Accommodation      

• Baches
• Homestead
• Caravans
• Camping
• A mix of options - get a bach but stay in one of our spare tents just for the night of the wedding. No need for sober drivers this way :)

Bach over the hill
There is a wide selection of holiday houses and baches in Tata Beach, Pohara, Ligar Bay and more. All within 40 minutes drive of Totaranui. Take a look on www.holidayhouses.co.nz and www.bookabach.co.nz

Considerations:
The gates to Totaranui shut at 8.30pm during this time of the year. You can park your car outside the gate and it is just a short stroll from the Homestead to your car so you can drive back to your bach.
The road into Totaranui is a dirt road over the hill. If you are a confident driver this shouldn't be a problem in the dark. For others, you might prefer to stay in Totaranui for the night of the wedding so you can let your hair down, have a few drinks and not have to worry.

Accommodation for the night of:
You could camp for just the night of the wedding at Totaranui and drive back to your bach for a nice shower in the morning.
We have a few spare tents which we will set up for those who are keen to stay in Totaranui for the night of the wedding but don't have their own gear. Just bring a sleeping bag or bedding - and an airbed if you have one.

Camping

For those who are keen, Totaranui is a large camp ground with over 20 'Bays' (paddocks) separated by trees. There are a number of amenity blocks throughout the camp with toilets and cold showers. Generally, campers at Totaranui bring solar shower bags which heat up from the sun throughout the day and take these to the shower blocks where they can hang above you for a nice warm shower. When we camp we take a shower tent, a large bucket and a bilge pump hooked up to wiring to clip onto the car battery. Depending on the fire status, we use a thermette to boil water for showers and dishes. This set up will be available for use for those who choose to camp.

Fees

Totaranui Camping Fees: $15 pp per night, minimum $30 per site (i.e. for 2 people or more).
All sites are Non-powered sites

NOTE: The Totaranui web page may say it is a minimum 3 night stay, but the booking page will allow you to book for just 1 night.

What you need to bring

The below list is written from the perspective of if you were coming for a completely self sufficent camping trip. We do have some spare things that can be used and will help you out if you get stuck (forget something..).

• Tent (s)
• Solar showers or other means of heating water for showers (Note, the amenities blocks ONLY have cold showers)
• Cooking equipment - e.g. a gas cooker
• Pots / Pans / Utensils / Cutlery / Plates
• Food and drink  - the nearest shop is half an hour away. Clean drinking water is available at the camp.
• Chilly bin(s) - we recommend one for drinks and one for food.
• Plastic containers - keep any food that isnt canned in containers or you might make unwanted friends with the Wekas (and the creepy crawlies)
• Airbed or mattress
• Sleeping bags or bedding - it can sometimes get very cold at night time, even after a beautiful warm day, so extra blankets are recommended.
• Towels / Tea Towels
• TOGS! Sun screen! Beach towels! Inflatable unicorns!

Some important things to note about Totaranui camp ground:

• The camp office is open from 8am - 4pm and has maps of nearby walks, water taxi information and other adventures you can go on including Kayaking days etc.  It also sells items including insect repellent, stamps, postcards, phone cards, gas canisters, candles, ice, sunscreen and snack items.
• There is a pay phone that takes Spark phone cards only.
• If you decide to camp, please be aware Totaranui is working toward being completely rubbish free by 2025, so all rubbish and recycling must be taken away with you. All wedding day related rubbish and homestead rubbish will be taken care of by us.
• The gate at the camp entrance is locked overnight.  1 October to 31 March opening times: 7.30 am to 8.30 pm
• Fires, including solid fuel BBQ's are only to be used in the fireplaces provided, bring your own firewood, it is no longer sold at the office. Gas cookers and BBQ's may be used outside these areas.
• No dogs or any other animals, including in vehicles.
• No unauthorised use of drones.
• Mobile phone coverage is unreliable at Totaranui, pay phones are onsite and prepaid cards are available from the camp office. 

Caravan

As an alternative to camping, if you want to base yourself in Totaranui for a few days consider hiring a campervan for a little more luxury without having to drive in and out over the hill to a bach. Note that there are no powered sites (or generators allowed) at Totaranui so you will need to ensure it is set up with appropriate facilities (i.e. bring solar showers for hot water, torches for light etc).

Refer above 'Camping' section for info on camp ground fees etc.

NOTE: The Totaranui web page may say it is a minimum 3 night stay, but the booking page will allow you to book for just 1 night.

Homestead

We have the homestead booked for 4 nights 28th Feb – 3rd March. There is a limited amount of space available in the Homestead at $40 per person per night including basic breakfast options (cereal, toast etc). Plans to be detirmined later re lunches and dinners on non-wedding days, probably just shared BBQ's to keep it easy.

The homestead is a series of bunk rooms with mainly single bunk beds and sharing of rooms. Guests will need to bring a sleeping bag or other bedding including pillows. Mattresses are provided.

Please let us know if you are interested in a bed in the homestead and for which nights, we will do our best to fit in as many as we can.

A mix - camp for the night of the wedding only!

We would love for everyone to be able to have a great relaxing evening and dance the night away without having to worry about who is driving home. So for those who decide to get a bach over the hill - or are staying in Nelson, we will have several spare tents set up in the camp ground so anyone who wants to can just crash for the night of the wedding - refer above for camp fees (just bring an airbed and a sleeping bag and pillow).

That way you can also join us for brunch the next morning before you head home!!  There will be loads of room, but give us a heads up if you are planning to do this so we can make sure there is a spot for everyone.