The Matchbox

Covid-19 update

Find out more about our COVID-19 Cancellation Terms and Vaccination Policy here.

Canterbury

The Matchbox is located 15 minutes from Waimate, 3.5 hours from Queenstown, 2 hours from Dunedin and 2 hours and 40 mins from Christchurch. It's just 5 minutes from State Highway 1 - so the perfect place to break your journey between Christchurch and Queenstown.

Small and perfectly formed, just like the wee box it's named after, The Matchbox sits high on the hills at 200m above sea level. The views stretch for miles - from the snow-capped mountains to the West to the rolling farmland of Morven and out to the pacific ocean to the East, and the vast pine forestry to the South.

Inside, beautiful bedlinens, leather seating, hand-crafted copper and timber touches and amazing tiling create a vibe of pure rustic luxury, with no expense spared. The bedroom, kitchen and bathroom are all contained within the same building - with large sliding doors opening out to the view beyond.

During the day, relax on the deck and take in the spectacular views, and the gentle presence of the Wiltshire sheep in the surrounding paddocks - the odd baaaa being the only sound to interrupt the total peace and quiet.

At night, soak in the hot tub and enjoy the lights of Waimate twinkling to the northeast, while the stars in the night sky sparkle from above.

FROM $290 p/n

Sleeps 4
Child Friendly

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.

Address

244 Broad Gully Road, Morven 7979

directions

The Matchbox is located 15 minutes from Waimate, 3.5 hours from Queenstown, 2 hours from Dunedin and 2 hours and 40 mins from Christchurch.

The entrance to the Matchbox is located at 244 Broad Gully Road, and is marked with a very large hanging macrocarpa slab with the distinctive name Ti Kouka Hills. There is a Canopy Camping badge attached to the fence below. The rapid number is 244, and the site is on the right hand side of the road. If you pass the three green containers and silver shed, you have gone too far.

The key is located in a lockbox on the back of the hardwood box just to the left of the kitchen door. The code for the lockbox will be supplied in a pre-arrival email 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].

The Matchbox

What Time is Check-In and Check-Out?

Check in - between 3pm - 7pm (or later by arrangement)
Check out - by 11am

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

The Matchbox sleeps up to 2 people in a queen-sized bed. Two trundle beds, 80cm x187cm long, suitable for both children and adults are available.

Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied. The queen bed has a goose topper, feather duvet and is made up with 100% cotton linen.

What are the Kitchen and Cooking Facilities?

The kitchen is within the cabin and has a bench and cupboards with a 2 burner gas hob, extractor fan, and a sink with hot and cold water.

A large copper cylinder chilli bin with cold packs is provided, but it's a good idea to pick up a bag of ice along with your groceries for your stay if you like your beer extra cold!

There is a bar leaner and stools in the cabin for dining.

Some pantry basics are supplied - cooking oil, salt and pepper, tea, coffee, sugar and dishwashing liquid.

What are the Bathroom Facilities?

There is an ensuite bathroom with gas hot water, a large walk-in shower with drencher and slide shower heads and a vanity with mirror.

There is a flushing toilet connected to an eco-friendly worm-based septic system.

How does the Hot Tub work?

The hot tub is wood-fired, so you'll need to light this when you arrive and stoke it for a couple of hours while it heats through. It's not hard to do, but takes a little bit of skill with lighting fires and patience!

It's important to note that this will not be hot and ready to jump into immediately on arrival.

There are clear instructions to follow when using the hot tub and damage can be caused if these instructions aren't followed. Please note that guests will be liable for any damage caused by not following the instructions.

Is there Power?

There is no mains power. The lighting and appliances run off a 240-volt solar system. There are USB ports for charging devices.

Is there Mobile Phone Reception?

Yes - there is good reception at The Matchbox for mobile phones.

What sort of heating is there?

There is a Sparky wood burner which heats the whole building for cosy winter and shoulder-season glamping.

What is glamping like in winter?

The Matchbox is open for winter stays, but bear in mind that you're booking a glamping escape - without the usual luxuries of a home. Glamping is still a form of camping!

The Matchbox has a wood burner, and lots of warm bedding 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!

Is The Matchbox Child-friendly?

The Matchbox is perfect for a couple, but if you'd like to stay with children, there are two trundle beds available.

Can I Bring My Dog?

The Matchbox has a strict 'no dog' policy (with no exceptions).

How Private and Remote is The Matchbox?

The Matchbox is situated on a private spot on a large farm and has lovely views over farmland to the ocean beyond. You'll see a few other farm buildings in the far distance but otherwise just hills and ocean for miles.

What is the access like and where Do I Park my Car?

You can drive right to the campsite on an all-weather drive suitable for all vehicles. Your vehicle can be parked right beside the building at the back within the fenced-off area. Your vehicle will be safe from stock and secure but please make sure you shut the gate.

Can I have a Campfire?

Yes. The Matchbox has a designated campfire area which is a great place to relax with a glass of wine and a bag of marshmallows at the end of the day. It is dependent on the time of year and conditions though, and at certain times of the year will be unavailable due to higher than normal fire risk. Your hosts will let you know if there is a fire ban in place when you are visiting.

What Do I Need to Bring?

Food and drink
Warm clothing in winter – especially if you want to soak up the evening stars
Toiletries
Insect repellent and sunscreen.

Can I Stay For One Night only?

Weekends and Main Summer Holidays:

There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night) and during the main summer holiday period (20 Dec - 31 Jan).

Please note that during this period single nights 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) outside the periods specified above 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 The Matchbox.

Minimum Nights

Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for The Matchbox.

Weekends and Main Summer Holidays:

There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night) and during the main summer holiday period (20 Dec - 31 Jan).

Weeknights:

Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) outside the periods specified above with a Single Night Surcharge of $50 applicable.

Public Holiday Weekends:

Rates

All Year Round:

The standard nightly rate is $290 for up to two people.

Extra Adults are $50 per adult and children are $35 per child (ages 1-16), per night up to a total of four people. Babies under 1 year, with their own bed and bedding, are free.

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.

Farm to plate packs

The Matchbox Farm Fresh Breakfast Pack - $14

Includes 6 eggs and 1 pack of farm-fresh bacon.

The Matchbox Gourmet Wiltshire Lamb Firepit Pack - $20

Includes 4 lamb, honey and mint sausages and 3 lamb shoulder chops.

The Matchbox Gourmet Galloway Beef Firepit Pack - $30

Includes 2 eye fillet steaks and 1 half kg T-bone steak.

Gift Vouchers

Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any 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.

2. cancellation, date changes and severe weather warnings

2.1 Canopy 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;

(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. safety and hazards

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.

4. pets

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.

5. GST

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. conditions of occupancy and conduct

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.

7. authority to sign

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.

Eating and Drinking

The Matchbox is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your cabin kitchen. Your hosts at the Matchbox run their own farm to plate butchery and can supply all manner of purebred, heritage beef, lamb or pork for you to enjoy during your stay. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need. Read more about the kitchen facilities under 'Essentials'.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, award-winning, fine dining restaurant Riverstone Kitchen is just 20 minutes away. Also recommended by your hosts, is the amazing Indian restaurant, Fishtail, or the recently renovated and refurbished Waimate Hotel. For something slightly more casual, The Barn is a hearty and tasty option. You'll also find takeaways such as fish and chips and Chinese in Waimate.

A supermarket for stocking up on supplies can be found at Waimate (15 minutes away) or Oamaru (30 minutes away).
Things to do

Relax in the wood-fired cedar hot tub and soak up the views. Enjoy the incredible views across farmland and out to sea. At night, spark up the firepit and enjoy star-gazing in the incredible night sky. There are board games for a bit of old-fashioned friendly competition too!

If you want to get out and about locally, check out Kelsey's Bush behind Waimate. This is the last remnant of native bush in the area. The Whitehorse monument above Waimate has great views, walks and mountain biking. The Wainono Lagoon has a wetland walk with a variety of native wildlife to spot.

Active types might want to ride a part of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail that starts at Mt Cook and ends in Oamaru. You can choose to do sections - and it's kid-friendly too.

If you're keen to explore further afield, you can day trip to Mt Aoraki, Tekapo, and Twizel. Check out the penguin colony in Oamaru, and the fascinating steampunk culture in the historic part of Oamaru. Timaru has Caroline Bay and the Maori Rock Art gallery which are both worth a visit.
Your Hosts

Adam, Karen and their daughter Mya are your hosts at the Matchbox. Named after a tiny house, that Adam and Karen lived in whilst teaching and travelling overseas, the Matchbox was designed to take in the incredible 360-degree views up and down the East Coast and out to the Pacific Ocean. The Matchbox became a year-long project, with Adam and Karen completing much of the building work themselves. Alongside providing accommodation, Adam, Karen and Mya farm fully shedding Wiltshire sheep, Speckled Park cattle and raise around 250 beef calves each year. Both with education backgrounds, Adam and Karen are enjoying the huge learning curve that their new direction into farming is and look forward to sharing their 'special place' with others.

"
The Matchbox was incredibly tranquil, perfectly furnished and had all we need for a 2 night's stay as we didn't leave the entire time. The skylight above the bed showed many beautiful stars and it is sunrise facing. The place was warm, very comfortable and eco-friendly. We also ordered some fresh eggs and bacon from the farm, which was lovely. We can't wait to go back.
"
- 21 Jun 2022
"
We loved The Matchbox and the "rustic décor" that disguised the luxury. The location is perfect, private yet close to the main road. Loved being on top of a hill with a fabulous 360 degree view while soaking in the hot tub under the stars and waking to the most spectacular sunrise.
"
- 19 Jun 2022
"
Everything, from its location and views to amenities, was perfect. The sunrise was incredible and it was the best place I’ve ever stayed at. Would really recommend and would definitely stay here again!
"
- 14 Jun 2022
"
The Matchbox is a fantastic getaway, perfectly positioned to make the most of the views. We enjoyed the rustic nature of the place and the wood fired hot tub under the stars. Would highly recommend experiencing this.
"
- 02 Jun 2022
"
It was a perfect stay, better than we imagined! Gorgeous views and the cabin is so well thought out and beautifully decorated. We will certainly be back!
"
- 14 Mar 2022
"
Peaceful, beautiful views and awesome off-grid facilities. Would love to come back again.
"
- 08 Mar 2022
"
Great place to stay. Peaceful with amazing views. A great place to unwind for a few days!
"
- 08 Mar 2022
"
Amazing space to relax and unwind, the views were incredible and the fire was perfect. We will definitely try to come back here again!
"
- 02 Mar 2022
"
We truly loved our stay. Glad to have celebrated my birthday at this magical place. We enjoyed the view, the stars, the sunrise and of course, the place itself. Wish we could have stayed longer. Highly recommended.
"
- 01 Mar 2022
"
Really relaxing place to stay, perfect for star gazing. Highly recommend!
"
- 24 Feb 2022
"
Really cool wee place! The owners have done such a great job creating such an awesome spot.
"
- 18 Feb 2022
"
Spectacular secluded spot overlooking the most stunning green paddocks and ocean. Would definitely stay again!
"
- 17 Feb 2022

Testimonials

1 / 12

Browse the Collection

Beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely unique... Explore the other places in our collection.

Find your escape

The Matchbox

Covid-19 update

The Matchbox

Canterbury

Check Availability

Check Availability & Book

Getting There

FAQS

Rates and Extras

Booking Terms

Address

directions

The Matchbox

Eating and Drinking

Things to do

Your Hosts

Testimonials

Browse the Collection

Searching Campsites