Frequently asked questions

IS MY PROPERTY RIGHT FOR OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

Our guests are looking for something unique and not the norm. Off The Beaten Track welcomes many different kinds of listings on our site from cabins, barns, woolsheds, baches and glamping options, to somewhere to park your motorhome, caravan or tent. As long as guests get a feeling of authentic, rural New Zealand at your place, you are welcome to list on Off The Beaten Track.

It's all about the Experience. If you are located out of the main centres, and have something special to offer - we want to hear from you.

- Hiking, Tramping, Mountain biking, Kayaking, Caves, Climbing or Rafting! Is there adventure to be had at your place?
- Relaxation? Romance? Solitude? Or perhaps an outdoor bath or an opportunity to have a digital detox (none or limited cell or internet access)
- Is there animal encounters to be had? Kids meeting your animals? a glow worm viewing spot? farm tours? fishing nearby or on the property? a bird colony nearby or a dawn chorus to wake you up in the morning?
- Do you have direct beach, lake, stream or river access, a special place to take a dip, or perhaps a superb view and the best seat on the deck? Can you offer fabulous stargazing, walking tracks, golf, or a place to light a fire and toast some marsh mellows!?
- Do you know where the best local pub is for lunch? Are there wineries nearby, gold panning, a special gallery or something quirky to visit?

As a landowner, you will also need to agree to our Terms and Conditions, which covers your responsibilities as a landholder to show duty of care, and to process Off the Beaten Track payments through the Off the Beaten Track system.

NB: You can also generate more income by adding on a paid activity or tour, or extras you might offer like picnic baskets, cooked breakfasts, etc.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Off the Beaten Track is part of the peer to peer land-sharing economy. The majority of New Zealand is in private ownership, much of it simply breathtaking. We want landowners like you to be able to monetize wha you already own, and provide explorers with an incredible private land experience.

Guests will find your listing and book directly through Off the Beaten Track.

You'll get a booking request text & email, with all the details about the stay, which you can accept, deny or request a change to. Once confirmed, you will receive your bookings via email and text message, and will be able to view them online in your Landowners Dashboard.

You have the option of requiring that they meet and greet with you prior to settling in, or you can provide directions that will lead the guests straight to the site. You choose what works best for you!

It is up to you how much or how little interaction you have with holidaymakers. You're not required to interact with the guests. In fact, many may actually prefer the privacy, peace and quiet.

WHAT SHOULD I CHARGE?

What you charge is dependent on several things. We encourage you to consider the amenities and the activities you provide as the more value for money people perceive they are getting, the more they will be prepared to pay.

We advise you price your property comparable to similar sites in your region, taking into consideration whether you have a basic campsite with little to no amenities or can offer other attractions like beach/river access, bike trails, etc. With Off the Beaten Track, you can add as many different sites as you'd like so you can always earn more by hosting more!

You will soon be guided on the level of your pricing as you benchmark your property against similar properties.

We take a flat 10% commission from your gross booking earnings. Off the Beaten Track is responsible for all payment processing fees, which are paid directly to our secure payment processor.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PROVIDE?

It's up to you what amenities you provide. As Off the Beaten Track is all about offering unique experiences, visitors can be asked to bring their own facilities we recommend however checking with your local council about any basic requirements.

Parking and Vehicle Access: Most guests will have a car and are just looking for a great Kiwi experience. It's up to you what type of access you want to allow on your property and where guests can park their vehicle. We have spaces available to specify access requirements, ie: 4WD Only.

Campfires: As you set the rules, it's up to you to determine whether providing a firepit and allowing campfires is suitable for your property. We suggest contacting your local fire department to get the most up to date rules and regulations.

Rubbish: We want your property looking as good as when your holidaymakers arrived, so ensure removal of all rubbish is included in your property rules.

Drinking Water: We do not require you to provide drinking water. Just ensure it is clearly indicated on your listing that there is no drinking water available.

WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?

Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of people are respectful and understand the responsibility of staying on someone's private land. You need to be very clear about who you allow to visit (we have options to mark your property as 18+ only, or family friendly) and determine what activities they can do, when, and for how long.

You are responsible for setting rules and conditions for your guests.

If a guest damages your property, In addition to being banned from the Off the Beaten Track community and suffering any due legal recourse for their actions, we have secured comprehensive liability cover for participating landowners. This provides cover, in addition to your existing liability arrangements to the combined limits of; Public Liability $5,000,000, Forest & Rural Fires Act $250,000 and Statutory Liability of $1,000,000 in the event a guest damages your property during their confirmed stay, and the issue is not resolved by direct payment from the guest.