The Matchbox

Last Minute Spring Special | Stay 3 Pay 2

Book and stay 3 midweek nights or more between 1 September 2025 and 30 November 2025 and get 3 nights for the price of 2. Applies to bookings made after 19 August 2025. Does not apply to public holidays.

The Matchbox

Waimate, 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 $310

  • Sleeps 4
  • Children welcome
Address
 

244 Broad Gully Road, Morven 7979

directions
 

The Matchbox is located 15 minutes from Waimate, 3.5 hours from Queenstown, 2 hours from Dunedin and 2 hours and 40 mins from Christchurch.

The entrance to the Matchbox is located at 244 Broad Gully Road, and is marked with a very large hanging macrocarpa slab with the distinctive name Ti Kouka Hills. There is a Canopy Camping badge attached to the fence below. The rapid number is 244, and the site is on the right hand side of the road. If you pass the three green containers and silver shed, you have gone too far.

The key is located in a lockbox on the back of the hardwood box just to the left of the kitchen door. The code for the lockbox will be supplied in a pre-arrival email 5 days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

The Matchbox

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?

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?

Farm to plate packs

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

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • "

    Such a beautiful location and peaceful place. Would happily stay again.

    "

    Sarah Tann - 21 Oct 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Loved the location, the view was awesome and the facilities provided everything we needed. Very enjoyable

    "

    Noeline - 14 Oct 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    As first-time glampers, we were a little apprehensive about what to expect staying at The Matchbox. Andy and Karen, the hosts, made it very easy with the booking and access to the facility. Upon arrival, the facilities were exceptionally clean and tidy, our meat package was ready for us, and the whole two-night stay was simply blissful with a warm fire and hot tub to enjoy the hours away. We would have no hesitation in recommending the Matchbox to anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy lives and take time out to just relax and enjoy the views.

    "

    Steve Reeves - 07 Oct 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    A wonderful night away with our two boys. They loved the outdoor hot tub, playing board games, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The Matchbox is very cosy and clean.

    "

    Loral Ford - 05 Oct 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful place to stay with the family! The views are simply breathtaking. Great stay!

    "

    Martina Cutajar - 07 Oct 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    Great views, lucky enough to see the stars. Very nice meat supplied. Enjoyed the fire pit and BBQ. Well done, Adam and Karen, on making The Matchbox a great stay.

    "

    Stephen Rouse - 29 Aug 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    The most outstanding stay at The Matchbox. Everything was to an exceptional standard and the amenities were amazing. The most amazing spot and view. Will absolutely stay here again. 10/10.

    "

    Katelin Henderson - 05 Aug 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic outlook, warm and cosy with the fire. A perfect place for a winter getaway with the hot tub. We didn’t want to leave! Will definitely be back.

    "

    Trudy Lewis - 12 Aug 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic views! Excellent communication from hosts! Lovely atmosphere! Would stay at The Matchbox again!

    "

    Wendy Farquhar - 21 Jul 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic views, warm cosy cabin, what a dream!

    "

    COURTNEY - 17 Jul 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    Such a relaxing place to get away from city life, so peaceful and cosy. Well equipped for self-catering, but handy to Oamaru to go out for a meal too.

    "

    Anna McCarthy - 29 Jul 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    Great escape. Views were amazing and it was nice to be somewhere where you felt cosy and comfortable. We went as a girls' getaway of four people and we loved it.

    "

    Sandra Curragh - 12 Jul 2025

    12 / 12

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