Sophie's

Sophie's

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 $275 p/n

  • 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

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HOW DOES THE HOT TUB WORK?

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Minimum stay periods

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Gift Vouchers

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

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  • 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

  • "

    "

    Brooke Williams - 11 Nov 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    This was the most tranquil stay I have ever had. Absolutely exceeded my expectations. Ellen was amazing and helped with any questions. 10000% would love to come back.

    "

    Rosalie Richards - 10 Nov 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    Amazing setting. Everything you need to forget the world for a day.

    "

    Andrew Peck - 06 Oct 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    Highly recommend Sophie's, it was peaceful, relaxing and had everything you needed to enjoy your stay.

    "

    Vicki Scoles - 30 Sep 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    Best experience!!

    "

    Sheila Yapan - 18 Sep 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    We had a wonderful time at Sophie's. It exceeded our expectations. Everything has been so well thought out that it would be hard to fault our stay.

    "

    Annabelle Lewis - 16 Aug 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Thanks for an amazing stay. Couldn’t have asked for a better break away.

    "

    Chelsea Kersten - 31 Jul 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    Highly recommend this place; it was amazing. Great atmosphere. Everything you needed was there. At night, the place was lit up with lights around the area. Will definitely be booking again.

    "

    Kirsty Gordon - 16 Jul 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    The most magical place, right in the heart of Selwyn! Perfect for a staycation, super close to the city! Highly recommend!

    "

    Celica Camba - 03 Jul 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Sophie’s is such a beautifully touched place with amazing views and the lovely sound of nature. I highly recommend Sophie’s and cannot wait to be back for another weekend getaway from the hustling, bustling city.

    "

    shaniqua novaliana gawler - 26 Jun 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    The whole atmosphere was amazing from the moment we walked through the gate down to the tent site. Having the hot tub preheated for our arrival was a lovely touch by our host. Wonderful stay and would do it again in a heartbeat.

    "

    Suzy Laurie - 22 Jun 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Such a great little place to stay. Loved the setting and the perfect atmosphere to relax during our stay.

    "

    Dominique Weir - 22 Jun 2024

    12 / 12

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