Catering to groups and families, the Shearers Quarters offers sweeping Aotea Harbour views, lush green surroundings, and a refined home‑away‑from‑home feel. Fully refurbished in 2022, it features a disability‑friendly shower and toilet, heat pump in lounge & wall heaters in all rooms, full insulation, double‑glazed windows, BBQ & expansive entertainers deck with disability ramp access, plush carpeting, and a premium double filtration rainwater UV‑filtered water system. Why go anywhere else?
The space
Ookapu Station – Property Summary
Ookapu Station is a 787‑hectare drystock sheep and beef farm located on the shores of the pristine Aotea Harbour. The station is owned and operated by the Ookapu F2 Trust, an Ahu Whenua Maori Land Trust with approximately 420 owners. The Trust is guided by a diverse board including a kaumatua advisor, rangatahi representatives, a financial accountant, farm consultant, lawyer, and responsible trustees.
The station is managed by two full‑time staff. Casual staff are brought in as needed, with priority given to owners and their whanau. This supports local families, strengthens connections to the land, and provides valuable skills and income.
“Kohia te waihonga o te whenua ki roto i te kapu o too ringa kia ora ai te iwi”
Gather up the nectar of the land into the palms of the hands as nourishment for the wellbeing and prosperity of the people.
This vision guides the Trust’s commitment to using its assets for the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of its whanau.
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History of the Shearers Quarters
The Shearers Quarters building, originally stood in Turangi, where it once served as a ski lodge.
It was relocated to Ookapu Station in the early 1980s and became the main accommodation for shearing gangs working on the farm.
In its original form, it was a simple, practical space offering hot showers, beds, and a place to rest after long days in the shearing shed.
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Modern Facilities
In 2022 the Shearers Quarters underwent a major refurbishment the first since its arrival onto the station and now offers comfortable, family‑friendly accommodation while retaining its rural character.
Room Configuration
• Room 1 — 1 double bed + 1 Oscar bunk (double bottom, single top)
• Room 2 — 3 sets of single bunk beds
(PLEASE NOTE: Top bunks have a recommended weight limit of 90kg)
• Room 3 — Toilets, shower, laundry, cleaning supplies, wash basin.
• Room 4 — Lounge & kitchen
(NO DINING TABLE- you may use the foldable tables located on the storage in the laundry if you wish)
• Room 5 — Master bedroom with disability‑accessible open shower( please squeegee the floor after use and point the shower head down when using?
Features 1 queen bed + 1 queen fold‑out sofa bed.
Bedding Provided in all rooms:
• Mattress protector & fitted sheet
• Pillow protector & pillowcase
Guests Must Bring
Please note that due to our rain water supply we simply can not provide linen as washing these items would deplete our precious limited water supply:
We kindly ask that you please bring your own:
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Towels &
• Toiletries
This is not a serviced apartment, hotel, or motel. Guests are expected to clean and care for the space as they would their own home
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Camping
Guests may set up tents in the grass area near the entrance ramp. All tents and camping equipment must be self‑supplied.
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Connectivity
Mobile phone coverage is available on parts of the outside decking. Due to the remote location and surrounding hills, signal strength may vary with weather conditions, but coverage is generally reliable.
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AED
An AED is available on site and you will see this as you drive up the main driveway. Access code to open is by calling 111 in an emergency should you need to use it.
Guest access
Enjoy a relaxed, stress‑free self‑check‑in and settle into a space designed for comfort, connection, and easy living.
The Shearers Quarters has been thoughtfully refurbished with groups and families in mind.
You’ll have the entire place to yourselves, three cosy bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, a spacious deck for unwinding, and practical features that make every stay smooth and comfortable.
🌿 What you’ll enjoy
• Three bedrooms — warm, fully carpeted, each with wall heating
• Two bathrooms — including a disability‑friendly shower and toilet
• Large outdoor decking — perfect for morning coffee or evening chats and outdoor wall mounted infrared heater.
• Ramp access on the decking for easier mobility
• Sky TV for entertainment
• Fish‑cleaning station for the keen anglers (out the back of the property)
• Double‑glazed windows, insulation, and heating throughout.
• UV double water‑filter system for clean, safe drinking water
🛏 Bedding
All beds (excluding the sofa couch) come with:
• Mattress protector & bottom sheet
• Pillow protector & pillowcase
🧳 What to bring
Please bring your own blanket or sleeping bag, towels, and toiletries to make your stay comfortable. We are unable to wash and supply linen due to the limited rain water supply and the remote location of the property.
Other things to note
🐶🚫 No pets on the property
As this is a working farm, pets are not permitted. Even well‑behaved domesticated pets can unintentionally startle livestock, causing them to run, injure themselves, or damage fencing.
Thank you for helping us keep our stock safe and our farm operations running smoothly.
🚜 Quad bike activity – Aotea Road
From time to time, you may see children or other community members riding quad bikes along Aotea Road near the quarters. Please take extra care when driving, as riders may not always see you. For your safety and theirs, always drive with your headlights on, even during daylight hours, to increase visibility.
👷♂️ Farm staff and stock movements
Our farm team works throughout the area and is often on quad bikes and tractors.
Please be mindful of their movements as you come and go. They may close the front gate during stock movements, if this is the case then please always close the gate when you enter and leave.
🐴 Wandering livestock – Aotea & Morrison Roads
This is an active rural farming community. While fencing in and around the farm is well maintained, livestock especially other adjoining property owners horses (not owned or managed by the farm) can occasionally find their way onto the roads. Please remain alert, drive to the conditions, and keep your headlights on at all times to ensure you are clearly visible.
🌲 Logging operations
Aotea Forestry is currently harvesting in the wider area, which means you may encounter an increase in heavy logging trucks on your way to and from Kāwhia. Roadworks are also taking place into Kawhia along SH31. For your safety your car headlights should remain on at all times to help truck drivers and farm machinery operators see you from a distance.
💧 Rainwater supply & conservation
Our property relies entirely on rainwater collection, and due to our remote location, our water supply is limited and precious. We kindly ask all guests to help us conserve water throughout their stay.
• Linen & blankets:
Because washing large items quickly depletes our small water supply, we are unable to provide blankets, towels or linen.
Please bring your own blankets and towels for your stay.
• Vehicle washing:
As we rely solely on rainwater, please do NOT wash vehicles or boats on the property.
• Washing machine use:
Please limit use of the washing machine, avoid overloading it, and ensure all water taps in the property are turned off after use.
• Showers:
We ask that guests keep showers short to help preserve water for everyone.
Your support helps us maintain a sustainable and comfortable environment for all visitors.
🌧️ Slippery surfaces
The decking can become slippery when wet. Please take care, especially during or after rain.
🗑️ Rubbish disposal
Please place all rubbish in the bin provided on the decking. Tie it securely and leave it on top of the green recycling bins at the front steps when you leave.
If the bins are empty, you may place the tied rubbish bag inside one of them. This helps prevent local feral cats from tearing into the bags.
🍎 Food scraps
A bucket for food waste is located on the outside deck. At the end of your stay, please ensure the lid is firmly secured and leave the bucket near the green recycling bins.
🚫⚠️Firearms policy
Firearms are strictly prohibited on the property and anywhere on the farm.
✨ Support Local Kāwhia Businesses ✨
💲When you spend locally in Kāwhia, you’re doing more than just grabbing a burger n chips, coffee or a real fruit ice cream, you’re helping keep our small community thriving. Every purchase supports local whānau, strengthens our local economy, and helps our people continue doing what they love.
From home‑grown kai carts to family‑run shops, these businesses are the heart of our small town. Your support helps create jobs, keeps money circulating locally, and protects the unique character that makes Kāwhia so special.
So while you’re here, we encourage you to explore, shop local, and enjoy the amazing mahi (work) our community puts in every day. Your choices make a real difference.
💚 Thank you for supporting our locals and their livelihoods.
