Frequently Asked Questions - Little Red School House | Five Forks, North Otago
Where are you located? Little Red School House is nestled on our working sheep and beef farm at Five Forks, just 30 minutes drive inland from Oamaru, North Otago, New Zealand.
How many guests can stay? The schoolhouse is ideal for couples and families with one or two children that don't mind sharing the pull out sofa bed which is located in the same room as the king size bed.
Can we bring our pets? Yes – we are happy to welcome pets with prior approval before your stay. As we are a working farm, pets must be stock-proof and safe around hens, cats, dogs, horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, donkeys and goats. To help preserve the beautiful historic polished floors, animals are not permitted inside the living or sleeping area. A large cage can be provided in the carport on request.
Can we explore the farm? Absolutely! One of the joys of staying at Little Red School House is being able to enjoy the farm and surrounding countryside. Guests can explore our walking tracks, including the 3.5 km Valley View Walk and the 8 km Pihiohio Ridge Walk, with beautiful views across the North Otago landscape. As this is a working farm, we ask guests to follow our farm safety guidelines, respect livestock and leave gates as you find them.
Do you offer farm experiences? Yes. Join us for an authentic1½-2 hour farm tour and discover what life is like on a working sheep and beef farm. Depending on the season, you may see our working dogs, sheep shearing, mustering, the farm pets and some of the everyday activities that keep a farm running.
Is Wi-Fi available? Yes. Guests have access to free, excellent Wi-Fi at the accommodation. Mobile phone coverage can vary in different parts of the farm depending on your provider.
Can we get food during our stay? We offer a selection of delicious and convenient options for guests. For something special, our grazing platters and home-cooked dinner options can be arranged with at least 48 hours' notice. We also have frozen pizzas, lasagne and meat pies available to purchase, as well as a mini bar stocked with local wine, local craft beer, local cheese, crackers, chips, nuts, chocolate and soft drinks.
How can we pay for food and other extras? Extras such as food, farm tours and other experiences can be paid for during your stay by cash, internet banking or credit card.
What should we bring? We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the outdoors. North Otago weather can change quickly, so a warm jacket is always a good idea as well as sunblock.
Is Little Red School House good for a romantic getaway? Absolutely. The peaceful farm setting, historic character, beautiful countryside and wide-open skies make the schoolhouse a wonderful place for couples to escape, unwind and enjoy some quality time together.
Have another question? We are only too happy to help. Get in touch before your stay and we’ll do our best to make your time at Little Red School House relaxing, comfortable and memorable.