Tawanui Farm - A Frame Cabin | Cheviot, Canterbury

Tawanui Farm - A Frame Cabin

Cheviot, Canterbury

Tawanui Farm is located between Kaikoura and Christchurch on the South Island's East coast. It's an easy 1.5 hours from Christchurch and just 15 minutes from the township of Cheviot. On the same property are the Tawanui Farm Domes, an excellent experience for groups or families.

Set within the picturesque Hurunui River Valley, the farm's striking A-frame cabin offers a serene retreat with breathtaking vistas of rolling farmland and the Inland Kaikoura Ranges.

The cabin's cosy ambience creates an intimate, relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a couple's retreat. Ascend the stairs to the mezzanine bedroom. Skylights positioned directly above allow for magical moments of stargazing as you drift off to sleep.

An outdoor bath offers a serene space to unwind and soak in the beauty of the endless greenery.

For those seeking adventure, the Hurunui River is just a 10-minute drive away, where you can swim, fish, or enjoy a peaceful picnic by the water's edge.

EATING AND DRINKING

The A Frame Cabin is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-burner gas hob and oven provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

Need a break from the kitchen? Cheviot is a quick 15-minute drive away, offering delicious options. Number Eight Cafe is a great choice. For hearty meals, try the Cheviot Trust Hotel. And don't miss the Boys Souvlaki van Cheviot for the best kebabs and takeaway options!

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

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Cheviot.

THINGS TO DO

Yearning for a peaceful cabin getaway where you can simply unwind? Soak away in the gas-fired hot tub, lose yourself in a board game or a friendly card match, or take a leisurely stroll along the property's access track to stretch your legs.

Your hosts, the Loughnan family, operate Energy Jet Hurunui River Experiences if you're keen on a jetboating adventure. 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).

The Hurunui River, a 10-minute drive away, offers swimming and fishing, and Gore Bay, a 20-minute drive away, offers surfing and swimming. The Manuka Bay DOC track from the Hurunui River mouth to Gore Bay is also 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.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Great wee getaway. ”

Rochelle Gorman- 2025-04-22

20 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay in the A Frame! The interiors are so well thought out, providing the ultimate warm and cosy vibe. The views and surroundings are beautiful, the perfect location to switch off and soak up nature. We will be back! ”

Amelia Hughson- 2026-06-09

1 / 20

“ Tim is super helpful and welcoming. It's a memorable stay. I will be back again. ”

Nicole Z.- 2026-05-16

2 / 20

“ What an amazing experience. The team at Tawanui Farm have done a fantastic job. After having to cancel our initial stay due to my mother sadly passing away and the team being so understanding, we really wanted to ensure we booked again to show our appreciation and to experience the venue. We were not disappointed and we have recommended both Canopy Camping Escapes and the hosts at Tawanui Farm A Frame Cabin to everyone we have spoken to since. Thank you team, we will be back. ”

Graham Moore- 2026-04-13

3 / 20

“ We loved staying here, everything was perfect and the hosts were super friendly and welcoming. ”

Zoe McKinley- 2026-02-24

4 / 20

“ Great location. ”

Liam McRedmond- 2026-02-13

5 / 20

“ We had an unforgettable stay at this A-frame and genuinely cannot recommend it highly enough. The cabin itself is stunning. Architecturally beautiful, thoughtfully designed, and clearly a real labour of love. Every detail feels intentional, and the interior manages to be both stylish and deeply comfortable. Waking up to that view each morning was something special. My wife and I half-joked, half-seriously said it would be the perfect place to move to and live off-grid permanently. The setting is pure New Zealand at its best. Vast, peaceful, and breathtakingly beautiful. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down without trying. You actually feel away from everything in the best possible way. Tim was a fantastic host. Warm, welcoming, and generous with his time. One of the highlights of our stay was going jet-boating down the Hurunui River with him, followed by a relaxed barbecue by the river afterwards. It felt personal and authentic, not transactional, which made the whole experience even more memorable. This place captures exactly what makes New Zealand so special. Incredible landscapes, genuine people, and a rare sense of calm. If you’re looking to properly switch off and experience something thoughtfully made and beautifully hosted, this is it. ”

Tom Scott- 2026-02-03

6 / 20

“ Great modern facilities, stunning views and friendly neighbours (cows!) ”

Phil Roberts- 2026-01-06

7 / 20

“ Great setting and atmosphere, clean and perfect for a weekend getaway. ”

Victoria Carter- 2025-12-03

8 / 20

“ Fantastic spot for a relaxing holiday! The A Frame is as good as it looks in the photos. Awesome hosts, they even went the extra mile for my birthday and left a card and bottle of champagne. 10 out of 10, would love to visit again. ”

Jessica Isemonger- 2025-12-03

9 / 20

“ We had an amazing stay for our honeymoon at the A Frame Cabin. It was a perfect place to unwind and go off the grid, with truly unique vibes and surroundings. It even had an outdoor bathtub to enjoy the atmosphere. At night we could see stars if the sky was clear. We had great farm tours with Tim too, showing farm life and animals that we hadn't experienced before. It was an unforgettable experience. ”

Gavin Harlie- 2025-11-29

10 / 20

“ We had a wonderful time!! Such a beautiful cabin and farm. Our hosts were super kind and helpful. The cabin had everything we needed for a romantic getaway. ”

Danielle Qing- 2025-11-13

11 / 20

“ Beautiful property, loverly hosts, great country location, and a unique and special experience. ”

Doug Robb- 2025-10-06

12 / 20

“ An oasis of serenity in the middle of nature's beauty! ”

Lee Garden- 2025-08-09

13 / 20

“ Such a warm cosy cabin! The views were incredible and it was shooting star galore for me! So peaceful and relaxing. Such a 10/10 experience! ”

Aimee Perrin- 2025-08-03

14 / 20

“ Tawanui Farm is a beautiful and peaceful escape from your routine life. The views are stunning, sunrise, sunset and night skies are spectacular. The place is warm and cosy with all the stuff that you will require during your stay. Outside hot tub is amazing. We had a very nice and relaxing stay and will highly recommend this to others who just want to relax and soak in the beauty of the nature. ”

Marrium Shah- 2025-07-28

15 / 20

“ Fantastic design, minimalistic but super comfortable. Epic outlook over the farmland towards the distant mountains. Unforgettable evening bath under the Milky Way. ”

monika szyburska- 2025-07-24

16 / 20

“ We had such a relaxing stay. The accommodation is amazing. We really appreciated all the care that’s gone into creating such a beautiful place. Very peaceful and cosy. We’ll definitely recommend it to friends and family. Thank you. ”

Kelly Loasby- 2025-07-21

17 / 20

“ This stay was incredible, and wow, photos do not do this place justice. You really have to experience it yourself to appreciate not only how beautiful this place is but its surroundings. I've already shown my friends and family photos and videos I took from my stay, and now they are wanting to book in for the same getaway. Thank you for such an amazing experience. ”

Ryan Burgess- 2025-05-19

18 / 20

“ Absolutely amazing! Beautiful location, great facilities. We will be back! ”

Josh Hyde- 2025-05-06

19 / 20

“ Great wee getaway. ”

Rochelle Gorman- 2025-04-22

20 / 20

Amelia Hughson- 2026-06-09

1 / 20

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