Cricklewood Farmstay, Alpaca walk and hot tub

Cannot thank Marianne and Pascal more for their hospitality and the little bit of paradise they have created in the green rolling hills of the Mackenzie area. The cottage is super clean, cosy and full of all of the amenities needed to make a super comfortable stay. The beds are warm and super comfy and the kitchen well setup if you want to self cater, although it's only a short drive into Fairlie to stock up on supplies at the supermarket or grab some food (the pies at the Fairlie bakehouse are spectacular). A bonus is a washing machine and drier which is a godsend when travelling as a family of four. As hosts, Marianne and Pascal go out of their way to make you comfortable and share their life on the farm. We enjoyed bottle feeding the lambs, walking the alpacas and ducklings, feeding the chickens, fetching eggs and learning about natural horsemanship. The location is great for exploring Lake Tepako and Aoraki although the cottage and life on the farm is an attraction in itself. The hottub is a bonus, fabulously warm in the chilly evening, although it was sadly overcast to see the stars on our visit (next time!). Cannot rate this experience high enough and highly recommend a stay at Cracklewood Farm Stay. Thanks so much Marianne and Pascal (and farm animal family)!

We stayed with Marianne and Pascal for two nights during our month-long trip around New Zealand, and Cricklewood was by far our family’s favourite place to stay.Marianne and Pascal have created a true sanctuary where you can slow down and enjoy the simplicity of farm life while still having all the comforts of the modern world. It has the perfect balance between retreat and connection. You can unwind, recharge, and immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by beautiful farm animals that bring such charm to the experience. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, making the stay feel both peaceful and welcoming.We travelled with our three young children, who were endlessly curious about the animals. Pascal graciously answered their many questions and even took them around the paddocks to explain different parts of the farm. Marianne welcomed us with the most delicious spiced mulled wine. It was an unforgettable experience feeding baby lambs, collecting eggs, patting the horses, walking the alpacas, and simply enjoying the magic of life on the farm.Evenings were spent soaking in the hot tub as a family and gazing up at skies filled with the brightest stars we’ve ever seen. My children now dream of having a farm of their own!Cricklewood is truly special, and we cannot recommend this farm stay highly enough.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us for two nights — it was truly a special experience. We’re so grateful for your hospitality and the chance to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your farm.The farm tour was one of the highlights of our trip. Feeling the energy of all the animals and being immersed in nature was incredibly grounding and inspiring. We especially appreciated learning about how you work with the horses — your approach reminded us how important it is to treat others with more kindness, patience, and understanding. It left a lasting impression on us.This stay was truly the highlight of our New Zealand trip. Thank you again for everything, and we wish you and your family all the very best in the future.