Policies, Terms and Conditions
Bookings
Any bookings made online, or through a listing, will be confirmed on receipt of payment. A confirmation email will be sent and the directions for finding SheldrakeBnB. If you prefer to pay another way, please contact me for bank account details.
Regardless of whether you made a reservation at an online travel agent, or on our website you will be sent a welcome email. This will confirm your reservation. We will send some suggestions about travel on SH 35 and the directions for finding SheldrakeBnB.
If you would like to alter your booking in some way, like bringing an additional person, please make a request before you arrive. Modifications may have to be made and we would like to make this as easy as possible for you.
Check In & Out
Check-in time can be as early as 3.00pm and Check-out is at 11.00am. We try to be as flexible as possible, however, if we have same day bookings, we would ask you to be very particular about these times. Should you like extra time please request this when you book.
Cancellations
For cancellations made before the three week period prior to your arrival 50% of your payment will be refunded. If the booking is cancelled within the three weeks prior your confirmed booking 25% of your payment will be refunded. During the Summer season (Oct 1 - May 1) there will be no refund for cancellations received within 10 days of your scheduled arrival. However we are not entirely heartless and your particular circumstances will be taken into consideration.
If you are concerned about this, your insurance company probably offers a short term travel package that may suit.
Notes: If you have made a booking through airbnb then their “strict”cancellation policy will be exercised. Homeaway and Holiday houses website listings have their own cancellation policies which we suggest you read, should you have any concerns.
If, due to circumstances beyond our control, the property becomes unavailable or unfit for use, we will let you know as soon as possible and, of course, refund any deposit or payment.
Children
Children, aged over 12 are welcome but parents must be aware that SheldrakeBnB is high above the ground and whilst there is a balustrade, children do need to be supervised. The sofa can be converted to two single beds. Accommodating four is not recommended and will only be permitted for single night stays.
EMERGENCIES
The emergency number in New Zealand is 111 and in case of fire or a serious accident please ring the number immediately. The address to give services is
8480 State Highway 35, Whanarua Bay. The phone number is 07 325 2627. The postal/zip code is 3199 and the owners of the property are Kathy & Terry Sheldrake.
After calling emergency services please notify your hosts, Kathy & Terry Sheldrake. They live in the other house on the property.
For all other accidents please notify Kathy or Terry immediately
There is a First Aid kit in the bathroom cabinet.
Rules & Responsibilities
Please do not smoke in the cottage and, if you can’t help yourself, please dispose of butts in a tidy and safe manner.
We would appreciate your using the separate bins provided for clean recyclable items (glass, plastic and paper), rubbish to be disposed of, and anything organic that can be composted.
There are to be no parties or events held in the cottage. If you would like to invite guests for dinner, please alert your hosts, Kathy & Terry.
Hunters and/or guns are not permitted on the property.
We, and the residents of Whanarua Bay, would be grateful if you could be considerate of water usage. Water is a valuable commodity, especially in Summer.
The grey water system (that is, the shower, bathroom basin and kitchen sink) does not cope well with sand, vegetable scraps, or anything solid or semi-solid. If your feet are sandy we would appreciate you rinsing them off under the outdoor taps (one on the front deck and another at the Eastern end of the back deck). Vegetable scraps can be added to the compost bin provided.
The sewage system is not designed to manage anything that isn’t biological. Please do not use the toilet to dispose of tampons, pads or nappies.
Please feel free to wander around the property. There are a few things to be aware of. It isn’t always easy to see the loops the bamboo roots make above the ground. These are a perfect fit for a shoe and we would hate to see a twisted ankle as a result of tripping. The ground is also a bit uneven in some places so please take care.
The wooden steps outside the cottage can, when wet, be very slippery. Please take special care.
Parking
There is parking space behind the round house.. There will usually only be one car there but considerate parking would be appreciated.
Pet Policy
SheldrakeBnB is pet friendly and we would prefer you let us know when booking if you are bringing a pet. Two dogs are the most allowed at any one stay. We would prefer pets not be allowed on the furniture. However, if this is what they are used to, we have covers for the sofa and bed which we are happy to provide at no extra cost. We also have dog towels for your use and again, no charge.
Please ensure your pets are up to date with their vaccinations as we take no responsibility for any disease or illness they may contract whilst at SheldrakeBnB. In NZ the current veterinarian recommendations are for parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis
The property is unfenced and there are possums, wild pigs and deer in the hills behind us. These may be a real temptation to your fur family so please ensure they are secure.