Summary:
Spend your holiday homes NZ escape at Ruffell Ranch Cabin by Tiny Away! Hidden away in Central Otago, surrounded by vineyards on a rustic terrain, with an old mining history bound to pique travelers' interest as they explore the town of Tarras. Come relax at our lovely home while experiencing the area's stunning walks, wineries, and other countryside attractions.
So pack your bags, make your reservation, and we'll see you there!
The Space:
Ruffell Ranch Cabin by Tiny Away is a 139-square-foot tiny home located in Tarras, a small farming settlement just 24 minutes from Central Otago. The region is known for its extremely weathered ancient mountains, alpine herb fields, and fast-flowing rivers. In a scenic location not far from Lake Tekapo Hot Pools, this includes Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, and Highlands Motorsport Park.
What's more, we are just 27 minutes from Wanaka (a popular ski and summer resort town), and an hour from Queenstown, home to four major ski fields: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone.
Experience uninterrupted 360-degree mountain views from your private outdoor space, with easy access to water, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking equipment, and excellent bathroom facilities. The bathroom includes an eco-friendly cassette toilet with a removable waste holding tank, a hand basin, and a gas-heated shower for hot showers.
If you plan to spend your holiday homes NZ escape here, we advise that you bring your basic necessities, such as food and water during your stay with us. Thank you.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please advise that there may be agricultural noise as we are a working farm that tends to farm animals. For a well-rested stay, we recommend that guests bring earplugs with them.
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the tiny home and its surroundings.
The Neighborhood:
Ruffell Ranch Cabin by Tiny Away sits in the small farming settlement of Tarras, only 24 minutes away from Central Otago and an hour's drive away from Queenstown. Explore a beautiful landscape filled with vineyards, gold mining history, a refreshing lake for swimming, and a cafe at Tarras 7 minutes away open 9 AM - 3 PM daily.
Visitors are also welcome to explore farmers markets in Cromwell, Wanaka, and Queenstown on Sundays throughout the summer.
Our local recommendations:
- Lake Tekapo Hot Pools has thermal pools, saunas, and stunning Mount John & Lake Tekapo views.
- Lake Dunstan is used for water supply and recreation. Activities include boating, fishing, and more.
- Lake Hawea is a place of intense beauty and mountainous extremes, the outdoor adventurers’ paradise.
- Bendigo Gold Mines offers a guided subterranean tour of a historical mine, plus a gold panning activity for visitors to enjoy.
- Cromwell is a beautiful town in Central Otago, only 17 minutes from the tiny house where you can enjoy delicious local food at nearby restaurants, bakeries, and all the charm Cromwell has to offer.
- Highlands Motorsport Park is a motor racing circuit to experience the track at speed, with a cafe onsite, wander around a collection of jaw-dropping automobiles.
- Wanaka is a stunning resort town in New Zealand's South Island, with turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains. Where you can enjoy skiing, hiking, water sports, and thrilling air and truck shows during Easter weekends.
Supermarkets
- Wanaka Supermarkets - 2x New World and 2x 4 square - All your grocery needs including alcohol.
- Cromwell Supermarkets - New World and fresh choice - they have all your grocery needs including alcohol.
Getting Around:
By car:
- 35 mins, 35 km drive from Wanaka
- 25 mins, 30 km drive from Cromwell
- 5 hrs, 333 km drive from Christchurch Airport
- 75 mins, 90 km drive from Queenstown Airport. All are reachable by 2WD access.
By public transport: We recommend guests travel by private vehicle as there is no public transport available directly to our property. Please contact the land host for more details.
Other Things to Note:
- Available gas BBQ Grill
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- No smoking allowed inside/outside the tiny home
- Children are welcome under CLOSE ADULT SUPERVISION
- Please note that we have an unfenced pond with wild ducks
- We also have 4 chickens, 3 sheep, 2 horses, a dog, and a cat
- Outdoor fire pit available only in winter months when there is no fire ban in place.
- We would like to advise guests that longer stays or later check-outs will incur an additional charge
Farm guidelines
- Farm experience is subject to the land host's availability
- Always remember to shut the gates before entering and leaving the paddocks
- Please do not enter animal paddocks or yards without the land host's permission
- We also ask guests not to feed farm animals as they are on specific diets for their health
Important note:
- Due to the nature of the property, abundant wildlife may be present on the property
- Keep in mind that BBQ grills and outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban
- For stays of 5 nights or more, an additional cleaning fee will be collected to help maintain the [compost/cassette] toilets and ensure a clean and fresh experience for all guests. We appreciate your understanding.
Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.
