Getting there

We are located 33km up from Mt Somers. Mobile coverage is patchy between Mt Somers and Lake Clearwater, so download your directions in advance.

Keys collection

Once booking is confirmed we will be in touch to provide you with the Lockbox Codes and detailed instructions. The keys are kept on site. Please do not forget to leave them where you found them on departure!

Mobile and WiFi

Lake Clearwater now has mobile coverage and there is a locally run WiFi tower and the living room/kitchen area is reasonably well reached by the signal. You can purchase daily or weekly passes when you arrive.

Water

We rely on tank water and rain runoff collected from our roof. There are ample tanks but please be conservative in your water consumption – it doesn’t always rain!

Electricity

We operate completely OFF GRID - on our solar panels and battery banks.

There is LED lighting in every room, including the toilet.

For your portable electronics, there is a 12 volt USB plug in the kitchen area for charging small appliances (phones, tablets, speakers, etc.). Please do not bring any appliances requiring 240 volts, as there is no way to power them in the bach. 

Gas

We have a gas stove, hot water califont, and a gas kitchen fridge (vintage!) - they all run on LPG gas. We have now set up an LPG room with twin feed 2x 45kg bottles auto changeover, so the days of small 9kg Bottles are over 😊

You will turn the gas on on arrival, and please when leaving, TURN OFF and close the valve.

Fireplace wood

Our Metro Fireplace works great for heating the main house in the winter months… however, we do not keep any firewood around the bach, so please bring a bag of kindling or source some locally at Mt Somers or on your walks.

The fire risk is too high to have timber on-site – please understand this is a small closely built settlement and minimising the fire risk is a major priority for every bach owner.

Security

There has never been a problem with security at the bach or Clearwater in general, however leaving doors open and the bach empty invites attention… Please secure and lock if going for the long amazing mountain walks.

Please bring with you

Food and drinks, firewood - the closest shop is a general store with limited basics in Mt Somers 30min ride away, the closest supermarket is in Ashburton.

Basic consumables: tea towels, dishwashing liquid, rubbish bags, matches, toilet rolls - whatever you know you may need for a comfortable stay. 

Bedding (sheets + pillow cases), sleeping bags / duvets - there are pillows and some blankets at the bach but to stay toasty at night make sure everyone in your company brings bedding appropriate for the season.

Please take away with you

All RUBBISH must be taken away – there are skips up the Mt Guy street behind the waterskiing clubhouse to dispose of rubbish. 

Please leave at home

NO PET ANIMALS are allowed in the area – it is all DOC wildlife reserve.