F.A.Q. – Frequently Asked Questions.
Is G.S.T. Included in the Tariff?
Yes. (For visitors to N.Z.:- G.S.T. is "Goods and Services Tax" – i.e. a sales tax)
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, Mastercard and Visa. But there is a discount for cash.
Do you require a deposit?
If you want to ensure that your booking is not given away to someone else you will need to provide a minimum of 25% deposit. Alternatively you will need to confirm your booking 48 hours before you intend to arrive.
Are deposits refundable?
Yes, provided you give at least 24 hours notice. If you cannot give that much notice Willy reserves the right to keep some or all of your deposit. It really depends on what your reason is and whether Willy has had to turn people away in order to keep the bed(s) for you.
What time is Breakfast?
Whenever you want it. In the self-contained unit you make it yourself. If you are staying in the main house Willy will provide you with breakfast at whatever time you request.
Can I arrange for other meals?
On request Willy can provide you with a cut lunch. If she has no conflicting social engagements she will provide a dinner on request provided she has adequate notice.
Are there telephones in the units?
No. But there is a telephone in the main house which Willy will probably let you use if you speak to her nicely. Visitors to N.Z. might consider hiring a cell phone at the airport. The cost is only $30 per week plus cost of calls. Calls within N.Z. are charged at 89c per minute.
Do you have internet access?
Sorry, but the house computer is off-limits to guests (unless, of course, it is an emergency). If you have brought your own laptop Willy will let you use a telephone jackpoint in the main house to get your eMail. Wellington City has lots and lots of internet shops and cyber cafes offering fast internet access at very cheap rates.
We emailed with a booking enquiry, but we haven't heard back.
Willy replies to emails daily, if you haven't received a reply within 48 hours, either your email or Willy's reply has been stopped by a spam filter along the way. Please phone Willy on International +64 4 934 7151 or +64 21 112 3445. If you are within New Zealand dial 04 934 7151 or 021 112 3445.
How long does it take to get into central Wellington?
It depends a bit on the time of day but normally between 12 and 17 minutes by car. Perhaps 25 -30 minutes by bus – the bus stops are almost directly outside the house. Buses run about every hour during the day – Willy has a timetable.
How much does it cost to get to and from the airport?
About $20-$22 by taxi. Perhaps $3 less if you get a shuttle bus.
How long does it take?
About 10 minutes.
Being so close to the airport isn’t there a lot of airplane noise?
No, Buckley Homestay is very quiet and peaceful and you will never hear any airplane noise. There is a curfew in place at the airport anyway so that there is no aircraft activity of any kind between midnight and 6am. (For those guests who have a 6am flight please notice that the airport doesn’t open until 4am so, if you are supposed to check-in 3 hours before your flight, don’t)
I am picking up a rental car at the airport – how do I get to your place?
If you like following maps you can print out the maps included elsewhere on this site. Otherwise the simplest way is as follows (note that this is not the quickest or shortest way – it’s just the simplest!):-
From the airport take the 3rd exit at the first roundabout (so that you have done almost a u-turn) and then veer to the left and follow the sign that says "Long Term Parking/Cargo Terminal". This will take you out to the coast. This is not a very busy road so don’t be concerned if you don’t see too much other traffic. When you get to the coast turn right and follow the coast road (it keeps changing its name - Moa Point Rd/Lyall Bay Parade/Queens Drive) for 3.4Km until you come to Hungerford Rd on the right. Follow Hungerford Rd. to the end and then turn right into Houghton Bay Rd. Follow this road to the top and you will see Buckley Road on the left. Willy is at number 51 on the left. There will be a parking space available on a car pad, next to Willy’s car.