Fossickers Hut is situated near small, historic, gold-mining town, Canvastown, on the main route to Nelson from either Picton or Blenhiem. It's a convenient one hour from Nelson, and 40 minutes from Blenheim.
Staying at Fossickers Hut is like taking a step back in time. Canvastown was once a popular goldmining town, and remnants of the gold workings surrounding the hut, are reminiscent of a time when the valley was populated by 2000 gold prospectors. The pioneer-style of Fossickers Hut was designed by artistic owners, Craig and Jodie, as a nod to these early settlers.
The single-roomed hut is tucked into native bush, perched on a bluff above the serene Wakamarina River. Beautiful handcrafted features fill the little space, right down to the ceramic light shades and hand-made-by-Jodie individual plates and bowls in the camp kitchen. An old coal range in the lean-to kitchen, and outdoor, fire-heated bath, adds to the historic vibe. Inside the hut, a wood-burning stove and a comfortable queen-size bed create a cosy, inviting space. A roof loft, accessed by ladder, is an adventurous sleeping spot for the kids.
Bird lovers will delight in the abundance of fantails, tui, woodpigeon and morepork in the bush surrounding the hut. At night, discover the secret grotto nearby, which reveals walls of glow worms - before a soak in the outdoor bath under a sky covered in stars.
FROM
$250
p/n
Sleeps
4
Child Friendly
Vaccination required
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.
Getting There
FAQS
Rates and Extras
Booking Terms
Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.
Fossicker's Hut is on the main route to Nelson from either Picton or Blenheim. It's a convenient one hour from Nelson, one hour from Picton and 40 minutes from Blenheim.
Yes, Fossickers Hut is one of our places that requires guests 12 and over to have a Covid-19 vaccination certificate. This will apply to all bookings made after 26th November 2021 and will NOT apply to bookings made prior to this date.
You may be asked to present your vaccine pass before your stay or on arrival if the host requests this.
The majority of our places can operate safely without vaccine mandates, so if you are looking for accommodation that does not require a vaccine certificate, you will find plenty of alternative options.
Fossickers Hut is a small timber pioneer-style hut. It has a queen bed, and a loft accessed by a ladder with 2 extra squabs, perfect for children. Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied.
The queen bed is made up with 100% cotton linen. All beds have either wool or feather duvets.
The kitchen is a lean-to, partly open air space with a gas ring and a coal range for cooking. There is bench space for food preparation and hot water for dishes. All the pots, cutlery and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. Cool food storage is a chilly-bin in the camp kitchen. Replacement cold packs for longer stays will be provided.
Some pantry basics are provided - cooking oil, salt, pepper, tea and sugar.
The camp bathroom is situated on the deck to the side of the hut and the facilities consist of a cosy, partially covered in outdoor shower and sink, both with instant hot water provided by a gas califont. A small distance away is the pleasant-to-use composting toilet. There is also a wood-fired outdoor bath with river views for soaking in.
There is no mains power at Fossickers Hut - it is completely off-the-grid. Solar power provides lighting and also phones can be charged at the hut via the solar power source. Energy for hot water and cooking is supplied via LPG gas bottles.
There is no mobile reception down at the hut, but Spark mobile phone reception can usually be found on the driveway, otherwise Canvastown, 5km away is your nearest reception point. Phones can be charged at the hut via the solar power source.
Fossicker's Hut is open for Winter stays, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping!
Fossicker's Hut has lots of warm bedding, a wood-burner in the hut, and lots of other elements to make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure, brush up on your fire-lighting skills, and be prepared for the elements!
Yes - Fossickers Hut can accommodate 2 children in the loft bedroom. There are safety considerations with the property - in particular - there is a river nearby, and some steep sections in the bush surrounding the hut, so children do need to be supervised carefully. We think Fossickers is best suited to couples, or families with school aged children.
Access to Fossickers Hut is by a short but steep walking track. Your car will be parked in a safe car park on the property and all your luggage and supplies will be transported up the hill by your hosts, Craig and Jodie. The walk requires a moderate level of fitness! It takes about 10 minutes. It can get muddy, especially in the Spring, Winter and Autumn months, so make sure you bring some appropriate footwear and a sense of adventure. On departure, your gear will be transported back down the track for you.
Food and drink - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay, including tea, coffee, cooking oil etc.
Walking shoes or boots for walking up up to the hut and exploring the property.
Warm clothes - it can be very chilly in the mornings and at night. A warm jersey and long pants are a must.
Shower and bath toiletries - don’t forget your eco-friendly bubble bath if you’re partial to froth in your outdoor bath!
Insect repellent and sunscreen - A must have! (Jodie makes a really effective all natural ingredients insect repellent which is for sale at the hut for $10 a jar)
The property is a large, wild and bush clad property, with some sections of steep slopes, and uneven bush tracks, where extra care needs to be taken. There are water hazards on the property, in particular, the nearby river - caution needs to be exercised in and around the river and at certain times when there has been a lot of rain, it may not be suitable for swimming. It's very important to follow the safety guidelines and terms that you’ll find in our booking terms and in your guide found inside the hut.
There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night).
Please note that single nights on weekends are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online with a $50 Single Night Surcharge applicable.
Weeknights:
Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) with a Single Night Surcharge of $50 applicable.
Public Holiday Weekends:
The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies for Fossickers Hut.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Fossickers Hut.
Weekends:
There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night).
Please note that single nights on weekends are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online with a $50 Single Night Surcharge applicable.
Weeknights:
Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) with a Single Night Surcharge of $50 applicable.
Public Holiday Weekends:
The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
The standard nightly rate for two or more night stay is $250 per night for up to two people
Up to two extra children can be accommodated in the loft for $25 per child, per night.
Single Night Surcharge:
Where single nights are bookable (see Minimum Stay Periods) a Single Night Surcharge of $50 applies. Please apply this during the online booking process.
The Single Night Surcharge applies to all one night stays, even when there is only one night available. By their nature, glamping sites are more remote and time-consuming to service than more standard accommodation types. Therefore, in order to cover the costs and time involved, a Single Night Surcharge is applicable to all one night stays.
Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for all of our Canopy Camping Escapes glamping sites. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.
1.1 If you book within 28 days of your stay, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 days prior to your stay a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments.
1.2 Once you have made the online booking and payment, you will receive an email confirming both the payment and your booking details.
1.3 If you book more than 28 days prior to your stay, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 days prior to your arrival date. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your internet banking payment has not been received within 24 - 48 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment.
1.4 If you are unable to pay the balance before the stated due date, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.
1.5 Bookings made online within 48 hours of arrival will not be confirmed immediately. Once the campsite has agreed that the booking can be honoured, the guest will be informed by Canopy Camping Escapes and the credit card used for the online booking will be charged the full balance of the stay. Note that there is a 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) fee.
2.1Canopy Camping reserves the right to cancel the booking in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:
(a) Extreme weather conditions that mean accessing or staying may pose a safety risk for the guest;
(b) Any alteration to the host property which may pose a safety risk for the guest;
(c) Unexpected damage or destruction of the site;
(d) A death in the host families.
Canopy Camping’s liability will be limited to refund of booking cost and under no circumstances shall extend to any other incidental or other costs incurred by the client. In the unlikely event that Canopy Camping must exercise this option it will use its best endeavours to offer either a full refund, or to alter the booking to another date, or site at no additional cost or penalty.
2.2 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 21 days prior to your arrival.
2.3 Cancellation or date changes by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.
2.4 Date changes made more than 21 days prior to your original arrival date are allowed without penalty.
3.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you enter the property at your own risk to participate in a glamping holiday.
3.2 Participation in activities such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.
3.3 Canopy Camping Escapes accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.
No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets.
GST of 15% (where the accommodation is GST-registered) is included in the daily per night cost. A tax receipt will be supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes if requested.
6.1 Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.
6.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the accommodation.
6.3 Guests shall take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects in or on the property and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period.
6.4 Guests are required to inform the owner of any damage or breakage in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next guests. Guests are bound to reimburse the owners for replacement or repair.
6.5 Where the property has not been left in the same state of condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, the guest will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100.
6.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.
6.7 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consultation with Canopy Camping Escapes.
The person who completes the Booking Form certifies that: he or she is authorised to agree the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; the signatory is over eighteen years of age; they agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property, and to notify Canopy Camping Escapes if they are not a member of the holiday party.
Fossickers Hut is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook using the coal range and facilities provided in your camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.
If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Canvastown is 5 minutes away, and Havelock is just a 15-minute drive and has The Captain's Daughter, Mills Bay Mussels, Slip Inn, and several other cafes to choose from. The retro caravan called the Taco Shack does lunch in summer and comes highly recommended by your hosts!
A 4 Square shop for supplies can be found in Havelock, and the nearest supermarket is in Blenheim (40 minutes drive).
Things To Do
Fossicker's Hut is the perfect place to stop, relax and take in the serenity.
The beautiful Wakamarina River is right at your doorstep. Take a dip in the pristine, cool swimming hole - the perfect antidote to a hot Marlborough day. Or jump in the kayak and go for a paddle! Try your luck with gold panning using one of the pans provided. You never know what you might find...
If you feel like some action, Fossicker's Hut is a great base to explore the natural attractions of the region.
Bring your bikes with you, and take an easy ride to the end of the valley (a 15km ride). You can also drive up, and do the fantastic 2 hour loop walk through beautiful native bush.
Get famililar with the history of the area and check out the historic gold trail nearby, complete with interesting information panels.
Havelock township (15 minutes drive away), is the gateway to Pelorus Sound - perfect for kayaking and boating. Or give river rafting a try! (Havelock also has a river rafting company).
Pelorus Bridge is 10 minutes drive away, and you'll find a cafe and great easy bush walks in a prime example of virgin bush.
For keen mountain bikers, Wakamarina Track at the end of the valley is also an epic mountain bike ride and "the best one day ride in New Zealand".
Your Hosts
Craig and Jodie moved from the Otago Peninsula to the Wakamarina Valley in 2011. They purchased their riverside property as a bare block of land, freshly carved off an existing farm. Since then, they've developed it into a beautiful self-sufficient lifestyle block.
Jodie is a ceramic artist and part-time farmer, and Craig is a jeweller and builder.
Jodie and Craig believe in keeping life real and making the most of where they live. They live as self sufficiently as possible. They grow most of their own food, and produce their own power through solar panels and a small home built hydro generator. They keep sheep, geese, chickens and pig, and catch fish frequently in the Marlborough Sounds.
Fossicker's Hut has been created by this talented couple with creativity and flair. It's an eclectic mix of recycled materials, collected over years. Jodie and Craig were keen to acknowledge the craftsmanship of days gone by in its construction - and they have achieved a completely charming and peaceful retreat with the outcome.
"
Such a beautiful stay at Fossickers Hut. My 5-year-old loves the loft, wood-fired bath, glowworms, and the little walk down to the river. We love the chance 'to front only the essential facts of life'. A perfect place to pause.
"
- 08 Nov 2021
"
Fossicker’s Hut is a place out of time...a place to disconnect and replenish ... the perfect place to restore your soul...a real gem, just hanging on top of a stunning river with a little beach. Everything has been thought so carefully and with so much taste and love. The coal heating facilities make you travel in the 1850’s ! We loved everything, the host were great we will be back! Many thanks to Craig and Jodie to have created this unique and so special peaceful place.
"
- 26 Oct 2021
"
Amazing relaxing spot perched above a lovely river. Very thoughtfully done.
"
Duncan Bright - 01 May 2021
"
The cabin is located in a beautiful part of NZ with a fantastic outlook over the river. Small and cosy with a great fire and fantastic facilities in kitchen. The shower and bath were fantastic too.
"
Gavin O’connor - 23 Apr 2021
"
The Fossicker’s Hut is a stunning little hideaway. Perfectly equipped and situated in a tranquil spot overlooking the river. We stayed for a night but felt like we’d been away for a week!
"
Rachael Watson - 11 Mar 2021
"
Fossicker’s Hut is quite simply the best way to get away from it all. We love the simplicity, we love the location. There is no internet, no cellphone coverage & therefore you are really getting away from it all. All you can hear are the birds, the river & the occasional sheep. It’s perfect.
"
Naomi Black - 25 Feb 2021
"
It was a slice of heaven! Off the grid to heal the mind and soul! Was just majestic!
"
Jacqui Winslow - 11 Feb 2021
"
If your looking for paradise, you found it. Great hosts, great hut and great area. We loved it so much we're looking for our own slice if paradise up there 😃
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Craig Bone - 02 Feb 2021
"
Fossicker’s Hut is the perfect hideaway for people who are looking to have days to do nothing but relax, find peace, read a book or go for a swim. Also for people needing a tech detox. The place gives you all the simple pleasures in life in such a beautiful package.
"
Isabel Aquino - 19 Jan 2021
"
So secluded while not being remote. I've never felt so relaxed. The hosts were so lovely!
"
Sam Wooding - 12 Jan 2021
"
The chance to relax and recharge with no phones, tv, radio or internet - enjoyed the remote location - the whole experience was great - Craig & Jodie were great hosts.
"
Nigel & Debbie Newman - 14 Dec 2020
"
We loved the setting above the river and the bath. The hut is full of character and comfortable. It was a great place to unwind for a few days.
"
Lorraine Adams - 09 Nov 2020
"
Such an amazing spot! Really enjoyed waking up to the sound of the birds and the river and absolutely loved bathing under the stars. Very relaxing!
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Emma Malcolm-Coe - 19 Oct 2020
"
What a wonderful experience living off the grid, such an adventure! Skipping stones down by the river, baths under the stars, huddling around the fire and peeping at glowworm in the bush were all part of it. Great for all seasons, we will be back! Thank you!
"
Sherydan Muir - 23 Sep 2020
"
We loved the absolute serenity of the location. It feels like the forest is your playground with lots to explore around the hut. Keeping all the fires going and enjoying a midnight bath with stars and moreporks is a highlight we will not soon forget. Have never had such a good night's sleep - the constant sound of the river is so good for the soul.
"
Anna Smith - 17 Sep 2020
"
This was a fabulous, relaxing place to stay. Highly recommend it.
"
Jan Clark - 16 Sep 2020
"
We had the most relaxing time here, sitting on the deck in the sun in the day and by the fire at night. Everything is well appointed and very charming.and we had everything we needed. A brilliant off-grid night away.
"
Louise Taylor - 10 Sep 2020
"
We stayed at Fossicker's Hut in July (mid-Winter) and it was everything we hoped for. Sure we couldn't get in the river but the outdoor bath more than made up for it. I'd thoroughly recommend this place to anyone keen to get away from it for a while. It was comfortable, warm, set in stunning scenery, had a well-stocked wood pile ... superb.
"
Steven Smith - 30 Jul 2020
"
Its a treasure box! We loved it, the hosts’ attention to details are just absolutely amazing.. there was only one problem, two nights were not enough so we have to go back.
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- 30 Jul 2020
"
Fossicker's Hut was a highlight of our trip in the South Island. Our children loved the outdoor bath and the glow worm grotto. We loved hearing the river from the hut and the small homemade touches. Highly recommend.
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Leana Hunt - 30 Jul 2020
"
The environment is amazing with a very unique experience that we've never have before, Craig and Jodie are very friendly and helpful, highly recommended.
"
Shawn Chang - 26 Jul 2020
"
Traveled here for our anniversary and absolutely loved it. Our son also loved having a bath at the "special, magical tree house". Already looking to book a stay in summer!
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Jacob Mason - 17 Jun 2020
"
Our stay in Fossickers Hut was quite magical. A beautifully crafted and furnished wonderland in a quiet oasis . Delightful hosts who couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly.
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Martin Overbury - 04 Mar 2020
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We loved disconnecting from the world for a short time and just spent our days swimming and hanging out. Absolute bliss!
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Livvy Zandbergen - 05 Feb 2020
"
We had an amazing time at Fossicker's Hut. Having the bath, the river, and great views in a quiet and bush-clad location made this a special holiday. - George
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George Tylee - 17 Jan 2020
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We loved the location, the attention to detail in the huts construction and the welcoming and creative owners!
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Sarah Lester - 08 Jan 2020
"
Fossickers hut was a stunning place, location, environment, the hut and the owners. We stayed two nights and sad to leave. Amazingly well set up and private. The tiny personal touches were lovely. We couldn’t recommend this place more. Already planning when I can visit again. The owners were so friendly and welcoming, plenty of local knowledge and gave us a great insight to the hut and it’s inception.
"
Ali Kimber - 07 Jan 2020
"
Great place to stay. Relaxing and just the right mix of camping and luxury. Outdoor bath is amazing.
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