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What is a seasonal rental?
A seasonal rental is a fully self-contained property that is only available for the one season. In Wanaka this generally means the winter season. As the term is short, the rent is higher than longer term rentals.
Does everyone planning to live in the house need to apply?
Yes. We require an application form and references from each person planning to live in the property. This is for the protection of both the Owners property and the tenants that are listed on the lease as any damage done to the property will be the responsibility of the lease-holders.
What level of housing is provided in Wanaka?
Wanaka varies greatly in levels of housing from wooden holiday homes often referred to as “Kiwi Batches”. These are often 50+ years old and were built before the period when insulation and double-glazing was put in every home. These homes, whilst dry, can be colder in the winter while newer properties are double-glazed and are well insulated therefore retaining the heat.
What is supplied in the house?
All our Seasonal Properties are fully furnished and self-contained. This includes cooking utensils, cutlery etc, bedding (pillows, blankets etc), electronic items, furniture etc. Generally linen is not provided (you may hire linen through our office). Utilities such as wood supply, electricity and gas are not supplied and are at the tenant’s expense. Phone lines are not always provided. Some variations may apply, check the property description on our website for more information.
How much is Linen Hire?
$35 per double set. $20 per single set
This is a one-off cost per person. The linen needs to be returned at the end of the tenancy otherwise full replacement cost will be charged. Each set includes:
2 towels per person (I.E. 4 for a double set), Face-cloths, Tea towels , Bathmat, 1 pair of sheets, 1 set of pillowcases and a hand-towel
How long is the term of a seasonal rental?
Our Seasonal properties generally have a minimum three months fixed term. Most of our houses are available for longer terms if requested and some shorter terms may be considered (2 month minimum).
What happens if I want to break the lease early?
Under the New Zealand tenancy legislation, a fixed lease must be honoured. If you want to leave earlier there are two options available:
Pay the rent out until the end of fixed term
OR Find a replacement tenant/s to take the lease over. This will require the approval of our office and the owner of the property.
We strongly recommend you take Travel Insurance that covers your expenses (including rent) if the un-expected happens.
Where do I find further information on New Zealand rental law?
http://www.dbh.govt.nz/tenancy
This website has plenty of information on renting in New Zealand including the rights of tenants, landlords etc. We recommend you read this website before signing a lease.
How much will it cost me to take a property?
Once your application is accepted, we require:
Agency letting (service) fee of 1 week’s rent + 12.5% GST (Government tax)
At time of signing lease & collecting keys:
4 week’s rent as Bond
1 week’s rent in advance
What are the payment options?
For the first week’s rent in advance required to secure the property, you can pay this directly into our New Zealand bank account. Please contact us for these details. If you are paying from an international bank account, charges will apply. Our New Zealand bank takes a NZ$20 fee which needs to be added (plus your bank may charge a fee also). You can pay by Credit Card, please note a 2% bank fee applies (often the cheaper option).
For the bond, let fee etc, these can be paid at our office when you arrive. We accept cash, New Zealand cheques, EFTPOS and Credit Card (2% fee applies to credit cards).
For your rent payments, we prefer an Automatic Payment that comes from one nominated bank account either weekly, fortnightly or monthly (note always in advance). Cash or EFTPOS payments are possible if payments are regular and in advance.
What happens to my bond?
The bond is paid directly to Wanaka Accommodation Trust Account, with bond forms completed and signed by all tenants on the lease plus our agency. Under the New Zealand tenancy legislation, we are required to submit your bond to the Government at the Department of Building and Housing Tenancy Services within 30 days. At the end of the tenancy, we undertake a full bond inspection. If all rent is paid, the property is left clean and tidy and there is no damage, Wanaka Accommodation will instruct Tenancy Services to release the bond monies to a New Zealand bank account/s of your choice. This usually takes three working days to process. If there is rent owing, damage to the property and/or cleaning required, a claim will be made against your bond by our agency, with the balance (if any) being credited to the bank account/s of your choice.
Do I need a New Zealand bank account?
In order to receive your bond refund at the end of the tenancy, a current New Zealand bank account is required. It is possible for only one nominated account to be credited for all the funds so not everyone in the house requires an account. This account must still be active at least a week after you depart the premises (we recommend not closing it until the bond refund is received). Tenancy Services are unable to credit bond monies to a credit card or overseas bank account at this time.
How do I set up the electricity supply?
This can be done either by telephone once you arrive in Wanaka or via the internet. The three main suppliers we recommend are:
Trustpower http://www.trustpower.co.nz or phone free within New Zealand 0800 87-87-87
Contact Energy: http://www.contactenergy.co.nz or free-phone within New Zealand 0800 809000
Meridian Energy: http://www.meridianenergy.co.nz or free-phone within New Zealand 0800 496 496
A $200 bond may be required to set up a new account however this varies with different suppliers.
How much should I expect to pay for wood, electricity and gas?
Wood is generally $65.00 - $75.00 per cubic metre (delivered, not stacked). If it proves to be a cold winter, wood supplies can run out. We strongly recommend you order sufficient wood supply at the start of your tenancy. We are happy to recommend wood suppliers.
Electricity can be expensive in New Zealand compared to some countries (e.g. Australia). For a good general view of costs involved, check the website: http://www.consumer.org.nz select "Appliances" and "appliance running costs"
Gas is Wanaka is not reticulated or natural gas. If the home you rent has gas, then 2 x 45kg cylinders will be supplied. You as the tenant would be responsible for the cost of the gas. These are approximately $116.00 per 45kg. Both cylinders will be full when you arrive and would be expected to be filled on your departure. (Depending on the gas appliances supplied at the property and the number of tenants in residence, you could expect to use at least 1 cylinder per week).
What do we need to bring?
All your personal belongings, linen (if not hiring it), Identification (IE passport), International drivers licence (if required)
What do I need to do when I arrive in Wanaka?
Before arriving, make an appointment with the Andrea Bono, the Seasonal Property Manager. (This will ensure she will be in the office with everything ready for you to move in.) At this time, the bond form and lease will need to be signed by all the tenants moving into the house. Once the lease is signed and the bond and let fee is paid, you will be given the keys to the property along with an Entry Condition Report on the property. You will be given 10 working days to check this report against the property and return to our office signed by all parties (note if this is not returned in this time period, it will be deemed as correct and accepted).
Note we are not available on weekends for signing-up. Our office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
You will need to ensure your Electricity is connected before you move in or there is a chance there will be no electricity at the property.
Where is the Wanaka Accommodation office?
Level 1, 4 Helwick Street. Opposite the Information Centre (iSite) on the waterfront
NOTE FOR RETURNING TENANTS: this is a new address from previous winter seasons
 Helwick St (Enter from Helwick St up the stairs to Level 1)
Ardmore Street (lake front)
How do I contact Wanaka Accommodation?
Phone +64 (0)3 443 0045 Fax: +64 (0)3 443 7006 Our office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Email: andrea@accommodationwanaka.com
Postal address:
PO Box 301
Wanaka 9343
New Zealand
Courier Address:
Suite 6
Level 1
4 Helwick Street
Wanaka 9305
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