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Parimanui Hut

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Parimanui Hut

Timaru, Canterbury


Parimanui Hut is situated halfway between Christchurch and Dunedin. It is just 20 minutes from Timaru, 35 minutes from Fairlie, and one hour from Oamaru in the Canterbury region.

Set deep into the property, getting to the hut requires a 4WD transfer with your gear on the day of arrival and departure from your hosts. If you'd like to come and go from the property during your stay, you'll enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk to and from your car park at the stables on the property or you can book additional transfers.

Embraced by awe-inspiring limestone cliffs and nestled within an ancient broadleaf native forest, Parimanui Hut is a sanctuary of simplicity and serenity.

The hut itself features a large expansive deck that invites you to soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Inside, the cosy interior includes a queen bed, a snug lounging corner, and an Oregan timber kitchen with a breakfast bar looking directly out to the views.

A true nature experience, you'll find all the bathroom facilities outside - immersed in the surroundings. Step to the left of the hut and ascend a few stairs to find a bioloo and a beautifully handcrafted barrel basin. To the other side of the hut is an outdoor shower with a view directly up towards the cliffs. An outdoor wood-fired hot tub is filled with water from a limestone spring.

A special feature of the property, the limestone cliffs are geological wonders, laid down on the Zealandia continental shelf between 50 to 200 million years ago. The vistas on the farm are spectacular, with 360-degree views of the Southern Alps. You also have Mount Sefton to the west and the sparkling Pacific Ocean to the east. On a clear day, you can see down to the Kaikoura's, Port Hills and the Hunter Hills!

Parimanui Hut is a natural playground where you can bask in the peace, glowing sunsets, the stars and the birdlife.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Parimanui Hut offers catering services for breakfast, dinner, and dessert, which you can find out more under the 'Rates and Extras' button. If you have ordered Sara's food options; this will be ready and waiting for you in the hut on arrival, or precooked if you requested that option.

If you choose self-catering, you will need to bring your own food and drink. You can cook meals using the wood-fired Baker's oven and large Weber BBQ provided at the hut. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you're keen to sample some local cuisine, there are plenty of dining options nearby. After the 30-minute walk back to your car, drive 10 minutes to The Cave Arms Tavern in the charming village of Cave, where a local has returned from the UK with her family to breathe new life into this beloved pub. Their revitalised menu serves up excellent pub fare that's well worth the visit.

For more variety, head to Timaru, 20 minutes away. You'll find The Oxford (a chic restaurant and bar), Harlau House Cafe (a relaxed country-style eatery), Hector's Blacks (a quirky bar with character), The Speight's Ale House (excellent pub food), and Zest (renowned for its pizzas).

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Timaru, 20 minutes away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Nestled in your own private nature oasis, this place offers plenty of ways to recharge. Your host offers a wide range of activities and catering options at the property - so make sure to check them out under the 'Rates and Extras' button!

Inside the hut, you'll find books, cards, a puzzle and a set of naughts and crosses. Feel free to try knitting with the Merino wool and instructions provided to make a premature baby singlet, which will be donated to Timaru Hospital when completed.

Walk around 550ha of stunning farmland, through native bush, and around the rocky outcrops. Just remember to bring good walking shoes! Venture even further, and you'll find yourself at the Pareora River nestled in the gorge below. As you ascend the walkway leading to the Pareora Dam, you'll uncover a series of enchanting swimming holes along the river. Please note the walk back up to the hut is uphill.

Alternatively, bike along the farm tracks, swim the Pareora River in the gorge below, or BYO horse and enjoy a ride around the paddocks.

If you feel like getting out and about,Mount Nimrod Reserve is 15 minutes away. It's a full three-hour tramp but the reward is a stunning waterfall and breathtaking views.

For a leisurely day, head to Caroline Bay, a popular destination offering a picturesque beach for a relaxing stroll, delectable dining options, and a variety of shopping experiences.

The Te Ana Rock Art Centreis in Timaru, 20 minutes away.

Explore Pleasant Point by taking a ride on the Rail Car, visiting the Railway Museum, and experiencing the nostalgic journey on the Steam Engine.

Fairlie is just a 35-minute drive away - the gateway to the picturesque Mackenzie District. Indulge in a culinary delight by visiting the renowned Fairlie Bakehouse, open daily from 6 am to 4:30 pm. With their impressive production of 3000 pies a day, it's worth the short wait even during peak hours!

For winter enthusiasts, the local ski fields, including Mount Dobson, Fox Peak, and Round Hill near Lake Tekapo, offer a day of skiing - all easily accessible from the property.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Parimanui Hut are Sara and Nick Rowley.

Sara and Nick's narrative unfolds as a classic 'girl meets boy next door' tale, which has now blossomed into a beautiful family with three children: Hamish, Milly, and Ben. They live on Sara's family farm which has been farmed by her family since 1864 when her great-great-grandfather, Edward Elworthy, arrived from England to farm at Holme Station in Timaru. There are family history books in the hut if you'd like to know more!

Hamish, Milly, and Ben (Sara and Nick's children) played a pivotal role in the creation of Parimanui Hut. After exploring the farm one day, they discovered a natural clearing, where they camped in swags alongside friends. It was within these shared moments that the concept of the hut took root and began to flourish.

The name "Parimanui" was inspired by the remarkable cliffs on Craigmore Hill. 'Parimanui' in Te Reo Māori translates to 'large white cliff or rock'.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Honestly the best experience - Sara truly goes above and beyond for the guests with all the little touches! Even set us up a porta-cot for our five week old baby. 10/10 would recommend and can’t wait to stay again! ”

Rebecca Donoghue-Hunt- 2025-10-14

20 / 20

“ It was a magical place with so many awesome walks to do. The hosts were lovely. 10/10 can’t recommend enough. ”

luke jackson- 2026-05-14

1 / 20

“ We had a wonderful stay at Parimanui Hut, peaceful, private, and beautifully designed, it was the perfect place to switch off. The produce from Sara's farm was incredibly fresh and everything tasted amazing. It ended up being the best food we had during our entire New Zealand trip. A truly special and memorable experience. ”

Voratip Khoh- 2026-04-27

2 / 20

“ Everything was amazing from the short 4WD ride to the hut, to the the most amazing view. We were able to see Mt Cook and all the way to Kaikoura from the the deck of hut. Absolutey epic place to stay. ”

Brook Lawson- 2026-04-21

3 / 20

“ It was an amazing place to stay, the perfect getaway. Thank you. ”

Darryn Hawes- 2026-04-16

4 / 20

“ What a place! Quiet, picturesque, secluded, charming, unique, the list goes on. We will be back. ”

Gregory Neave- 2026-04-03

5 / 20

“ Beautiful and peaceful, lovely view. Sarah had gone out of her way preparing everything, and it was appreciated. ”

Michelle Lyons- 2026-03-20

6 / 20

“ Beautiful views and outstanding hospitality. The wood fired hot tub was a real favourite. We can't wait to return. ”

Alanah Allison- 2026-02-27

7 / 20

“ A true haven of peace with everything you need and more. Breathtaking views, amazing night skies and super friendly hosts. ”

Audrey Boys- 2026-02-26

8 / 20

“ Let the adventure begin! From the moment we arrived at the hut by 4WD, we fell in love with the charm and remoteness of this gorgeous slice of paradise. Elevated panoramic views over some of South Canterbury's most beautiful landscapes, combined with absolute privacy, with just the sounds of nature for company. Sara is a brilliant host, sharing all sorts of history about the farm and the area, and if you have time, definitely take up the horse trek. And the food, oh wow. 100% go with the meal options provided, all tasty farm-fresh meat, veges, and fruit. We were so well provided for and it was delicious! An absolute must if you're staying in the area. ”

Scott Bainbridge- 2026-02-15

9 / 20

“ My husband and I were keen to celebrate a rather significant milestone in a new-to-us setting on Te Waiponamu. Parimanui Hut (including our generous hosts) delivered! ”

Tammy Steeves- 2026-02-10

10 / 20

“ I would fly across the Pacific to visit the Parimanui Hut anytime! Sara made sure we had a phenomenal time and provided us with some of the best homemade cooking my wife and I have ever had. ”

Will Pfeiffer- 2026-01-28

11 / 20

“ It was an absolute dream. Sara is a super kind and welcoming host! You can completely relax and have some very recovering nights! ”

Marie Neises- 2026-01-23

12 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay at Parimanui Hut! The space is lovely and the attention to detail is incredible. Meeting Sara and learning about the surrounding farm was very cool. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a relaxing but adventurous trip! ”

Veronica Manning- 2026-01-11

13 / 20

“ The host was fabulous and we had everything we needed. They have so much to offer on the farm where the hut is. ”

Holly Frost- 2026-01-11

14 / 20

“ What an absolutely magical spot! We loved our stay at Parimānui Hut. It was one of our favourite Canopy Camping stays so far. The hut is really spacious, with a comfortable bed and armchairs, and an excellent sheepskin beanbag! We plan to buy one now. There is also a well-equipped kitchen. Loved the special treats left for us. It was a lovely surprise to find the fire already lit for us for the outdoor tub - we used the tub heaps over the three days and it was very easy to maintain it at a good temperature. It's all very private. You're in your own little world up there. We enjoyed a bike ride around the farm and really appreciated Sara and Nick's trusting and welcoming "go anywhere you like" approach to their guests. We followed Sara's advice and walked in the bush despite the rain. Highly recommended. Thanks so much for everything. ”

Catherine Cattanach- 2026-01-05

15 / 20

“ Parimanui Hut is the perfect getaway. The hut itself has been lovingly curated, the spot is magnificent and Sara and her family are extraordinary hosts. Recommend the place. ”

Jay Cameron- 2025-12-08

16 / 20

“ The place is amazing, from the fabulous views to the hot tub and outdoor shower. All the little extras, homemade muffins, real farm milk and cream. Exquisite linen and super comfortable bed. Sara, the host, has done an amazing job and was super helpful, full of local knowledge about the area, and catered to any requests we had. 11 out of 10. ”

Shane Cole- 2025-12-01

17 / 20

“ Sara, our host, was exceptional! She was personable and knowledgeable about the history of the area. The hut was warm and cosy with so many personal touches that made our stay more memorable. The amazing views took your breath away and the hot tub was a real treat. It was a luxurious way to spend our anniversary! ”

John Townsend- 2025-11-11

18 / 20

“ Breathtaking views, warm and welcoming hosts who have clearly put thought behind every detail. It does not go unnoticed. Thank you. ”

Roxanne Gapuzan- 2025-10-21

19 / 20

“ Honestly the best experience - Sara truly goes above and beyond for the guests with all the little touches! Even set us up a porta-cot for our five week old baby. 10/10 would recommend and can’t wait to stay again! ”

Rebecca Donoghue-Hunt- 2025-10-14

20 / 20

“ It was a magical place with so many awesome walks to do. The hosts were lovely. 10/10 can’t recommend enough. ”

luke jackson- 2026-05-14

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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