Sophie's

Sophie's

Darfield, Canterbury

Sophie's - Manawa o Waikirikiri, translating to 'heart of the Selwyn' in Te Reo Māori, is 20 minutes from Darfield and just over one hour from Christchurch in Canterbury.

Nestled amidst native bush ferns along the banks of the Selwyn River, Sophie's is a retreat seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings.

Within the spacious Lotus Belle tent is a queen bed, offering a direct vista to the tree tops through the tent's skylight. Beautifully decorated with soft neutral colours the interior is restful and cosy. A special tent woodburner keeps you toasty warm in the evenings. A covered-lean to kitchen area and bathroom is just five meters from the tent's entrance.

Wake to the calls of native birds, such as bellbirds and wood pigeons and in the morning head to the river for picnic breakfast, followed by a refreshing dip. As the day winds down, savour the magic by toasting marshmallows in the hand-built sunken fire pit area - or indulge in relaxation with a soak in the wood-fired hot tub surrounded by lush greenery.

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity, the rustling river, and the enchantment of a nature-centric escape at Sophie's - Manawa o Waikirikiri.

FROM $285

  • Sleeps 2
DIRECTIONS


Sophie's is 20 minutes from Darfield and just over one hour from Christchurch in Canterbury.

There is no physical address for the accommodation on Whitecliffs Road so you will need to follow the detailed arrival instructions (which include your host's contact details) in the pre-arrival email provided 5 days before 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].

Sophie's

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 Sophie's Glamping?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is Sophie's Glamping?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

Will I come across creatures and critters during my stay?

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Can I book for one night only?

Minimum stay periods

rates

hot tub lighting service

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

    Sophie's is self-catering. Just bring your food and drink, and cook meals using the two-burner gas stove and an open-fire firepit area provided to prepare your meals. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you fancy dining out, Darfield, 20 minutes away has a variety of enticing options to explore. Take in the alpine views at Terrace Downs while savouring fresh, local cuisine. Grain & Grape is your local hub for exceptional food and drinks. Gunyah Country Estate is a historic building nestled in a picturesque rural setting. Or drive 20 minutes to Hororata to try the famous pies at the Hororata Pie Shop

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is the Glentunnel Store (it is a small Corner Store yet packed with so many items!)

  • things to do

    Sophie's allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life - just a short hop from the city. Immerse yourself in the tranquil natural beauty, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle murmur of the river.

    The tent is a short distance from a popular swimming hole. Head in for a swim! Note that the Selwyn River is open to the public, so you may see or hear others enjoying this natural facility too. If you have a fishing license, the Selwyn River is also a popular fishing option! 

    Alternatively, stay in the privacy of your campsite and soak up the fresh air and birdsong while soaking in the luxurious wood-fired hot tub, letting your worries melt away.

    If you're looking for a scenic nature walk, Washpen Falls (30 minutes away) is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down into a crystal-clear pool, perfect for swimming or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Rakaia Gorge (30 minutes away) is a scenic gorge carved by the Rakaia River, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Castle Hill is 1 hour away, featuring thousands of limestone boulders that have been sculpted by erosion over millions of years.

    Terrace Downs Golf Resort (25 minutes away) offers a world-class golfing experience, set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Sophie's - Manawa o Waikirikiri are Callum and Ellen.

    With their children Arybella and Sophie, and furry friends Huxley and Pidge, they've cherished this riverside haven for seven years. Ellen, a nurse, and Callum, a builder and landscaper, have transformed the property into a beautiful retreat.

    Passionate about sharing the beauty they've cultivated, the family was inspired by the joy of glamping and wanted to create something of their own.

    Sophie's is named after their second daughter, and the description 'Manawa o Waikirikiri' translates to 'heart of the Selwyn' in Te Reo Māori.

Testimonials

  • "

    Amazing stay.

    "

    Mikayla Ringdahl - 21 May 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Something unique and special right in our backyard that we had no idea existed! How cool to travel just 30 minutes and be able to find something different and exciting!

    "

    Sophie Cullen - 12 May 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    We absolutely loved Sophie’s glamping! So much privacy, and we loved being unplugged and in nature. The hot tub and kitchen were amazing, and we loved being next to the river and falling asleep to the sound of it. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone and everyone! A lovely escape.

    "

    Gemma Cliffe - 05 Apr 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful setting and tasteful layout inside and out. Didn’t want to leave.

    "

    Mark Lochhead - 11 Mar 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely beautiful place. Ten out of ten, I recommend the experience to everyone.

    "

    Mahayla Stewart - 07 Mar 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    The scenery and atmosphere is so beautiful. Such a lovely spot, and lovely host’s. 10/10 would recommend!

    "

    Mackenzie Everett - 22 Feb 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    Amazing place to stay. The beautiful sounds of the river and the great view of nature made the stay unforgettable. Highly recommend.

    "

    Colin Good - 04 Feb 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    Magical! Everything is so carefully considered and thoughtful.

    "

    Rachel Ryan - 09 Jan 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    Such an amazing getaway, very romantic. Everything was clean and easy to use, with a book of instructions to follow. Would highly recommend.

    "

    Karly Falwasser - 27 Nov 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely gorgeous and so welcoming! So honoured to have stayed.

    "

    Kirby Rose Wadsworth - 25 Nov 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    This was a perfect slice of paradise. The peacefulness of nature was beautiful, and relaxing in the hot tub underneath the night sky was perfection. We will definitely be back.

    "

    Amie Kavanagh - 20 Nov 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Couldn’t recommend Sophie’s enough! Most incredible setting for a tranquil weekend away as a couple.

    "

    Brooke Williams - 15 Nov 2024

    12 / 12

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