The Matchbox

Winter midweek special | Stay 3 pay 2
Book and stay 3 midweek nights or more between 1 April 2025 and 31 August 2025 and get 3 nights for the price of 2. Applies to bookings made after 1 April 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

Directions

The Matchbox

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

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

  • "

    The Matchbox was incredible. An ideal place to simply relax and admire the view for a few days. The view is simply stunning, one of the most incredible sunrises we have ever seen. It has a skylight over the bed so you can go to sleep under the stars and moon, and the hot tub, farm-fresh meat and eggs, and privacy are all awesome. Thanks Karen and Adam for a very memorable and relaxing stay.

    "

    Mark Robinson - 12 May 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Our stay at The Matchbox tiny home was incredible! The property is absolutely stunning, with breathtaking views of rolling hills, farmland, and even the ocean in the distance. It’s a secluded and intimate spot, perfect for a peaceful escape, yet still conveniently close to the main road. The tiny home itself was spotless, thoughtfully designed, and very well maintained. We especially appreciated the eco-friendly, solar-powered setup. Host Adam was fantastic – very responsive and available for any questions we had. One of the highlights was enjoying farm-to-table steaks from their onsite butchery for dinner – such a unique and delicious experience! We highly recommend this stay to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable getaway.

    "

    Amanda Weirmier - 05 May 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Amazing place to stay! Views are amazing, clean and tidy. Loved it!

    "

    lily williams - 27 Apr 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    The Matchbox is an absolutely beautiful little whare. Completely private with stunning views and everything you need, it felt like a cosy winter getaway that left us feeling completely relaxed. We stayed for as long as we possibly could.

    "

    Sophie Roberts - 22 Apr 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    Excellent place to stay. Stunning views, modern facilities and a superb host!

    "

    Toby Harden - 19 Apr 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    The Matchbox is a beautifully crafted building with a fantastic view looking across farmland to the sea beyond.

    "

    Anna Kempthorne - 13 Apr 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    We were both instantly relaxed as soon as we arrived! We spent our time truly unwinding, chatting, and enjoying the view that Adam and Karen have on their property. We didn’t realise that Adam has an on-farm butchery business, and we look forward to ordering from them soon.

    "

    Billie-marie Henry - 09 Apr 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    My husband is not normally a relaxer, and he relaxed! We did not want to leave it was a perfect ten out of ten and we will be booking again for next month!

    "

    sam carter - 08 Mar 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    Cute little get away.

    "

    Shayal Cheema - 07 Mar 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    Great hot tub for stargazing.

    "

    Casey Plunket - 04 Mar 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    Lovely, quiet place with amazing views and an awesome rustic look. Will definitely be back.

    "

    Amy Phillips - 25 Feb 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    Great spot, awesome views and loved the hot tub.

    "

    Paula Auld - 17 Dec 2024

    12 / 12

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