Tawanui Farm - The Domes | Cheviot, Canterbury

Tawanui Farm - The Domes

Cheviot, Canterbury

Tawanui Farm Glamping is located between Kaikoura and Christchurch on the East coast of the South Island. It's an easy 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch and just 15 minutes from the township of Cheviot. On the same property is Tawanui Farm - A Frame Cabin, a luxury escape for couples.

The accommodation is set on rolling farmland, surrounded by kanuka and pine plantations. Two geodesic domes, a central camp kitchen and a large hot tub are sensitively landscaped into a gentle hillside. You'll get exclusive use of the whole campsite, regardless of how many people are in your group.

An incredible 180-degree view in front of the site looks down toward the Hurunui River, with views from the inland Kaikoura mountain ranges and the North to the Pacific Ocean.

Tawanui Farm is a working sheep, beef and deer farm so you'll see plenty of animal and birdlife. Your hosts offer ATV farm tours across their spectacular property - a great opportunity to get up close and personal. Or for the adrenalin junkies, give their Hurunui River Jet boating a try!

At the end of the day, relax in the hot tub under a vast and starry night sky, before getting cosy in your beautiful, heated dome.

Waking up to a new day you'll hear the birds singing from the pine plantation behind the site, and on some mornings, you can even hear the ocean - 3kms from the campsite.

EATING AND DRINKING

Tawanui Farm Glamping is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

Need a break from the kitchen? Cheviot is a quick 15-minute drive away, offering delicious options. Number Eight Cafe is a great choice. For hearty meals, try the Cheviot Trust Hotel. And don't miss the Boys Souvlaki van Cheviot for the best kebabs and takeaway options.

If you want to go further afield, the Waipara wine area is 40 minutes South, or Kaikoura is 1 hour North.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Cheviot.

THINGS TO DO

At the campsite, there's board games, petanque, and plenty of space to kick a ball. But if you can bear to tear yourself away from the giant 6-8 person gas-heated hot tub and spectacular views of the campsite, you'll find plenty to do in the area.

Your hosts, the Loughnan family, operate Energy Jet, Hurunui River Experiences if you're keen for a jetboating adventure. They also offer ATV farm tours for those keen to see a true kiwi farm in action (Check out the Rates and Extras button for more information).

There's also swimming and fishing available at the Hurunui River, 10 minutes drive away, and surfing and swimming at Gore Bay, 20 minutes away. The Manuka Bay DOC track from the Hurunui River mouth to Gore Bay is a 10-minute drive away.

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Tawanui Farm are Mike, Elspeth and Tim Loughnan - and a nicer bunch of people you couldn't hope to meet.

The Loughnan family are the fifth generation to farm and live in the Blythe Valley. Tawanui Farm is situated towards the mouth of the Hurunui River and overlooks its beautiful waters

Mike and eldest son Tim share the responsibilities of running the 450ha sheep and beef farm along with its tourism ventures, Energy Jet and Tawanui Farm Glamping and farm tours. Elspeth teaches at the local Cheviot Area School. Tim’s other siblings Virginia and Hugh are both involved in Environmental Consultancy in Christchurch

The neighbouring Hurunui River has been a huge part of their lives, mainly on a recreational level. Showing people their part of the country is huge passion for the family. Combining the novelty of glamping with the thrill of jet boating and farm tours has given them a great platform for introducing their beautiful corner of the world to visitors - both Kiwi and international.

TESTIMONIALS

“ We had a great, relaxing time and loved the place so much. Tim was a wonderful host. ”

Bronwyn O'Keefe- 2025-04-05

20 / 20

“ Celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary at the Domes at Tawanui Farm and absolutely loved the experience. Such a unique and special stay with unbelievable views, and the hosts were incredibly warm, responsive, and accommodating from start to finish. The little hedgehog visitor was definitely a cutie! A truly memorable getaway. ”

Kaye Hamlig- 2026-05-26

1 / 20

“ Beautiful location, can't beat waking up to amazing sunrise views from the domes. ”

Alisha Lockie- 2026-05-11

2 / 20

“ Beautiful view, comfortable kitchen and lounge, non smelly composting toilets. ”

Julie Benjamin- 2026-04-01

3 / 20

“ We had an amazing family getaway. We've met one of the hosts, Tim, and he was very lovely. The view was beautiful and the place was also. Have posted on social media sharing pictures and a lot of our friends have asked where it was. Could not recommend it enough. Thank you. ”

Chidchanok O'Connell- 2026-03-10

4 / 20

“ Lovely private and quiet setting. Being able to do a farm tour and jet boat ride was a lovely bonus. ”

Julie Anne Hicks- 2026-02-17

5 / 20

“ Such a fantastic set up, with the most beautiful views! Tim was an awesome host, really responsive and very welcoming. 10/10 would recommend for an elevated camping getaway. ”

Isla McNaught- 2026-02-16

6 / 20

“ It was our second time visiting, it's such a beautiful place! ”

Tamara Glyn- 2026-01-18

7 / 20

“ Great location, great communication from the hosts, and super easy set up to enjoy our stay. Thanks heaps. ”

Rebecca Stevens- 2026-01-02

8 / 20

“ The place is amazing. The domes were so warm and cosy. Our host was great, explained how to use everything well made us feel very welcomed. Loved the hot tub too. ”

Shantzee Donehue- 2025-11-03

9 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our escape! The domes were so warm and sheltered. Great communal space for everyone with plenty of space for the kids to run around freely. ”

Di Lake- 2025-10-25

10 / 20

“ Absolutely amazing accommodation. Great facilities with a rustic charm set in a peaceful scenic location. We had a lovely time with family. Many thanks. ”

John Vercoe- 2025-09-25

11 / 20

“ Amazing setting and wonderful hosts who went above and beyond. Highly recommend. ”

Tamara Glyn- 2025-08-27

12 / 20

“ Absolutely recommend. Tim is easy to communicate with, super friendly and did everything in his power to make the stay as best as it could be. It's awesome to have the jet boat ride as part of the package. Would fully recommend this stay. It was our pleasure to stay and we will again at some stage. The stars from in bed in the dome to waking up to the sunrise is a wonderful experience. Thank you. ”

Karyn Haugh- 2025-07-21

13 / 20

“ Beautiful location and great facilities. ”

Meryl Keefer- 2025-07-11

14 / 20

“ Great relaxing environment. Hosts were great communicators and quickly showed us around the property, then left us to it. ”

James Abbott- 2025-05-08

15 / 20

“ Amazing hosts, amazing location. Nothing more you could possibly ask for! ”

Michael Campbell- 2025-04-29

16 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our stay at Tawanui Farm. Picture perfect weekend with stunning views enjoyed from the hot tub at sunset and sunrise. Beautifully rustic, yet luxurious! Can't recommend this stay enough. ”

Gretel Major- 2025-04-27

17 / 20

“ Such an amazing spot! It felt safe and had stunning views. Will definitely be back. ”

Libby Sheehy- 2025-04-17

18 / 20

“ Excellent relaxing place to stay. Great hosts, everything was fantastic. ”

Scott Wilson- 2025-04-07

19 / 20

“ We had a great, relaxing time and loved the place so much. Tim was a wonderful host. ”

Bronwyn O'Keefe- 2025-04-05

20 / 20

Kaye Hamlig- 2026-05-26

1 / 20

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