Top Of The Plains

Top Of The Plains

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.

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 p/n

  • Sleeps 4
  • 
            Children welcome
      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

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Minimum stay periods

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HOT TUB LIGHTING SERVICE

gift vouchers

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

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6. pets

7. GST

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10. Liability

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  • 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

  • "

    Sarah was a great host! The 360° views, paired with the hot tub, were amazing! The small details around the cabin, such as the comfortable bedding and amenities, made the trip even more special.

    "

    Talia Wirepa - 30 Sep 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    This is an exceptional retreat for rest and relaxation. The passive hut offers a cosy, warm, and tranquil environment, featuring expansive views and abundant natural light throughout the day. The outdoor hot tub is a delightful addition, and the unexpected visit from the elusive Little Owl was a charming surprise.

    "

    Anthony Patete - 30 Sep 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic location, superb accommodation and great host!

    "

    Martin Cole - 20 Sep 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    Unbelievable experience staying at Top Of The Plains. Incredible views and a clean, tidy, comfortable little cabin! Everything you could need is there for you to use. We did a day trip to the ski fields at Mount Hutt, and this accommodation was super close – the perfect place to relax after a big day. We had one of the best nights of sleep we’ve ever had! Methven is also home to Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, which is incredible and only a short drive from the cabin. Highly recommend for those looking for something a little different from the usual accommodation. The perfect place to unplug and quiet the mind!

    "

    Elissa Hewitt - 13 Sep 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    The hosts at Top of the Plains were very accommodating for us. We had a beautiful weekend hiking Stanley Falls and visiting Opuke Springs. The family time in the tub, gazing at the stars (with no air pollution), was a highlight. The small pieces of modern decor were a very nice touch, and the views were million-dollar. I highly recommend getting up for a sunrise!

    "

    Sheena Mercer - 13 Sep 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    Top of the Plains was pure magic. Quiet and peaceful, warm and welcoming, with stunning 360-degree views. Just heaven!

    "

    Matt Heron - 16 Aug 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Really enjoyed my stay and wish I had booked it for longer! Didn’t want to leave – it was comfortable, cosy, and had everything you need. Loved the amenities and extra little touches (e.g., cute lamps scattered everywhere, floral decor). The host was responsive and friendly as well. Would highly recommend to friends and family and will definitely book again next time I’m in the South Island.

    "

    Angelica Peralta - 31 Jul 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    We loved staying here. Such a gorgeous wee house, beautiful furnishings, peaceful setting, and a stunning, expansive outlook. Would love to stay again.

    "

    Andrea Meldrum - 24 Jul 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    A fantastic view with high-quality amenities. The hot tub was awesome!

    "

    Vaughan Ward - 16 Jul 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    We absolutely loved our stay at Top of the Plains. It's such a beautiful cabin, brand new, with all the amenities needed for a few relaxing nights away. Sarah and Don were fantastic hosts and looked after us so well. Can't recommend this enough!

    "

    Oliver Oxenham - 25 Jun 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    We loved Top of the Plains. The cabin itself was well thought out, cosy, and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay.

    "

    Deb McKenzie - 25 Jun 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely loved escaping away to Top Of The Plains. It's a secluded paradise in a stunning setting, where you can switch off devices and just be in awe of the view and surroundings.

    "

    Jess Farrar - 20 May 2024

    12 / 12

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