Greetings! My name is Mary Casey and I am the current owner and custodian of Waikonini Homestead! I am an energetic person who has worked in a caring role for all of my professional life. A well travelled world citizen, locally born and bred. Family focused, with an appreciation of cultural diversity and meeting people from all over the world. I have lived and worked overseas at different times during my life and have a broad-minded view of the world. I have interests in cooking, food, travel, home-decoration, sewing, gardening, simple-living, animals and friendships. I look forwd to making you feel welcome at Waikonini Homestead, be it for an afternoon visit, or for a full-week stay.

The home was built in 1882 of timber and with a corrugated iron roof for a Mr William Barker. The architect was a Mr J.P. Pritchett of Darlington, UK. The T-shaped house has a verandah and a high, vaulted roofline, typical of its period. William Barker was one of Peel Forest's well known residents. He was an orchardist / bee-keeper and his fruits were reputed across the south island of NZ. Mr Barker also founded the Mount Peel Floral and Horticultural Society. The gardens of Waikonini are majestic and hold the original charm that was bestowed by William Barker. Atlantis Pine, Tamanian Blackwood, Oak and other varieties of tree frame the gardens. Mt Peel's famous Himalayan Lillies are mixed with Rhododendrons, Primroses, Violets and Strawberries. Even the original Pear and Apple trees are fruit-bearing today, over one hundred and twenty years since they were first established.