtub and kitchen! We were also lucky enough to experience snow fall for the time ever here - it was a truly magical experience! We are going to recommend this place to every single one of our Aussie friends and family back home! Till next time…"

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- JOSH & GRACE, QUEENSLAND. OCT 2023

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