Little Rock

Winter Midweek Special | Stay 3 Pay 2
Book and stay 3 midweek nights or more between 6 May 2025 and 31 August 2025 and get 3 nights for the price of 2. Promotion ends 31 August 2025. Does not apply to public holidays.

Little Rock

Darfield, Canterbury

Little Rock Retreat is 15-minutes from Darfield and one hour from Christchurch in the Canterbury region.

Located on a small lifestyle property, the cabin is discreetly situated next door to the owners' house on the banks of a pretty river. Surrounded by trees and ferns, it's private and peaceful. 

The open plan accommodation consists of a queen-size bed, bathroom and kitchenette. Outdoors is a covered lean-to kitchen with a BBQ and leaning bar with stools - perfect for enjoying a freshly cooked meal while gazing out to the gorgeous greenery.

Little Rock Retreat is a dreamy retreat for couples looking for an escape. Snuggle up in front of the wood burner or head outside for a hot soak in the outdoor bath. On a warm day, sit out of the verandah and watch the river burbling by - calm and tranquil at one moment and then a raging beauty at the next.

Little Rock Retreat is dog-friendly so bring your fur-baby along to enjoy the experience with you!

FROM $290

  • Sleeps 2
  • Dogs welcome
address
 

14 Robbs Road, Malvern Hills 7673

directions
 

Little Rock Retreat is 15-minutes from Darfield and one hour from Christchurch in the Canterbury region.

Follow the Google Maps to Robbs Road. Go to the last house on the right and follow the signage from there.

Note: You will receive a pre-arrival email with your host's contact details 5 days prior to your stay. If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Little Rock

What is the minimum stay at this escape?

Can I stay for one night only?

what are the bed and bedding arrangements?

what are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

what are the bathroom facilities?

is there power?

is there mobile phone reception?

is there heating?

what is glamping like in winter?

Can children stay at Little Rock?

can i bring my dog?

how private and remote is Little Rock Retreat?

what is the access like and where can i park my car?

What do I need to bring?

what are the safety considerations?

can i stay for one night only?

Minimum Stay period

Rates

Gift Vouchers

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. Activities

8. GST

9. conditions of occupancy and conduct

10. Complaints

11. Liability

12. Gift vouchers

13. Law

14. Changes to booking conditions

15. Authority to sign

  • Eating and drinking

    Little Rock is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your private camp 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, your hosts recommend the nearest eatery 'Willows Café' in Glentunnel (a 5-minute drive). There is also a selection of dining options under a 25-minute drive away, including Coalgate Tavern, Darfield Tavern and Terrace Downs. You also have the option of driving to Methven for more of a selection (40 minutes away).

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is just 5 minutes up the road or a 4-square in Darfield (15 minutes away).

  • Things to do

    There's plenty to keep you occupied at Little Rock…lie in your steaming hot outdoor bath, read a good book or play a selection of games. Darts, various board games and cards are all available.

    Walk the famous Washpen Falls Track that takes you through the Volcanic Canyon reserve filled with captivating views of native bush and wildlife. There are also other activities offered in the region, like horse riding, golf and skiing (only a 30-minute drive to the base of Mt Hutt mountain).

    When it's warmer, go for a swim in the river - right next to the cabin!

  • Your hosts

    Your hosts at Little Rock are Jody, Alan (the humans) and Doogie and Jazz (the dogs).

    Jody and Alan got married at Whitecliffs, which belonged to a friend, 13 years ago. When their friend decided to sell it, they snapped it up. Initially, it was to be their bach. But returning to the city after each visit made them grumpy - so they eventually made the decision to make Whitecliffs home - and have never looked back.

    Jody and Alan love their patch of paradise - the sound of the river, the friendly fantails and the sense of being nurtured by nature. They have always been passionate about accommodation and wanted to create their own unique romantic stay for couples to enjoy... A haven for people to experience the soul-restoring magic that seems to permeate the air of this special property.

    When discussing ideas for names for the cabin - they discovered the name 'Alan' means rock. A friend suggested 'Little Rock'. Being surrounded by river rocks - they thought it was perfect. 

Testimonials

  • "

    Little Rock was incredible. We stayed the weekend for my partner's 30th birthday and we had the absolute best time relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. Communication and friendliness of the owners was outstanding and the whole experience was just flawless. We 100000% recommend Little Rock to everyone.

    "

    Latham Graham - 06 Aug 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Our stay at Little Rock was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed - the personalised welcome board, marshmallows and chocolate fish were such thoughtful touches. On rainy days, they even dropped off extra firewood, which meant cosy evenings by the fire. We didn’t end up hiking, but spent hours playing in the river and soaking up the peaceful surroundings. The cabin was warm, beautifully set up, and felt like a true escape. It’s rare to find a place that feels this special. We left feeling completely recharged (and already planning our return!).

    "

    Marnel Pretorius-Hale - 02 Aug 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Amazing, picturesque stay. Even in winter! Can’t wait to visit again in the summer.

    "

    GEORGIA BEAVER - 02 Aug 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    A beautiful, peaceful setting by the Selwyn River. Very handy for skiing Mt Hutt. The cottage was delightfully decorated and super cosy in winter. Our hosts really went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect for our stay. We will definitely return.

    "

    Alison Armstrong - 19 Jul 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful setting and the facilities were fabulous. We absolutely loved our stay and will most definitely be back again next time for two nights.

    "

    Nadine Christensen - 17 Jul 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    Great place, awesome hosts and a perfect setting.

    "

    Hayden Vile - 27 Jun 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    Such a serene spot! Alan and Jody were very friendly hosts! Awesome experience overall!

    "

    Casey Lockwood - 23 May 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    An absolutely stunning setting, beautifully tranquil with the sounds of the river flowing by and the birds. Very well kitted out with everything we needed. Jody and Alan were super lovely and accommodating. Would highly recommend staying here.

    "

    Emma Croxson - 16 May 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    Sam, Rome and I had a lovely stay. It was absolutely beautiful and the hosts were very kind. We loved that we could bring our fur baby Rome too. Definitely great for the soul and a much-needed relaxing time. It was lovely to toast marshmallows, enjoy a soak and even do the dishes as they were done outside with Mother Nature! Highly recommend.

    "

    Delarene Watkins - 08 May 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    We loved every moment. The room was tastefully decorated, lovely and cosy. Better than a hotel. The outside we loved every moment, didn’t want to leave.

    "

    Cheryl Cargill - 28 Apr 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful setting – very peaceful. Loved the sound of the river.

    "

    Richard Porter - 09 Apr 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful location nestled against the limestone cliffs. Such a peaceful spot for a getaway.

    "

    Cameron Pratt - 08 Apr 2025

    12 / 12

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