Foxdown Hut

Amberley, Canterbury

Foxdown Hut is located in North Canterbury - approximately 35 minutes from the township of Amberley and an hour and 20 minutes from Christchurch City.

The hut is set right in the middle of the 1400 hectare sheep and beef farm with stunning views of rolling farmland and livestock. On a clear day, you can see down into the Culverden Basin and all the way to the inland Kaikouras. And if you're really lucky, you'll see a New Zealand Falcon gliding in the air in front of the hut... Foxdown is home to two pairs of these rare endemic birds.

Generously proportioned at 84 square metres and beautifully decorated, with every luxury considered, this hut is a combination of backcountry hut - and 5-star luxury. Completely off-the-grid, with a state-of-the-art solar system, a stay at Foxdown Hut is like escaping to the wilderness - while still enjoying all the comforts of modern life.

The property is a joy to explore - with plenty of walking options for guests who can tear themselves off the comfortable couch. A walk to the top of Mt Alexander will reward you with great views back across Pegasus Bay. Or you could check out your host Andy's native tree regeneration in 'Broadleaf Gully' and hunt down the 'vineyard' planted 140 years ago by his French, great-grandmother.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

The kitchen has 4 gas hobs, an extractor fan and a fridge/freezer. A Weber BBQ can be converted to work like a convection oven or pizza oven - or a Breville bench oven is available if required. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. Hot water is supplied by a gas califont.

A toaster and Nespresso machine are also available.

Some pantry basics are supplied - olive oil, rice bran oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, a selection of teas, coffee (including Nespresso capsules), drinking chocolate, milk, and bubbly sparkling water.

The pantry also has a variety of seasonings, marinades, condiments, dressings and sauces, butter and plenty of breakfast spreads.

Foxdown Hut is fully off-grid with a high-spec 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. Some small appliances, especially hairdryers and straighteners, have a large power draw so use should be avoided. You will also need to limit the number of appliances going at the same time, so the system doesn’t overload.

There are USB ports on each side of the bed for charging devices. A fully charged Bluetooth Megaboom speaker is available for guests' use.

The access to the hut is a 10-15 minute drive on a farm track from the cattle yards. Once at the hut, there is a good car park with plenty of space to turn around.

If you're nervous about driving on the farm track or have a vehicle that you would rather not get dirty, your hosts can offer you transfers up to the hut on the day of arrival and collect you on departure. You can arrange this with the host after you receive your pre-arrival email 5 days prior to arrival.

If it has been raining or snowing the track can become difficult to negotiate. If this happens during your stay, one of the Foxdown crew will transport you safely up and down the hill.

There is parking space for a campervan or boat.

Foxdown Hut is set on a 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, the property has 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 on farm tracks - someone may be coming the other way.
For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter any buildings on the property.

Foxdown Farm Tour with Andy - $200

A 2-hour guided tour of Foxdown which can also include a tour of Foxdown museum and classic car collection. This is subject to Andy being available and needs to be booked online when you book your stay.

Convertible Classic Car Transfer - $400

Note: This is also subject to Andy being available and needs to be booked online when you book your stay.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

We've teamed up with Gift Box company 'XO' to bring you a 'special treat' gift box to celebrate those special occasions. The Connection Gift Box features a bottle of Cloudy Bay Pelorus Brut sparkling wine, 'Bubbly Bears' deluxe sweets, a speciality chocolate bar from the House of Chocolate, and pack of 'Deeper Questions' conversation cards - all beautifully presented in a black gift box with tissue paper and an optional handwritten note. Order your Connection Gift Box now, and it will be waiting for you on arrival.

Please note: Gift Boxes are sent 15 days before your arrival date to ensure timely delivery. If you cancel your stay within this time frame, the cost of the Gift Box will not be refunded.

Enjoy transfers in a convertible classic car to and from a local vineyard lunch (Black Estate or Waipara Springs). 3 hours. Lunch and wine are not included. The cars available are 1936 Cadillac Roadster, 1927 Cadillac Phaeton or 1957 Buick Convertible. Perfect for a special occasion! Please note that this is subject to your host, Andy, being available. If you book this extra and it is not available for your stay, you will be refunded.

**1.1** Canopy Camping Limited (**Canopy Camping Escapes**, also referred to as **we**, **our** and **us**) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (**Hosts**). **1.2** By making a booking through our website ([here](https://www.canopycamping.co.nz/)) (**Website**), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (**Booking Conditions**). **1.3** Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host. That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host. **1.4** In these terms: - “Day” means a period of 24 hours; and - “check-in time” means the check-in time specified [in the booking confirmation email we send you / specified on the Website for the property you have booked]

**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 2.1% 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 2.1% 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](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/) 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](https://www.metservice.com/) 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.

**9.1** 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. **9.2** 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: - Specified on the Website. - Contained in the information folder provided at the property. **9.3** 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. **9.4** 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. **9.5** 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. **9.6** Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties. **9.7**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. **9.8**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. **9.9**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 encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken. If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early. If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) with details of the complaint. As an agent, 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: - for the acts or omissions of the Hosts; or - under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay, 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.

As the person who completes the Booking Form, you certify that all information provided is true, accurate and correct and that you: are authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; are over eighteen years of age; agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property and shall ensure that they (and any approved visitors) comply with these Booking Conditions; and will notify us if you are not present at the property for the rental period.

EATING AND DRINKING

Foxdown Hut is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in the hut 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, Greystone Wines or Black Estate in Waipara are great lunch options. The nearest dinner options are some way away so you’re better to self cater for dinner. That shouldn’t be too hard as the Foxdown Hut pantry is well supplied with all the cooking oils and condiments that you are likely to require.

If you need to stock up on supplies, there is a Countdown supermarket in Amberley (35 mins away), a Foursquare in Hawarden (20 minutes away) and a Foursquare in Cheviot (35 minutes away).

THINGS TO DO

With board games, books and a luxurious hot tub provided - you'll find there is plenty to keep you entertained at the hut.

The farm has walks of varying degrees of difficulty and keen mountain bikers are welcome to explore on wheels.

Your host, Andy offers guided farm tours which include a tour of the Foxdown museum and classic car collection. And for a really special celebration, Andy can also offer convertible classic car transfers for a 3-hour return trip vineyard lunch at either Black Estate or Waipara Springs. Both the farm tour and classic car lunch need to be pre-booked and are subject to his availability. Check out more under the 'Rates and Extras' button.

A man of many hats, Andy is also a wedding celebrant! So Foxdown would make the perfect elopement destination.

If you're keen to explore the surrounding area, Motunau Beach is nearby and day trips to either Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura or Christchurch are also a doable option from the hut.

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Foxdown Farm are Andy and Kath Fox.

The Foxes are the fifth generation fortunate enough to farm Foxdown, which was established in 1877 when it was carved off from Glenmark Estate. It's a 1400 ha sheep and beef farm.

The Fox family has a strong heritage and the property itself is steeped in history - the sheep are still run through yards built from stone by Andy’s great grandfather more than a century ago. Andy also loves collecting artefacts (including his uniquely rural collection of different types of barbed wire!) as well as a number of classic cars.

The Fox clan are proud to be farmers and proud of their stewardship of the land. Andy and Kath see it as their duty to leave the land in a better state than when they took it over – a tradition that has been carried on for generations and with Andy’s grown-up sons George, James and Tim all pursuing agricultural careers it is a tradition that looks set to carry on well into the future. They hope that this tradition will be evident to you as you explore the farm.

They recognise that they are privileged to have the opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful place and Foxdown Hut is seen by the family as a great opportunity to welcome visitors from town and overseas who perhaps haven’t had the chance to visit a working farm.

Kath has a side hustle as a lawyer in Christchurch and Andy has for many years been involved in various off-farm activities holding a number of agricultural-related directorships. They are both looking forward to branching into something different with the opening of Foxdown Hut – which they hope will become a new tradition for Foxdown.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Our stay at Foxdown Hut was amazing. Beautiful views and house had everything we needed and more. Super clean place and welcoming hosts. We will absolutely be back! ”

Blair Hemmingsen- 2025-09-21

20 / 20

“ A really amazing place to kick back and relax. ”

Glen Kelman- 2026-05-21

1 / 20

“ Would definitely recommend this location, and the little extras thrown in by the host were a nice touch. ”

philip MacKean- 2026-04-20

2 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our stay at Foxdown Hut. So relaxing and everything had been thought of. Incredible getaway. ”

Jackie Bushell- 2026-04-11

3 / 20

“ Wonderful location. ”

Richard Hayes- 2026-04-09

4 / 20

“ Oh my goodness, what an amazing place! ”

Ashleigh Thomas- 2026-03-30

5 / 20

“ We knew it was going to be a special place, and it was. Even though the weather was inclement, we got out walking across the station, got wet, and came back to this wonderful “hut” to dry out and replenish the body. Amazing outlook to watch each day go by. Thanks Andy and Cath for a memorable “hut” stay. ”

Eric Hamilton- 2026-03-14

6 / 20

“ Fantastic property to detox from city life! Great hosts and wonderful vistas everywhere you look. Perfect place to relax or participate in some adventures. We will be back! ”

Graham Snook- 2026-02-20

7 / 20

“ Great spot, so cool! ”

Micah Frizzell- 2026-02-15

8 / 20

“ The communication from Kath was outstanding. Then meeting up with Andy on arrival was perfect. Andy took us on a tour of the farm. "Wow," it was amazing. Foxdown Hut – well, you couldn't ask for anything better. Five star plus. We will return! ”

Rachel Williams- 2026-02-14

9 / 20

“ Friendly hosts and amazing location. ”

Tait Chisman- 2026-02-06

10 / 20

“ Wonderful place. Best spot we stayed in NZ! ”

Dominic Rowe- 2026-02-05

11 / 20

“ We thoroughly enjoyed the gorgeous views, tasteful modern accommodation, the hottub (!), sheep grazing nearby, the native cabbage tree forest, and the warmth and kindness of the hosts. Highly recommend! ”

Katherine Schuitemaker- 2026-02-03

12 / 20

“ Great place with great hosts, we will be back again! ”

Steve Lawson- 2026-01-26

13 / 20

“ Foxdown Hut was the perfect retreat for our anniversary! The setting was stunning and the hut was five star quality. Kath and Andy have done an amazing job creating this special place. ”

Heidi Marshall- 2026-01-03

14 / 20

“ If freedom is a place. ”

goran camenisch- 2025-12-04

15 / 20

“ The most relaxing stay, super private and spacious hut! We will definitely visit again! ”

Jenny Jones- 2025-12-02

16 / 20

“ One of the best experiences yet. The hosts nailed the smaller details. Absolute value for money. ”

Jordan Robinson- 2025-11-27

17 / 20

“ This is an incredible house in an amazing outlook with everything you could ever need provided. I was super impressed with the extra touches, the hosts made us feel so welcome. ”

Kathryn King- 2025-11-07

18 / 20

“ We loved our stay, it was the perfect time away, a great place to relax and get away from the world. Will definitely be back again! ”

Tom Costello- 2025-11-02

19 / 20

“ Our stay at Foxdown Hut was amazing. Beautiful views and house had everything we needed and more. Super clean place and welcoming hosts. We will absolutely be back! ”

Blair Hemmingsen- 2025-09-21

20 / 20

“ A really amazing place to kick back and relax. ”

Glen Kelman- 2026-05-21

1 / 20

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Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.

A family holiday.

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Foxdown Hut

GETTING THERE

FAQS

RATES AND EXTRAS

BOOKING TERMS

ADDRESS

DIRECTIONS

EATING AND DRINKING

THINGS TO DO

YOUR HOSTS

TESTIMONIALS

BROWSE OUR COLLECTION