Top Of The Plains

Top Of The Plains Weeknight Special
Book and stay 3 midweek nights or more between 1 May 2025 and 30 June 2025 and get 3 nights for the price of 2. Applies to bookings made after 1 May 2025. Does not apply to public holidays.

Top Of The Plains

Mt Somers, Canterbury

Top Of The Plains is located in Surrey Hills, just an hour and a half from Christchurch in the Canterbury region.

Surrounded by rolling farmland, Mt Somers, Mt Peel and Surry Hills paint a 360° masterpiece on the horizon.

Upon arrival, wind around the pebbled path, passing a wood-fired hot tub, while a majestic cabbage tree stands as a centrepiece.

Step inside the hut and embrace the luxury. Sink into the plush couches or a cuddly beanbag as the vast windows dissolve the barrier between you and the outside world. There is a modern kitchen with all the cooking supplies you'll need. The main bedroom has a plush queen bed and above is a small, yet cosy, loft with two single beds. A modern projector with streaming services allows you to enjoy the comfort with your favourite movies and shows.

An alfresco breakfast bar beckons you outside to take in the mountainscapes. Your morning coffee never tasted so good! 

Top of the Plains is a place to relax and reconnect with beautiful vistas. If you book a stay in the winter, witness the mesmerising spectacle of snow groomer lights over Mt Hutt Basin. In summer, enjoy a refreshing dip at Hinds River at the base of the farm.

FROM $360

  • Sleeps 4
  • Children welcome
DIRECTIONS
 

Top Of The Plains is located on Upper Downs Road in Surrey Hills, just 1.5 hours from Christchurch in the Canterbury region.

Please note there are no precise Google Map directions for the accommodation so you will need to carefully follow the detailed arrival instructions (which include your host's contact details) in the pre-arrival email provided 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].

Top Of The Plains

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 or WiFi?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

How does the hot tub work?

Can children stay at Top Of The Plains?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is Top Of The Plains?

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

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

    Top Of The Plains is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the oven, gas hob and BBQ provided.

    If you fancy a meal out, Stronechrubie Restaurant is just down the road. The award-winning restaurant features locally sourced meals including lamb, beef, salmon and venison. The connecting bistro restaurant also offers casual family dining. Your host also recommends Panthers Rock in Mayfield, and the Staveley Store & Cafe in Staveley as fantastic and close-by dining options.

    Methven has a great selection of dining options, whether you're looking to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Staveley Store & Cafe stands out as a perfect spot for a coffee and a bite to eat.

    The nearest stores for stocking up on food and supplies are the supermarkets in Methven, 30 minutes away, or basic supplies at Mt Somers, 10 minutes away.

  • things to do

     

    A stay at Top Of The Plains can be as relaxing or as action-packed as you feel like. Relax in the cosy cabin or savour a glass of wine in the wood-fired hot tub. Board games, cards and books are also available. 

    Head outside on the property and walk to Hinds River, on the property's boundary - well known for its agate gemstone.

    For those who wish to explore further afield, check out Aotearoa's beauty at these scenic nature walks: Awa Awa Rata ReserveSharplin Falls tracks and Woolshed Creek walkways, and Ashburton lakes - all less than a 30-minute drive away.

    For winter sports enthusiasts, Mt Hutt is less than an hour away and offers a day of skiing/snowboarding. 

    Experience ice skating at the Staveley Ice-skating and Curling Rink, only 15 minutes away.

    And if you're in Methven, the Ōpuke Thermal Spa Pools is a must-do!

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Top Of The Plains are Sarah and Craig, along with their children Annabel and Max.

    Sarah and Craig found their way to Mt Somers in 2011, embracing the farming lifestyle alongside Sarah's parents. Sarah is a mother of two and a dedicated beef farmer in Mt Somers, while Craig is a cropping farmer near Mayfield. Their love for the land is evident in the property's unique character, shaped by the rolling downs that grace it. After discovering Canopy Camping and enjoying one of the escapes themselves, Sarah and Craig decided to create their own magical glamping experience for others to enjoy.

    The name "Top of the Plains" is inspired by the enchanting views of the vast Canterbury Plains and the foothills from the cabin.

Testimonials

  • "

    We absolutely loved our stay at Top of the Plains. Such a lovely location. Beautiful views. Very well designed. I was ready to move in permanently.

    "

    Nicola Attwood - 25 Apr 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic hosts, very responsive and supportive.

    "

    Happy Guests - 22 Apr 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Lovely place, great facilities, amazing views. Comfortable home away from home.

    "

    Lynne Wilkins - 15 Apr 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    Amazing wee cabin nestled in the most beautiful setting!!

    "

    Sam Hallions - 12 Apr 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    We had an amazing time. Loved the isolation, and the view and sunrise were amazing. No TV, no clock. It was total bliss. We will return for sure.

    "

    Anita Wales - 03 Apr 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    It is a very peaceful location. I would recommend it to families or couples wanting a relaxing weekend away.

    "

    Renee Haywood - 04 Mar 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    This has to be one of my favourite places I have stayed! Everything about this stay was perfect. The atmosphere and location were so surreal, everything was so clean and tidy, and you had everything you needed within the accommodation. The hosts are very quick at responding and catered to everything you needed. Would love to stay here again.

    "

    Rebecca Cao - 23 Feb 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    This place was absolutely amazing. The views are stunning, and it is so quiet and peaceful at the accommodation. I love the games that are available in the house, both inside and out. It was amazing to stay somewhere nearby to villages, but you feel so secluded from everything. Would highly recommend to everyone.

    "

    Kelly Rutherford - 28 Jan 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    Amazing setting, stunning attention to detail!

    "

    Tamara Glyn - 12 Jan 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    My husband and I stayed here for our honeymoon, and it was beautiful! Very private, amazing scenic views, and the hot spa was great. Sarah was so helpful as we got a little bit lost finding the place, but she responded quickly, and we got there in the end. Thank you for the perfect stay for our honeymoon! We would definitely book again.

    "

    Nike Wansbrough - 13 Dec 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Lovely place to stay at. Sarah, the owner, was friendly and approachable. Communication was very clear, and the spot was easy to find. Great place to relax and unwind. The stars were amazing too at night. Would highly recommend this place.

    "

    BOXUN CHEW - 11 Dec 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    We enjoyed our stay as it was comfy and warm, had great views of the snowy mountains, and the hot tub was great to relax in at night.

    "

    Kurt Dixon - 02 Nov 2024

    12 / 12

Browse the Collection

Beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely unique... Explore the other places in our collection.

Find your escape