Ruffell Ranch Cabin: A Guest Rated 10/10 Family Retreat | House in Tarras, New Zealand

Summary:
Spend your holiday homes NZ getaway at Ruffell Ranch Cabin by Tiny Away! Tucked away in Central Otago and surrounded by vineyards on rustic terrain, this cozy retreat is steeped in the old mining history of nearby Tarras—a charming town sure to spark your curiosity. Come unwind in our lovely cabin while enjoying the region’s scenic walks, local wineries, and other countryside delights.
So pack your bags, book your stay, and we’ll see you soon!
#CozyTinyHome #HolidayHomesNZ
The Space:
Ruffell Ranch Cabin by Tiny Away is a 139-square-foot tiny home located in Tarras, a small farming settlement just 24 minutes from Central Otago. The region is known for its extremely weathered ancient mountains, alpine herb fields, and fast-flowing rivers. In a scenic location not far from Lake Tekapo Hot Pools, this includes Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, and Highlands Motorsport Park.
What’s more, our cozy tiny home is just 27 minutes from Wanaka—a popular ski and summer resort town—and only an hour from Queenstown, home to four major ski fields: Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone.
Experience uninterrupted 360-degree mountain views from your private outdoor space, with easy access to water, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking equipment, and excellent bathroom facilities. These amenities include an eco-friendly cassette toilet with a removable waste holding tank, a hand basin, and a gas-heated shower for hot showers.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please advise that there may be agricultural noise as we are a working farm that tends to farm animals. For a well-rested stay, we recommend that guests bring earplugs with them.
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to our cozy tiny home and its surroundings.
The Neighborhood:
Ruffell Ranch Cabin by Tiny Away sits in the small farming settlement of Tarras, only 24 minutes away from Central Otago and an hour's drive away from Queenstown. Explore a beautiful landscape filled with vineyards, gold mining history, a refreshing lake for swimming, and a cafe at Tarras 7 minutes away, open 9 AM - 3 PM daily. Located in a scenic spot near Lake Tekapo Hot Pools, we're also close to Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, and Highlands Motorsport Park.
We're just 27 minutes from Wanaka and an hour from Queenstown, which is home to four major ski fields—Cardrona, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone.
Visitors are also welcome to explore farmers' markets in Cromwell, Wanaka, and Queenstown on Sundays throughout the summer.
Getting Around:
By car:
- 35 mins, 35 km drive from Wanaka
- 25 mins, 30 km drive from Cromwell
- 5 hrs, 333 km drive from Christchurch Airport
- 75 mins, 90 km drive from Queenstown Airport. All are reachable by 2WD access.
By public transport: We recommend guests travel by private vehicle as there is no public transport available directly to our property. Please contact the land host for more details.
Other Things to Note:
- Gas BBQ Grill is available
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- No smoking allowed inside/outside the tiny home
- Children are welcome under CLOSE ADULT SUPERVISION
- Please note that we have an unfenced pond with wild ducks
- We also have 4 chickens, 3 sheep, 2 horses, a dog, and a cat
- Outdoor fire pit available only in winter months when there is no fire ban in place.
- We would like to advise guests that longer stays or later check-outs will incur an additional charge
- Farm guidelines will be provided before your booking is confirmed. Kindly read through them and follow all instructions during your visit.
Important note:
- Keep in mind that BBQ grills and outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban
- For stays of 5 nights or more, an additional cleaning fee will be collected to help maintain the cassette toilets and ensure a clean and fresh experience for all guests. We appreciate your understanding.
Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.

This 1 Bedroom House provides accommodation with Bedding/Linens, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Air Conditioner, for your convenience. This House features many amenities for guests who want to stay for a few days, a weekend or probably a longer vacation with family, friends or group. This House is less than 2 km from Tarras, and gives visitors the opportunity to explore it. The rental House has 1 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom to make you feel right at home.

Check to see if this House has the amenities you need and a location that makes this a great choice to stay in Tarras. Enjoy your stay in Tarras at this House.