The Carriage at Rockwood Station is just one hour and 15 minutes from Christchurch city and 25 minutes from both Darfield and Methven.
In 2019, hosts Ben and Cheryl purchased an old goods carriage and set about lovingly restoring and transforming it into a unique glamping experience. The Carriage is the second glamping retreat the couple have created after their highly successful Summer House.
The Carriage sits in a spot where two streams join to create the Hororata River. The carriage runs parallel to the river with a large deck area that enjoys beautiful, expansive views to Mt Hutt. It's a place to switch off, unplug and soak up the natural surrounds of the stunning high country farm. As the sun sets, you'll enjoy amazing technicolour skies and stunning cloud formations.
The Carriage has two bedrooms. It's perfect for either two couples or a family with up to three children. The main bedroom with ensuite has a queen-sized bed and at the other end of the carriage, a second bedroom has a double bed. There is room for one more small child on a built-in single bed in the second bedroom.
With large glass doors in the kitchen and lounge area connecting you to the outdoors, The Carriage is a fantastic experience year-round. In the summer, explore the farm and enjoy a dip in the natural swimming hole in the river... The deck is a suntrap, the perfect place for a cool drink on a hot day. The outdoor dining area makes for a fantastic alfresco dining experience. In the winter, it's warm, cosy and oozing with atmosphere... And the ideal ski pad! Complete with utility room for ski gear - and a perfect view of the mountain to assess the conditions.
FROM $295 p/n
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.
Link Road off Darts Road, Windwhistle 7572
Rockwood Station is set just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Christchurch in the Canterbury Region. The Google Maps directions to get to Darts Road are accurate. Once you get to Darts Road, drive halfway up and turn right onto Link Rd (a shingle road). Drive for 200 meters and turn right through the gate. The Carriage is just ahead.
Check-in: between 4pm - 7pm (or later by arrangement)
Check-out: by 10am
The Carriage has two bedrooms. It's perfect for either two couples or a family with up to three children. The main bedroom has a queen-sized bed and at the other end of the carriage, a second bedroom has a double bed. There is room for one more small child on a built-in single bed in the second bedroom.
Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied. Sheets are 100% cotton and there is a goose feather and down duvets on the queen and double beds and a wool duvet inner for the single bed.
The kitchen has a solar-powered fridge with small freezer space, a gas camping stove with 3 rings and small oven is provided for cooking along with a Weber BBQ.
All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided.
Some pantry basics are supplied - Olive oil, salt and pepper, tomato ketchup, balsamic vinegar, tea, coffee, sugar and a small bottle of milk.
The carriage has an ensuite bathroom by the main bedroom which has a shower, basin and flushing toilet.
There is also a second bathroom at the end of carriage accessed via a covered outdoor area. This has a bath, basin and flushing toilet.
The Carriage at Rockwood Station is fully off-grid with a solar system providing electricity. If it’s sunny, the system will be generating power. If it’s not sunny, you’ll be using power from the bank of batteries. While there should be plenty of electricity for your stay, you will need to conserve to avoid running out. You will also need to limit the number of appliances going at the same time, so the system doesn’t overload.
There is a generator (a quiet one) provided for periods of low-power generating weather.
Mobile phone reception is very limited at the carriage. You can access better reception if you walk out to Link Road or Darts Road. There are sockets available to charge devices.
A wood-burner keeps the carriage cosy and atmospheric in the winter months.
The carriage is open for winter stays, but bear in mind that you're booking a back-country escape - without the usual luxuries of a hotel or home. Glamping is still a form of camping!
There is lots of warm bedding, a wood-burner, 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! Children are welcome at the carriage.
Infants under 12 months with their own portacot and bedding are free of charge.
The carriage is strictly 'no dog' accommodation (with no exceptions), but horses are welcome. There is a paddock just below the Rockwood Homestead where they can be housed during your stay.
The carriage is set in a private spot on Rockwood Station, well away from any other buildings or structures.
You'll be able to drive right up to the carriage, where there is plenty of car-parking.
Most of our stays are nature-based with components of outdoor living, and the Carriage at Rockwood Station is no exception. Because of this, you may be exposed to various creatures and critters that you wouldn't usually find at your average hotel or motel.
Rockwood Station is a large sheep station. There are specific water hazards, such as the stream, and natural hazards found in the bush, such as sandflies and wasps. Care needs to be taken on the bush tracks as the ground is uneven and steep in parts. For your own safety please do not touch any machinery or other buildings or sheds on the property.
All Year Round:
There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.
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.
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 outlined below for Rockwood Station - The Carriage.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Rockwood Station - The Carriage.
All Year Round:
There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.
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.
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.
All year round:
$295 per night for up to two people
$50 per additional adult, per night
$25 per additional child (16 years and under), per night
Infants under 12 months with their own portacot and bedding are free of charge.
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 can be used at any of our Canopy Camping Escapes glamping sites, including Rockwood Station. 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.
2.1 If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, 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 check-in time, 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 credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.5% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments.
2.2 Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process.
2.3 If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. 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 payment has not been received within 24 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.
2.4 If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.
3.1 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time.
3.2 Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.
3.3 Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid.
3.4 Force Majeure
You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons:
Road closure. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by Waka Kotahi as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.
Metservice RED Weather Warning. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the Metservice has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure.
Natural disasters in New Zealand. Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.
4.1 Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance
Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:
(a) Any alteration to the property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest.
(b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property.
(c) A death in the Host family.
(d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason.
In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled.
4.2 Cancellation for breach
Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.
5.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk.
5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk.
5.3 To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during 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.
8.1 Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website.
8.2 You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property:
8.3 You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking.
8.4 You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking.
8.5 You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person.
8.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties.
8.7 The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with.
8.8 The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted.
8.9 You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.
If you have any complaints, please contact us promptly at [email protected] with details of the complaint. As the agent of the Hosts we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues.
To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise:
Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes.
If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking.
Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.
Gift vouchers expire if not redeemed within 2 years of purchase. If a booking paid for using a gift voucher is cancelled, any refund will be by way of a gift voucher with the same expiry date as the original gift voucher. Gift vouchers are not refundable or redeemable for cash and cannot be transferred or on-sold.
These Booking Conditions are governed by New Zealand law and the New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
We may amend these Booking Conditions at any time. Any changes shall apply to bookings made from the date of such changes. You are responsible for familiarising yourself with these Booking Conditions each time you make a booking.
The carriage at Rockwood Station is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in the 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, the towns of Darfield or Methven are just 25 minutes away. Both the Dubliner in Methven and the Ski Time in Methven, come highly recommended!
The Carriage at Rockwood Station is a beautiful place to slow down - and completely relax and destress. If you do feel like getting active though, there's plenty to do.
On the property, explore the 100 acre bush, and the stunning country garden. There's a good road network on the farm too. Hororata River, which runs past the carriage has a natural swimming hole which makes a great place to cool off in the hot Canterbury summer.
In winter, hit the slopes! Mt Hutt is just 50 minutes from Rockwood Station and The Carriage has a special utility room for all your gear.
If you're a keen walker, there is plenty of great walking in the nearby Lake Coleridge area, with numerous tracks and walkways to choose from.
Rakaia Gorge has a jet boat company, Alpine Jet Thrills operating jet rides up the Rakaia Gorge about a 15-minute drive from Rockwood Station. There's a Riding School for keen horse riders just over the Rakaia Gorge Bridge and if clay bird shooting takes your fancy, Newzengland offers clay bird shooting and archery.
If you have ever wanted to try hot air ballooning, there are two operators in the area, Hot Air Adventures and Ballooning Canterbury.
For a relaxing afternoon, the More for You Beauty Salon on the main Street in Darfield offers massage and beauty therapy.
For the golfers - bring your clubs and visit the Hororata Golf Course in Glentunnel.
Ben is a 5th generation farmer in the Windwhistle area. His great, great grandfather Henry Phillips settled at Rockwood in 1851 after living in Phillipstown, Christchurch.
Cheryl, originally from Scotland, came to New Zealand in December 2003. She was introduced to Ben through a Scottish friend. In 2004, Cheryl came back to Rockwood to visit - and has been here ever since!
Ben and Cheryl married, and live in the homestead at Rockwood Station with their daughter, Emma. Over their time together at Rockwood, they've reinstated the bushwalk through the 100 acres of native bush on the property and embarked on a major bush care and regeneration project with the removal of wild sycamores from the property.
Rockwood Station has a fascinating family history, a beautiful homestead and old English garden. Ben and Cheryl have found immense satisfaction in restoring it to its former glory, and regenerating the stunning native bush surrounds. Sharing this with guests is something they love!
We stayed with our toddler, and it was wonderful! Plenty of space, all the facilities you need, and everything really nicely done, which made it feel like a luxury getaway. Highly recommend, and we'll definitely stay again.
"- 15 Mar 2024
1 / 12
Beautiful space to stay in, a super cute carriage. It helped me live out my tiny home dreams. Very peaceful and relaxing setting, and the stars at night were stunning.
"- 13 Mar 2024
2 / 12
The Rockwood Station, where time slows down and nature's beauty offers a unique experience, staying in an old train carriage. Our cosy accommodation offered us a glimpse into the past, a haven for exploration. We followed one stream into the bush, where swimming holes beckoned and nature's tranquillity reigned. The other took us along the boundary of paddocks, where we could witness the resilience of the five generations of the Phillips and Richard's families. With fallen old trees, piles of firewood, and sturdy fence lines, every corner tells a story of hard work and perseverance. We thoroughly enjoyed the Rockwood Station: with a sense of space, stunning craftsmanship, and attention to detail. We would love to return with our children to create memories and explore further.
"- 12 Mar 2024
3 / 12
Beautiful surroundings, great place to relax, especially with the choice of indoor and outdoor baths. The carriage and outdoor sitting areas were comfy.
"- 14 Feb 2024
4 / 12
The perfect place to unwind and relax. Quirky accommodation in a great setting.
"- 14 Nov 2023
5 / 12
Loved the carriage. So much history, so unique. Loved listening to the river at night and the outdoor bath and the log burner that warmed the amazing accommodation.
"- 14 Nov 2023
6 / 12
Wonderful location with everything we needed.
"- 17 Oct 2023
7 / 12
Great getting away for a relaxing weekend and keeping it so simple.
"- 02 Oct 2023
8 / 12
We loved our stay at Rockwood Station Summer House before, just me and my husband. So now that we have a wee one, it is important to us that the place is family and baby-friendly. We knew we would also love The Carriage, like the Summer House, and we did. We highly recommend it.
"- 30 Sep 2023
9 / 12
The Carriage gave us the peace and space that we sought. We only had three nights but the tranquility of the location and the clear starry nights were exactly what we needed.
"- 21 Sep 2023
10 / 12
We loved the simplicity with a warm welcome feeling. The atmosphere is perfect. Between easy living and all you could ask for.
"- 06 Sep 2023
11 / 12
Absolutely amazing experience at The Carriage. Not something I would have ever dreamed of doing but I loved the outdoor baths under the stars. It's warm indoors with a cute wee fire and a very comfy bed. The perfect touch with marshmallows provided with the hot choc. Being totally away from any means of technology and the internet is not something we think we can do until we are made to do just that. It means you can really enjoy nature and life at its best. The hosts could not have been any more accommodating. Will definitely be recommending it to our family and friends.
"- 20 Jun 2023
12 / 12
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