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

A $50 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

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 time is check-in and check-out?

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

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. 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. 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

    1 / 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

    2 / 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

    3 / 12

  • "

    Top of the Plains is an amazing place to getaway for a couple of days. A beautiful, warm, comfy cabin and beautiful scenery. Highly recommend.

    "

    Tim Faulkner - 14 May 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    We loved our wee getaway at Top Of The Plains. The scenery was amazing. My daughter loved going to say hello to the cows. A spa under the starlight while having a glass of red made our whole trip.

    "

    - 24 Apr 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    We had a wonderful stay at Top of the Plains. The location with surrounding views is stunning. The place itself has everything you need and all amazing quality. 100% recommend to anyone.

    "

    - 16 Apr 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Very well thought out cabin with great facilities and amazing views. Exceptionally clean and tidy. 10/10.

    "

    - 16 Apr 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    Simply magic!

    "

    - 09 Apr 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely loved our stay at Top Of The Plains! Beautiful spot and has everything and more that you’d want for a getaway.

    "

    - 04 Apr 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Awesome hideaway and a great layout. Awesome job team.

    "

    - 29 Mar 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Sarah has been an awesome host. I loved my stay there. Nights and days are unique from each other. I would still love to come back here for another quiet retreat.

    "

    - 21 Mar 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely blown away by Top Of The Plains. Beautiful location, stunning views, and the accommodation was next level! No expense spared, with lots of beautiful touches both inside and out.

    "

    - 18 Mar 2024

    12 / 12

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