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Canvas Hut

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Canvas Hut

Pukekohe, Auckland


Canvas Hut is just ten minutes from Pukekohe township and one hour from Auckland.

The hut sits on an elevated hilltop, with scenic views overlooking rural Franklin, the Waikato River to the Waikato River mouth and the Tasman Sea. The foreground features beautiful rolling hills with breathtaking views of patchwork fields. It overlooks native bush and farmland with plenty of cows in the paddocks and birdlife flying by.

Set up for couples in mind, the hut consists of a generous bedroom area with a roomy ensuite and a small kitchenette to the rear of the hut. The space is beautifully decorated, with a serene and restful feel. A carefully crafted and quirky outdoor area, with a beautiful outdoor bath, provides a place to soak and take in the views and sunset in the evening.

There is an array of birdlife to enjoy while just sitting on the deck! Kererus, fantails, kingfisher, tuis, pukeko, herons, plovers, magpies, pheasants and quails are all visitors to the property. A walk through the native bush on the property is a good way to enjoy the local flora and fauna.

Canvas Hut is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city - perfect for those that don't want any of their precious downtime taken up with battling the traffic. At just an hour from Auckland city, you'll be sitting with your feet up, a glass of wine in hand, watching a peaceful sunset before you know it.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Canvas Hut is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the gas ring and BBQ provided in your kitchenette. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking, you'll find a range of fantastic dining options in Pukekohe - from award-winning restaurants, cafes and clubs to delicious bakeries and fast food. A couple of options that come recommended by your hosts are, Seddon 64 or for something different, try Poco Loco Restaurant which serves amazing tapas and desserts. There is a full list of all the various options in the hut.

If you need to pop out for supplies, you'll find a supermarket in Pukekohe, about a 10-minute drive away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Canvas Hut is all about rest and rejuvenation. If you just feel like chilling out at the property, there is a fantastic outdoor area to enjoy while you ponder the fabulous farmland view of patchwork valleys and fields, the Waikato River and Port Waikato Heads. Soak in the outdoor bath with a good book, or battle it out over a game - you'll find a selection of indoor and outdoor games at the hut.

If you feel like some exercise take a wander through the native bush on the property, abundant with native flora, fauna and birdlife. This is easily accessed by a stroll across the paddocks.

If you're keen to get out and about for some activity, Puni Mountain Bike Track is just a short 5 min cycle up the road. A drive up Pukekohe Hill gives wonderful views over the area as does a walk-up Cape Hill (by the Colin Lawrie fields).

Further afield, you may like to take a drive to Waiuku, the beautiful Awhitu Peninsula and the Manukau Heads Lighthouse (approx. 50-minute drive). The Awhitu Peninsula has beautiful scenery and dramatic views. On the way back from the Peninsula you can stop off in Waiuku and have a beer at The Kentish Hotel, NZ’s oldest licensed hotel.

Another option is to take a drive to Port Waikato and the mouth of the Waikato River, a pleasant 40 min drive over the Tuakau Bridge and through Te Kohonga (which is the view that the hut surveys). Port Waikato is a black sand, wild West Coast beach. It has a great little café “Sylvia’s” open from Labour weekend till about Easter.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Mary Jane and Mervyn Harvey are the owners and hosts of Canvas Hut. They are both Pukekohe locals and have three adult children, Jarrod, Thomas and Emma.

Mervyn was raised on a dairy farm in Patumahoe and Canvas Hut is situated in Puni on a property that was part of Mary Jane’s family dairy farm on which Mervyn is now farming dry stock.

Mervyn works part-time at a Pukekohe engineering workshop and Mary Jane works at New Zealand Bloodstock in Karaka.

Canvas hut was created when Mervyn, while feeding stock one day, realized what a fabulous view it was from the “back paddock” and wondered if it was possible to erect a structure to offer accommodation so others could enjoy the great spot away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. An eco structure tent was imported from Australia and Mervyn set about erecting the tent and establishing the grounds.

Their first visitors were welcomed in November 2019.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Amazing set up and location. Peaceful and not far from home. ”

Cheru Pillay- 2025-01-11

20 / 20

“ We loved the outlook and the attention to detail, and the little extras provided made it perfect! ”

Lisa Smith- 2026-04-20

1 / 20

“ We had an incredible stay at the Canvas Hut thanks to the super helpful and warm hosts and the peaceful, beautiful setting. Perfect location only 50 minutes from central Auckland means it’s the perfect getaway, would 100% recommend! ”

Brady Polkinghorne- 2026-04-06

2 / 20

“ A great place to have a quiet break from the day to day grind and fully recharge the batteries. ”

Stu Malcolmson- 2026-03-30

3 / 20

“ Absolutely amazing, we had a fantastic two night stay at Canvas Hut. We'll be back for sure! ”

Hayley Cole- 2026-03-15

4 / 20

“ Good spot. ”

Pherlyn Glenn and John Marcelo Magtanong- 2026-02-14

5 / 20

“ We were looking for somewhere different to go and stay. Canvas Hut was the perfect place to escape the outside world. It was beautifully decorated and well set up, and it had everything we needed. The view and vibe as soon as you walk out is just breathtaking. We will definitely be looking to visit again. ”

Kirby Van Der Heyden- 2026-01-27

6 / 20

“ We had such an amazing time at Canvas Hut. Very relaxing and clean, and the hosts were lovely. ”

Brookie Pilcher- 2026-01-19

7 / 20

“ Canvas Hut was the perfect way to end my stay in New Zealand. The hosts were amazing, the views breathtaking, and the location was close enough to Auckland, the beach, and Hamilton to do some day trips. I was so relaxed, enjoyed the outdoor meals, baths, and overall ambiance! I would definitely stay there again and highly recommend it to someone looking for a quiet, cosy stay. ”

Rebekah Levine- 2026-01-02

8 / 20

“ This was a great long weekend getaway for us. The weather wasn't great, but we were able to stay warm and cosy inside with the provided log burner. This was lovely, and Mary Jane and Merry were super friendly. It was an enjoyable stay. Thanks so much. ”

Mark Forrest- 2025-10-28

9 / 20

“ Lovely stay. I’ve already recommended it to my friends who are interested in glamping. The hut was so well-appointed. Everything you could possibly need was thoughtfully provided, from accessories for lighting the fire, marshmallows and bath bubbles for the outdoor tub, to tea, coffee, board games and even a little port. I may have gone a bit hard on the marshmallows at the outdoor fire. Walking past the cows on arrival was super cute too. There’s still a touch of camping involved, like boiling water on the gas stove outside on the deck, but the area is very well sheltered. The outdoor fire pit and bath are both private and protected from the view of the main house. I loved soaking in the bath until sunset and under the stars. Absolutely beautiful. The bathroom is internal to the hut, an ensuite, which was one of the main reasons I booked this spot in particular, and I was happy with it. The fireplace was easy to operate. I managed it myself even though I’ve never lit one before, and I’m not a camping girl. The hosts were communicative and lovely throughout. I came by myself, and it was the perfect little getaway from the city. Close enough to make it an easy one-night trip, but it felt like a complete escape. I only wish I could have stayed longer. ”

Ciara Swords- 2025-10-28

10 / 20

“ Beautiful and secluded experience. It was the perfect getaway to switch off and relax. Loved the views and outdoor bath. ”

Pete Whittaker- 2025-10-20

11 / 20

“ Canvas Hut was amazing! It was a little getaway from Auckland. The hosts were lovely! I would definitely come back. ”

Won Chul Lee- 2025-10-03

12 / 20

“ Beautiful location, an amazing weekend getaway from busy Auckland city life. ”

Joshua Roberts- 2025-09-12

13 / 20

“ Loved our getaway from the city in the relaxing and tranquil setting. ”

Briar Lloyd- 2025-06-29

14 / 20

“ Highly recommend staying here, we loved everything! Beautiful atmosphere and great attention to detail. ”

Natalie Lin- 2025-05-29

15 / 20

“ A nice and cosy place for couples to stay. Basic amenities were all provided with very clear instructions from the host on how to use them. The place was really quiet and beautiful. Would definitely recommend. ”

Preeti Pattnaik- 2025-05-12

16 / 20

“ Amazing stay! Will be back. ”

Wendy Lee- 2025-05-07

17 / 20

“ Absolutely loved the Cavas Hut. Where it is situated is quiet and peaceful, a perfect place to get away from all the noise of the city. As well as a perfect place if you want to detach from your devices but still have service too. ”

Samara Riley- 2025-04-28

18 / 20

“ We visited the Canvas Hut for a weekend and it truly is beautiful. It is even better than the photos, we had truly the most relaxing weekend, in very comfortable accommodations with a spectacular view. Thank you so much for having us, 150% recommend! ”

Nicola Perkins- 2025-03-03

19 / 20

“ Amazing set up and location. Peaceful and not far from home. ”

Cheru Pillay- 2025-01-11

20 / 20

“ We loved the outlook and the attention to detail, and the little extras provided made it perfect! ”

Lisa Smith- 2026-04-20

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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