Tawanui Farm

Covid-19 update

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

Cheviot

Tawanui Farm Glamping is located between Kaikoura and Christchurch on the East coast of the South Island. It's an easy 1 hour, 15 minutes drive from Christchurch and just 15 minutes from the township of Cheviot.

The campsite itself is set on rolling farmland, surrounded by kanuka and pine plantations. Two geodesic domes, a central camp kitchen and a large hot tub are sensitively landscaped into a gentle hillside. You'll get exclusive use of the whole campsite, regardless of how many people are in your group.

An incredible 180-degree view in front of the site looks down toward the Hurunui River, with views from the inland Kaikoura mountain ranges to the North Pacific Ocean.

Tawanui Farm is a working sheep, beef and deer farm so you'll see plenty of animal and birdlife. Your hosts offer ATV farm tours across their spectacular property - a great opportunity to get up close and personal. Or for the adrenalin junkies, give their Hurunui River Jet boating a try!

At the end of the day, relax in the hot tub under a vast and starry night sky, before getting cosy in your beautiful dome.

Waking up to a new day you'll hear the birds singing from the pine plantation behind the site, and on some mornings, you can even hear the ocean - 3kms from the campsite.

FROM $320 p/n

Sleeps 8
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.

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 phone reception at all times.

host address

1434 Blythe Road, Cheviot

Please note that the above address is for your hosts home. The directions to get to the campsite on Tawanui Farm are below. If you have trouble following the directions to the campsite - make your way to the above address so you can be escorted to the campsite by your hosts.

Directions

Tawanui Farm is set in the Hurunui District on the East coast of the South Island, approximately 1.5 hours North of Christchurch.

To get there, follow the Google Maps directions to Blythe Road. To find the entrance to the track that leads to the campsite you'll need to follow the below instructions carefully.

If coming from the south: The track entrance is at the top of a hill to the right approx 1km north of 1434 Blythe Road.

If coming from the North: Go over the Hurunui Mouth Swing bridge, carry on up the hill past Riverview Road. At the top of the hill, the track entrance is on the left.

The entrance to the track is through some pine trees. Go through the entrance and follow the track to left and along the ridge towards the ocean. Stay on this track all the way to the campsite. The track is approximately 3km and goes through some ups and downs and a few sharp turns. You won’t need to open any gates, so just stay on the track. A reasonably steep incline towards the end of the track will indicate you are close to the site.

The track is suitable for any vehicle in all weather conditions.

Once you get to the campsite, make yourselves comfortable and one of your hosts, Mike, Tim or Elspeth will pop up to check you're settled in and give you a quick safety briefing.

Tawanui Farm

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in - between 3pm - 7pm
Check-out - is by 11am

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

The campsite sleeps up to 8 people across two geodesic domes.

Each dome contains a queen-sized bed and two single beds, sleeping 4 per dome.

Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied. Queen beds are made up with 100% cotton linen. Linen for the single beds will be provided. All beds have either wool duvets and blankets.

We think the campsite best suits either one to two families, 2 couples or up to 8 adults, depending on your sleeping preferences. Please BYO portacot if bringing infants.

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

The camp kitchen is a covered, enclosed space with canvas roll-up sides for maximum air flow on warm days. It has good bench space for preparing food and hot water for dishes. A gas cooktop is provided for cooking.

All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. For cool food storage - A heavy duty chilly bin has been provided for your use, complete with cold ice packs.

Some pantry basics are supplied - coffee, tea, sugar, salt, and pepper.

What are the bathroom facilities?

The camp bathroom has a sink, shower and hot water. A pleasant-to-use composting toilet is set a short distance from the tents and camp kitchen.

The gas-heated hot tub will be filled with fresh, clean water on your arrival and takes about a 1 1/2 hours to fully heat.

Do we get the whole campsite to ourselves?

Yes! Whether you're a group or just a couple, you'll have exclusive use of the campsite.

Is there power?

The campsite at Tawanui Farm is completely off-the-grid, with solar power providing lighting in the camp kitchen and a USB port for phone charging. Energy for hot water and cooking is supplied via LPG gas bottles. LED lanterns provide lighting for the domes.

Is there mobile phone reception?

Yes! There is mobile phone reception at Tawanui Farm and a solar powered USB port is provided for charging phones.

What sort of heating is there?

The camp kitchen and lounge area have a gas heater for keeping things cosy on cooler evenings. An outside wood-burning brazier to the front of the camp kitchen is great on clear evenings for toasting marshmallows and star-gazing.

Are children welcome at Tawanui Farm?

Yes! Children are welcome at Tawanui Farm.

Can I bring my dog or horse?

Tawanui Farm is a strictly 'no dog' campsite (with no exceptions), and is not suitable for horses.

How private and remote is Tawanui Farm?

Very private! You'll be well away from the main house and farm cottages - however, the campsite at Tawanui Farm is set on a working farm, so expect some farm activity depending on the season.

The campsite can sleep a maximum of 8 people across two tents and is only available to a single group to book at a time, regardless of the number of people, or tents used.

Where do I park my car?

The campsite is a scenic 1.5km drive into the property. You'll park about 15m from the campsite, so your car is conveniently handy. It’s no drama to pop out to explore the local area for a few hours at any time you like.

Can I have a campfire?

There are no campfires allowed at Tawanui Farm, but a brazier is available for toasting marshmallows and star-gazing outside. 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 - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay.
An extra chilly-bin - especially if you're a large group.
Walking shoes or boots - if you'd like to go for a walk on 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 toiletries.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.

Are there any safety considerations?

Tawanui Farm is a working sheep and beef farm, so for the safety of all concerned, it’s very important to follow the safety guidelines and terms that you’ll find in our booking terms and in your Welcome Guide on site. These terms and guidelines include:

Visitors stay at their own risk, this is a working farm with hazards both farm-related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural.
Leave gates as you find them.
Animals are unpredictable - best to avoid them.
Extreme caution driving in and out of the property - speed limit on the property is 15km p/h.
Supervise young children carefully. There are specific water hazards for young children on the property - for example, water troughs and a pond 400m from the campsite.
For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter the woolshed or other buildings on the property.

Can I book for one night only?

Weekends, Dec/Jan Holidays and April School Holidays:

There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night) and during the Dec/Jan holiday period, and the April School Holidays.

Please note that during these periods 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 Tawanui Farm.

Minimum Stay Periods

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

Weekends, Dec/Jan Holidays and April School Holidays:

There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night) and during the Dec/Jan holiday period, and the April School Holidays.

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

Year Round:

The nightly rate is $320 for up to four people.
Additional people are $40 per adult, per night and $20 per child (under 16), per night. Babies under one year are free. Pls BYO portacot for infants.

Tawanui Farm closes down for June and July.

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.

Activities

Jet boating:

Mike and Tim also run Energy Jet, Hurunui River experiences. Get your adrenalin hit on one of their energising jet boat rides up this beautiful river system. Guests at the campsite get specially discounted pricing. The options are:

30min Energizer - Adults $69 - Child $49 - Family $235

Departing from the Hurunui Mouth Village, you will head up stream through exciting river braids and narrow channels under the Hurunui Mouth swing-bridge. You will enjoy numerous 360 spins and pause to enjoy the serenity and history of the area before blasting back down to the coastline.

1 hour Energizer - Adults $99 - Child $69 - Family $300

This thrilling bridge to bridge trip takes you from your departure at the Hurunui Mouth Village just 5min drive from Tawanui Farm, upstream 16km to the State Highway 1 Bridge. You will see a large variety of sea birds, enjoy stops to enjoy the history and serenity of the area before a fast and furious blast back downstream through the river braids complete with 360 spins

For more details check out www.energyjet.co.nz

River BBQ - Adults $130 - Child $95 - Family $445

Your chance to enjoy a true local NZ experience. Enjoy a thrilling jet-boat ride to your very own secluded river beach where you will disembark into a feeling of pure nature and remoteness. Relax with some music, take a walk or even a swim as you are cooked a delicious selection of local produce on the river’s edge. This is your chance to really experience how many New Zealanders enjoy their spare time. Finish your river experience with an Energising blast back to civilisation. Please remember to let us know if there are any special dietary requirements in your group.

Note: 'Family' is defined as 2 adults and up to 3 children (aged 13 years and younger)

Farm Experience Tour

Go for a blast around the farm in a 6 seater Kawasaki Mule as Tim and Mike go about their daily farm checks. Get up close and personal with the animals (feed them by hand), see working dogs in action and take in the beautiful scenery. All of this as you enjoy some off-road action from your comfy seats.

90-Minute Farm Experience Tour - Adults $50, Child $30, Family $150

Note: A minimum of two people are required to book the Farm Tour. 'Family' is defined as 2 adults and up to 3 children (aged 13 years and younger).

Note: Tawanui Farm also offers corporate packages, combining Jet Boating, Glamping and Farm Tours. Please get in touch with Tim at www.energyjet.co.nz to find out more.

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

Tawanui Farm Glamping is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the 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, Cheviot is just a 15-minute drive away. The Twin Rivers café/gallery with Mt Beautiful Wine Tasting room comes highly recommended. The Paddock bar and restaurant and Cheviot Trust Hotel offer good hearty meals for hungry glampers.

If you want to go further afield, the Waipara wine area is 40 minutes South, or Kaikoura is 1 hour North.
Things to do

At the campsite, there's board games, petanque, and plenty of space to kick a ball. But if you can bear to tear yourself away from the giant 6-8 person gas-heated hot tub and spectacular views of the campsite, you'll find plenty to do in the area.

Your hosts, the Loughnan family, operate Energy Jet, Hurunui River Experiences if you're keen for a jetboating adventure. This is specially discounted for glampers! They also offer ATV farm tours for those keen to see a true kiwi farm in action (Check out the Rates and Extras button for more information).

There's also swimming and fishing available at the Hurunui River, 10 minutes drive away, and surfing and swimming at Gore Bay, 20 minutes away. The Manuka Bay DOC track from the Hurunui River mouth to Gore Bay is a 10-minute drive away.
Your Hosts

Your hosts at Tawanui Farm are Mike, Elspeth and Tim Loughnan - and a nicer bunch of people you couldn't hope to meet.

The Loughnan family are the fifth generation to farm and live in the Blythe Valley. Tawanui Farm is situated towards the mouth of the Hurunui River and overlooks its beautiful waters

Mike and eldest son Tim share the responsibilities of running the 450ha sheep and beef farm along with its tourism ventures, Energy Jet and Tawanui Farm Glamping and farm tours. Elspeth teaches at the local Cheviot Area School. Tim’s other siblings Virginia and Hugh are both involved in Environmental Consultancy in Christchurch

The neighbouring Hurunui River has been a huge part of their lives, mainly on a recreational level. Showing people their part of the country is huge passion for the family. Combining the novelty of glamping with the thrill of jet boating and farm tours has given them a great platform for introducing their beautiful corner of the world to visitors - both Kiwi and international.

"
Was a great place to kick back and relax! Five stars, would recommend.
"
- 07 Jun 2022
"
We enjoyed the view, the outdoor fire for roasting marshmallows and the hot tub. All the facilities made it easy to stay there as a family, even in the cooler weather. We would definitely recommend it as a family friendly place to stay.
"
- 09 May 2022
"
Staying at the Tawanui Farm was the perfect getaway. From the most helpful and accommodating hosts to the most beautiful setting around. Peaceful and perfect!
"
- 09 May 2022
"
Magic spot to spend with friends and family! Everything we needed and more was on offer during our glamping experience. The added bonus of farm tour and jet boat trip just added to the trip. We will be back!
"
- 01 Feb 2022
"
Lovely hosts, very accommodating and helpful. Gorgeous place to stay, one in a million.
"
- 26 Jan 2022
"
Decompression zone plus! A real treat to be able to experience some North Canterbury Farm country. Would highly recommend and the hosts are amazing.
"
- 07 Dec 2021
"
A unique & comfortable ‘camp’ to completely chill out. We loved it & would definitely stay again.
"
- 03 Dec 2021
"
The experience we have in Tawanui farm was great. It was peaceful and serene. The view is really outstanding! The owners are very friendly and accommodating.
"
- 30 Nov 2021
"
A relaxing escape, great hosts.
"
- 30 Nov 2021
"
It was a really nice stay. The spa pool is definitely the highlight. Tim and Mark are great hosts as well. Highly recommended.
"
- 29 Oct 2021
"
Treat yourself and your family and go and stay at Tawanui Farm, perfect place to disappear for a few days to reset in stunning surroundings. Jason & Family.
"
- 07 Oct 2021
"
We loved Tawanui Farm! Mike and Tim were super accomodating and friendly. The camp was beautifully set up with lots of thoughtful details. The hot tub was also very efficient and didn’t require much time or effort to heat!
"
- 28 Sep 2021

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