General Information & Contact
Where are you located? We are based in the heart of the Waikato. Our workshop is located near Te Kawa Crossroads, halfway between Te Awamutu and Otorohanga. Our physical address is 214 Ngahape Rd, RD3, Te Awamutu, but please note that site visits are by arrangement only.
How do I get in touch to discuss my needs or arrange a viewing? You can call or text Nic at 021 965 880, or email us at nic@waipacabinsltd.com. We are always happy to chat without any hard-sell pressure.
Buying a Cabin
How much do cabins cost to buy? Our cabins start from $9,990 for a standard 2.4m x 2.4m size. We build cabins in various lengths up to 6.0m, and we offer both Standard Width (2.4m) and Extra Wide (2.7m) options to suit your spatial needs and budget.
What features come standard with a purchased cabin? All of our standard cabins are built over a treated timber frame and include:
Colorsteel cladding
Stained ply interior lining
Insulation in the ceilings and walls
A ranch slider and window
3 power points and indoor/outdoor LED lights
An Electrical Certificate of Compliance
Can I customize my cabin with optional extras? Absolutely. We offer a range of optional upgrades including a porch and step, polypropylene carpet, double glazing, air-conditioning, vinyl flooring, Dulux interior painting, underfloor insulation, and curtains/blinds.
Do you offer a "rent-to-own" scheme or any finance options for purchasing? No, we do not offer rent-to-own or finance options.
What is the typical lead time from placing an order to having a purchased cabin delivered? Lead times typically range from 2 to 10 weeks, but please contact us to confirm. Some specific colors or custom items may have longer lead times.
Do your purchased cabins come with a manufacturer’s warranty or guarantee? Yes, our purchased cabins come with a 2-year warranty.
Can you build a cabin that includes basic plumbing for a kitchenette or an ensuite bathroom? No, we do not build cabins with plumbing.
Can I request a custom exterior Colorsteel colour or paint job so the cabin matches my existing house? Yes, we can customize exterior colors to match your existing property.
Am I able to add extra windows, or change the placement of the doors and windows from your standard layout? Yes, custom placements and extra windows are possible. Please contact us for more information.
Renting a Cabin
How much does it cost to rent a cabin? We offer three main rental sizes:
Small Cabin (3.6m x 2.4m): $80 per week
Standard Cabin (4.2m x 2.4m): $100 per week
Large Cabin (4.8m x 2.4m): $120 per week
Some cabins are now available with air conditioning. this is an extra $20 per week
What is the minimum rental term? Our standard minimum rental term is 6 months. Shorter terms may be available depending on cabin availability, but these are decided on a case-by-case basis and will incur a higher weekly rent.
What are the upfront costs for renting? Before delivery, we require:
3 weeks' rent as a refundable bond
1 week's rent paid in advance
A delivery/collection fee of $250 (for level, easy-access sites in the Waikato area) (Note: Upfront charges may be cheaper if we are running a free local delivery promotion, valid only for Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti, and Cambridge).
Are pets allowed inside the rental cabins? No, pets are not permitted inside our rental cabins.
Am I allowed to hang pictures, put holes in the walls, or make minor modifications to a rental cabin? No, we do not allow modifications, pictures, or holes in the walls of our rental cabins.
Who is responsible for insuring the cabin while I am renting it? We insure the cabin itself, but you must insure your own contents.
What is the process if something breaks or requires maintenance during my rental term? Please call us at once so the issue can be resolved quickly.
How much notice do I need to give when I am ready to return my rental cabin? We require 2 weeks' notice before returning your rental cabin.
What are the cleaning expectations when the cabin is collected to ensure I get my full bond back? The cabin must be fully cleaned inside and out. Uncleaned cabins may incur cleaning costs which will be deducted from your bond.
If I am renting, am I allowed to install a temporary security camera or alarm system on the exterior? Yes, but only if the installation does not damage the cabin in any way.
Delivery and Installation
Where do you deliver? We deliver purchased cabins across the central North Island, including Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manawatu, and Hawkes Bay.
How much does delivery cost if I am buying a cabin? Delivery and installation are completely free if you are located within 60 minutes of Te Awamutu and your site is fairly flat with easy access. If you are outside this area, delivery costs up to $800 for easy-access sites.
What if my property has difficult or tight access? Don't worry—we specialize in tight spaces! We have specialized equipment to move cabins through tricky areas or behind buildings where a traditional trailer or Hi-ab truck cannot fit. If access is severely restricted or you are outside of our standard delivery zones, we can recommend a trucking company with a Hi-ab (at the buyer's cost) and are happy to conduct a site visit beforehand to assess the situation.
Can I arrange my own transport company to pick up a purchased cabin to save on delivery fees? Yes, you are welcome to arrange your own transport for a purchased cabin.
If my property requires a Hi-ab or crane, who is responsible for organizing traffic management or clearing overhead power lines? This will be discussed and organized with you prior to delivery, if required.
How heavy is the delivery equipment, and is there a risk of it cracking my concrete driveway? Yes, there is a risk, as the underlying strength of a given driveway is generally unknown.
Will the specialized equipment used to remove the cabin leave ruts or damage my lawn/driveway? Our equipment is designed to be low-impact, and normally any resulting damage to lawns or driveways is very minor.
Site Preparation, Utilities & Council
How level does the ground need to be before delivery? We can easily deal with sites that are on a slope.
What type of power supply or connection is required for the cabin? Cabins can be powered using a standard 10-amp lead, a caravan lead, or larger connections if needed.
Do you supply the caravan lead to plug the cabin in, or do I need to provide my own? We can supply leads to suit your specific needs.
How is the cabin supported once it is placed on the site? The cabins are supported on blocks.
Do I need council consent or a building permit to place a cabin on my property? 99% of the time, no. However, in some specific cases, it is required.
Are your cabins built to New Zealand Building Code standards? No, the vast majority of cabins in New Zealand do not meet the full building code. Our cabins do, however, meet the building code in terms of insulation.
What are the wind and snow load ratings for your cabins? In very exposed sites, our cabins can be anchored to the ground to withstand high winds.
Security & Comfort
What kind of locks are fitted on the ranch sliders and windows? The cabins are fitted with standard Lockwood keyed locks.
Do the cabins come with smoke alarms installed? No, the cabins do not come with smoke alarms installed.
How well do the cabins manage condensation during cold, damp Waikato winters? They handle it reasonably well. The back window can be securely left slightly open to provide necessary ventilation.
Do the cabins retain a lot of heat in the summer, or is there adequate cross-ventilation? If both windows are open, there is good cross-ventilation. We also offer air-conditioning as an optional upgrade for purchased cabins.
What is the soundproofing/acoustic quality like if I want to use the cabin as a quiet home office or podcast studio? The acoustic quality is average.
Relocation & Long-Term Logistics
If I buy a cabin and later move to a new house, can you transport it to my new property for a fee? Yes, we can help transport your purchased cabin to a new location.
Can the cabins be easily picked up and shifted to a different spot on my existing section later on? Yes, the cabins can be picked up and relocated on your property if needed.