general

What is the venue capacity?

Te Mania Homestead has a capacity of 150 guests total, including the wedding party and excluding vendors. The Homestead has 7 bedrooms and sleeps up to 14 guests.

Is there a wet weather option if it's raining on my wedding day?

If the forecast is for rain on the day of your wedding we will discuss the various options with you ahead of time and will assist in implementing any alternative plans on the day. Some ceremony alternatives include the inside the main reception marquee or setting up a smaller clear marquee at your chosen ceremony site.

Can I bring my dog to the venue?

Yes, pets are allowed at Te Mania Homestead with prior approval. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pets and they are not allowed inside the homestead or on any furniture (indoor or outdoor).

Is there parking at the venue?

We have a large car parking space available for guests in an adjoining paddock. There is also a large roundabout ideal for vans and buses dropping off a collecting guests. We ask that the parking area directly beside the homestead be kept cleared in order for vendor access.

What are your requirements for cleaning and rubbish?

We like to keep the pack down as simple as possible for you. We take care of all of the venue cleaning and removal of rubbish.

Can I use confetti at my ceremony?

Yes, natural confetti, such as flower petals, is fine to use however we do not allow artificial or biodegradable confetti at the venue.

Do I need to pay a deposit to secure a date?

Yes, a 50% non-refundable deposit is needed to confirm your date. The balance is due in full 120 days prior to your wedding date.

Will I have exclusive use of the venue?

Yes, the homestead and grounds are exclusive yours during your booking. You may see the groundskeeper floating around the gardens keeping them maintained and the venue manager will be present on-site during your event to help execute your vision from a venue perspective. Please note that the homestead is home to a young family, and so to make the adjustment of moving in and out of the house easier on the children, one of the eight bedrooms and a couple of wardrobes will be inaccessible during your stay as a means to preserve their private space.

planning

What do couples and guests do for accommodation?

The Te Mania Homestead is available for exclusive use during your stay. With 7 bedrooms sleeping up to 14 guests, this is a great option for your wedding party or close family members to stay on-site. It also means that if you are including any little people in your special weekend it is a great place for them to have some quiet time and nap. We are able to recommend some lovely locally-based babysitters and can provide portacots, high chairs and baby/toddler friendly toys upon request.

Additionally, the luxury lodge Matai Peak is also located on the Te Mania Farm and is a 8 minute drive away. This is an ideal place for the grooms party to get ready, hitting golf balls and shooting clay-birds, or stay for a wind down period for the bride and groom. We need advanced notice if you would like to book the lodge as it fills up quickly in the summer.

Luxury glamping tents can also be set up on site to cater for extra guests wishing to stay. We have eight 5m bell tents available, capable of sleeping an additional 16 guests.

There are a few AirBNB’s available in the Conway district as well as space to pitch tents or park camper vans on site.

The property is a 35-minute drive from Kaikoura, which bus transfers can transport guests to and from their desired motel and hotel accomodation. Please contact us if you would like more information on our accommodation recommendations and reliable transport companies we have worked with in the past.

Do you include a "wedding day coordinator?"

As part of your booking with us we provide a Venue Manager, whose job is to ensure everything is running smoothly at the venue end for the full duration of your stay. This includes duties such as setting up the venues furniture (ceremony bench seats, tables and chairs etc.), liaising with your MC and vendors, opening/closing marquee doors based on weather conditions, cleaning the bathrooms etc.

As such, we are not a wedding day coordinator. If you’re looking for an extra pair of hands to pass some duties onto we can highly recommend some wedding day coordinators or planners who would love to work with you.

Do you offer wedding planning services?

We do not offer wedding planning as part of our services, however you will have full access to our experienced team who will happily answer any questions and provide advice throughout your planning journey. If you would like extra assistance with wedding planning we can recommend some great planners.

When can I come and view the venue?

We’d love to show you around our venue and will happily coordinate a time to meet with you. Because we need to work around any events or renovations that may be happening, bookings are essential and we do not allow drop ins. Viewings are by appointment only. We also regularly host open days for people to visit our grounds. Please contact our team to arrange a viewing.

Are there toilets at the venue?

Te Mania Homestead has 5 bathrooms which are reserved for guests staying in the homestead. Additional toilets will be made available for wedding guests.

Does the marquee have power?

Our marquee has direct access to power which will service all of your needs for the event. Te Mania Homestead staff will take care of the maintenance of this on the day.

What furniture is included in the venue hire?

• 10m x 24m clear marquee with white trim and shade cloths, if needed

• 1.8m bar

• 12 ceremony bench seats

• 20 wooden trestle tables

• 150 white bentwood chairs

• 90m of festoon lighting

Prior to the day we will have coordinated with you what furniture you would like used and its placement so that it is all set up for your event.

Do I need to use your furniture? Can I bring my own in?

Absolutely! We encourage you to bring in your own furniture in order to make your event unique to your style and vision. We are able to recommend local hire companies with great furniture inventory to select from.

Do I have to pay corkage or buy drink packages from you?

No, our venue is BYO which gives you the ability to tailor your drinks selection exactly as you want. You will however need to pay for our bar staff to serve the alcohol. This is $1,100 - $1,400 depending on the number of guests and covers dedicated bar staff, glassware and rubbish removal.

You will need to bring a chiller trailer to keep your beverages cold. These can usually be acquired free of charge through your chose liquor store that you source your beverages from.

If you would like help with beverage planning and or assistance with purchasing we are happy to help.

What are the venue hire hours?

Te Mania Homestead is available for a minimum two night hire, the night prior to the wedding (check-in from 2.30pm) and the night of your wedding (all guests off-site by 10.30am). This allows you to better enjoy your event, not feeling rushed in having to have everything set up the morning of and the ability to share a meal with your wedding party and family the night prior. Additional nights can be hired.

Is there are curfew of when we need to have finished up by?

Yes, drinks will stop being served at 1am.

Do we have to use your recommended suppliers?

No, you are able to choose any supplier that you wish to use for your special day. We only provide you with suggestions of vendors we have worked with closely before and know the property well.

Can I have a day after event on-site?

Absolutely! With the ability for the majority of guests to stay on site, Te Mania Homestead is perfectly equipped for a day after function back in the marquee or set amongst the well-established gardens. If this is an option you would like, you will need to book an additional night at the Homestead.

food & Beverage

Can I bring In drinks for the event?

We are a BYO venue which means you are able to bring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages into the venue for your event and we do not charge a corkage fee. Please note, BYO applies to you only and guests are not permitted to bring their own beverages for the event.

Who will run the bar?

All bar service at Te Mania Homestead is to be managed by us.

Do I need a chiller trailer?

We highly recommend booking a chiller trailer for your wedding day. Not only is it the best place to keep your beverages cool but it also acts as a storage room. We can point you in the right direction to source this, usually acquired free of charge from the liquor store you choose to source your beverages through.