Foxdown Hut

Foxdown Hut

Amberley, North Canterbury

Foxdown Hut is located in North Canterbury - approximately 35 minutes from the township of Amberley and an hour and 20 minutes from Christchurch City.

The hut is set right in the middle of the 1400 hectare sheep and beef farm with stunning views of rolling farmland and livestock. On a clear day, you can see down into the Culverden Basin and all the way to the inland Kaikouras. And if you're really lucky, you'll see a New Zealand Falcon gliding in the air in front of the hut... Foxdown is home to two pairs of these rare endemic birds.

Generously proportioned at 84 square metres and beautifully decorated, with every luxury considered, this hut is a combination of backcountry hut - and 5-star luxury. Completely off-the-grid, with a state-of-the-art solar system, a stay at Foxdown Hut is like escaping to the wilderness - while still enjoying all the comforts of modern life.

The property is a joy to explore - with plenty of walking options for guests who can tear themselves off the comfortable couch. A walk to the top of Mt Alexander will reward you with great views back across Pegasus Bay. Or you could check out your host Andy's native tree regeneration in 'Broadleaf Gully' and hunt down the 'vineyard' planted 140 years ago by his French, great-grandmother.

FROM $390 p/n

  • Sleeps 2

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Foxdown Hut

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  • Eating and Drinking

    Foxdown Hut is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in the hut kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Greystone Wines or Black Estate in Waipara are great lunch options. The nearest dinner options are some way away so you’re better to self cater for dinner. That shouldn’t be too hard as the Foxdown Hut pantry is well supplied with all the cooking oils and condiments that you are likely to require.

    If you need to stock up on supplies, there is a Countdown supermarket in Amberley (35 mins away), a Foursquare in Hawarden (20 minutes away) and a Foursquare in Cheviot (35 minutes away).

  • Things to do

    With board games, books and a luxurious hot tub provided - you'll find there is plenty to keep you entertained at the hut.

    The farm has walks of varying degrees of difficulty and keen mountain bikers are welcome to explore on wheels.

    Your host, Andy offers guided farm tours which include a tour of the Foxdown museum and classic car collection. And for a really special celebration, Andy can also offer convertible classic car transfers for a 3-hour return trip vineyard lunch at either Black Estate or Waipara Springs. Both the farm tour and classic car lunch need to be pre-booked and are subject to his availability. Check out more under the 'Rates and Extras' button.

    A man of many hats, Andy is also a wedding celebrant! So Foxdown would make the perfect elopement destination.

    If you're keen to explore the surrounding area, Motunau Beach is nearby and day trips to either Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura or Christchurch are also a doable option from the hut.

  • Your hosts

    Your hosts at Foxdown Farm are Andy and Kath Fox.

    The Foxes are the fifth generation fortunate enough to farm Foxdown, which was established in 1877 when it was carved off from Glenmark Estate. It's a 1400 ha sheep and beef farm.

    The Fox family has a strong heritage and the property itself is steeped in history - the sheep are still run through yards built from stone by Andy’s great grandfather more than a century ago. Andy also loves collecting artefacts (including his uniquely rural collection of different types of barbed wire!) as well as a number of classic cars.

    The Fox clan are proud to be farmers and proud of their stewardship of the land.  Andy and Kath see it as their duty to leave the land in a better state than when they took it over – a tradition that has been carried on for generations and with Andy’s grown-up sons George, James and Tim all pursuing agricultural careers it is a tradition that looks set to carry on well into the future. They hope that this tradition will be evident to you as you explore the farm.

    They recognise that they are privileged to have the opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful place and Foxdown Hut is seen by the family as a great opportunity to welcome visitors from town and overseas who perhaps haven’t had the chance to visit a working farm.

    Kath has a side hustle as a lawyer in Christchurch and Andy has for many years been involved in various off-farm activities holding a number of agricultural-related directorships. They are both looking forward to branching into something different with the opening of Foxdown Hut – which they hope will become a new tradition for Foxdown.

Testimonials

  • "

    Foxdown Hut is a great place to get away into the hills and explore from a super cosy base, or just do nothing. Bath under the stars or sit inside watching the weather drift across the station and hills. So peaceful and tranquil. The hosts are lovely and easy to communicate with. Awesome spot for a getaway!

    "

    Conall Maskey - 11 Nov 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    What a beautiful setting Foxdown Hut is! It feels so remote for only an hour out of Christchurch. Stunning setting and gorgeous sunrise in the morning! We will be back.

    "

    leonie downing - 03 Nov 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    Wonderful spot. If you want a rural escape, I highly recommended.

    "

    Murray Crane - 23 Oct 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    Breathtaking spot to switch off and do nothing at all. We loved our stay at Foxdown Hut!

    "

    Marina Mendes Dean - 15 Oct 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    This was one of the coolest places we have ever stayed. The whole hut is designed in such a clever way, and the fireplace is the cherry on top. We will definitely visit again.

    "

    Altus Ayres - 16 Sep 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    We had the best time at Foxdown Hut. It’s a magical spot to escape to, beautiful in every way.

    "

    Amelia Thomsen - 29 Aug 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    AMAZING stay at Foxdown Hut. The hospitality was just amazing, and it is the most stunning place to relax. I would highly recommend it and can't wait to come back to stay again!

    "

    Holly Westenra - 16 Jul 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    The perfect place for an escape into the Canterbury countryside. Everything you could ask for and more, with lots of lovely touches to make it a truly special place to stay.

    "

    Emma Mannion - 20 May 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Amazing location and amazing place to stay! Wish we were there longer.

    "

    Danielle McNab - 07 May 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Perfect setting for a quiet getaway, the hut is well thought out and just sensational.

    "

    - 29 Apr 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Our weekend at Foxdown Hut was sublime! A rare chance to get away without the kids, and we couldn’t have picked a better spot. We haven’t been that relaxed in years!

    "

    - 27 Apr 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Amazing location, great layout, we loved our time there. Thank you.

    "

    - 27 Apr 2024

    12 / 12

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