The Matchbox

The Matchbox

Canterbury

The Matchbox is located 15 minutes from Waimate, 3.5 hours from Queenstown, 2 hours from Dunedin and 2 hours and 40 minutes from Christchurch. It's just 5 minutes from State Highway 1 - so the perfect place to break your journey between Christchurch and Queenstown. What's more, last minute bookings can be made as late as 1pm on the day of arrival.  Also on the same property is The Jetty.

Small and perfectly formed, just like the wee box it's named after, The Matchbox sits high on the hills at 200m above sea level. The views stretch for miles - from the snow-capped mountains to the West to the rolling farmland of Morven and out to the Pacific Ocean to the East, and the vast pine forestry to the South.

Inside, beautiful bedlinens, leather seating, hand-crafted copper and timber touches and amazing tiling create a vibe of pure rustic luxury, with no expense spared. The bedroom, kitchen and bathroom are all contained within the same building - with large sliding doors opening out to the view beyond.

During the day, relax on the deck and take in the spectacular views, and the gentle presence of the Wiltshire sheep in the surrounding paddocks - the odd baaaa being the only sound to interrupt the total peace and quiet.

At night, soak in the hot tub and enjoy the lights of Waimate twinkling to the northeast, while the stars in the night sky sparkle from above. 

FROM $300 p/n

  • Sleeps 4
  • 
            Children welcome
      Children welcome

Directions

The Matchbox

What Time is Check-In and Check-Out?

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?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

How does the Hot Tub work?

What is glamping like in winter?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT The Matchbox?

Can I Bring My Dog?

How Private and Remote is The Matchbox?

What is the access like and where Do I Park my Car?

What Do I Need to Bring?

Can I Stay For One Night only?

Minimum Nights

Rates

Farm to plate packs

Gift Vouchers

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    The Matchbox offers catering with farm-to-plate butchery from the farm, offering all the meat you need for your stay. You can find out more under the 'Rates and Extras' button. If you have ordered this option; it will be ready and waiting for you in the hut on arrival.

    If you choose self-catering, you will need to bring your own food and cook meals using the 2-burner gas hob provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, and utensils that you'll need.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage, award-winning, fine dining restaurant Riverstone Kitchen is just 20 minutes away. Also recommended by your hosts, is the amazing Indian restaurant, FishTail, or The Waimate. Half an hour away is Scotts Brewery  in the historic part of Oamaru. While you're in the area, Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli is a must-do for cheese-lovers.

    For something slightly more casual, The Studholme Hotel or Makikihi Country Pub are excellent choices for a hearty meal. You'll also find takeaways such as fish and chips and Chinese cuisine in Waimate.

    A supermarket for stocking up on supplies can be found at Waimate (15 minutes away) or Oamaru (30 minutes away).

  • Things to do

    Relax in the wood-fired cedar hot tub and soak up the views. Enjoy the incredible views across farmland and out to sea. At night, spark up the firepit and enjoy star-gazing in the incredible night sky. There are board games for a bit of old-fashioned friendly competition too!

    If you want to get out and about locally, check out Kelsey's Bush behind Waimate. This is the last remnant of native bush in the area. The Whitehorse monument above Waimate has great views, walks and mountain biking. The Wainono Lagoon has a wetland walk with a variety of native wildlife to spot.

    Active types might want to ride a part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail that starts at Mt Cook and ends in Oamaru. You can choose to do sections - and it's kid-friendly too.

    If you're keen to explore further afield, you can day trip to Mt Aoraki, Tekapo, and Twizel. Check out the penguin colony in Oamaru, and the fascinating steampunk culture in the historic part of Oamaru. Timaru has Caroline Bay and the Maori Rock Art Gallery which are both worth a visit.

  • Your Hosts

    Adam, Karen and their daughter Mya are your hosts at the Matchbox. Named after a tiny house, that Adam and Karen lived in whilst teaching and travelling overseas, the Matchbox was designed to take in the incredible 360-degree views up and down the East Coast and out to the Pacific Ocean. The Matchbox became a year-long project, with Adam and Karen completing much of the building work themselves. Alongside providing accommodation, Adam, Karen and Mya farm fully shedding Wiltshire sheep, and Speckled Park cattle and raising around 250 beef calves each year. Both with educational backgrounds, Adam and Karen are enjoying the huge learning curve that their new direction in farming and look forward to sharing their 'special place' with others.

Testimonials

  • "

    The Matchbox was unlike anywhere I’ve stayed before and was the perfect birthday getaway for my partner and me. Everything was beautiful and clean, with the most stunning views and privacy I could have asked for. I will 100% be back and recommend everyone book in themselves.

    "

    Jessica Beer - 21 Nov 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    Awesome view and a great hot tub.

    "

    Dianne Foote - 16 Nov 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    Lovely setting! Relaxing and calming! Great view!

    "

    Lisa Morrison - 29 Oct 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    We had an amazing stay at The Matchbox – great facilities, very clean, and well-thought-out design. Loved our hot tub, and so glad we opted for the meat pack; it was amazing. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!

    "

    Helen Carlaw - 16 Oct 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely loved this stay! My girlfriends and I needed a break from all the hustle and bustle. This had everything we needed and was such a short drive to Oamaru for some lunch. We loved jumping in the hot tub, lighting the fire at night, and using the open fire pit for s’mores; it was such a novelty.

    "

    Shawni Hammond - 13 Oct 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    The Matchbox is beautifully put together. Exceptionally clean with great amenities. We purchased an additional butchery pack which was amazing and highly recommended. We will be back again for sure.

    "

    Bayley Christison - 30 Sep 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Easy to get to, with an expansive view of the sea. All the facilities you would need for a short stay are there. Highly recommended.

    "

    Ricky Cheng - 26 Sep 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    Amazing unique setting, very relaxing.

    "

    Ann Bennett - 16 Sep 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Wonderful little getaway, beautiful facilities and fantastic setting.

    "

    Lyn Hurring - 13 Sep 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    A most relaxing weekend breakaway!

    "

    Ferdinand Kruger - 13 Sep 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Amazing getaway which has been created with thought in every detail. Will definitely be going back!

    "

    Sam Williams - 13 Sep 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    We really enjoyed our stay at the Matchbox. It is super practical and beautiful, and it's hard not to relax once you settle in. We'll visit again and recommend that anyone does the same.

    "

    Hannes Nel - 09 Sep 2024

    12 / 12

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