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Rockwood Station - The Summerhouse

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Rockwood Station - The Summerhouse

Windwhistle, Canterbury


The Summer House at Rockwood Station is just one hour and 15 minutes from Christchurch city and 25 minutes from both Darfield and Methven.

The Summer House was designed by hosts, Cheryl and Ben, to be a peaceful retreat... an oasis of calm for busy lives... Somewhere to switch off, unplug and soak up the natural surrounds of their stunning high country farm.

The accommodation consists of one large room with a bedroom and kitchen in one area and a separate lounging area. Large glass sliding doors open from the lounge onto the surrounding deck. A bathroom, with a luxurious, deep bathtub is accessed from the deck outside.

An outdoor fireplace and beautifully landscaped sitting area sit right next to the Rockwood Stream that runs immediately in front of the Summer House. You can hear the gentle flow of the water over the rocks as you sip your cool drink in the summer heat, or hot chocolate in the winter months.

The bird life surrounding the summer house is incredible. Bellbirds, wood pigeons, fantails and kingfishers are regular visitors. The bushwalk on the property takes you through 100 acres of native bush, and the beautiful woodland garden of the nearby, historical Rockwood homestead is a delight to explore

In the summer, enjoy a dip in the swimming holes up and down the river... In the winter, cosy up and tuck yourself away for a few days - maybe even enjoy some snowfall while you're there!

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Rockwood Station is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in the summer house kitchen. You'll find a Nespresso machine and all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, the towns of Darfield or Methven are just 25 minutes away. Both the Dubliner in Methven and the Ski Time in Methven, come highly recommended!

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

The summerhouse at Rockwood Station is designed to immerse you in the surrounding nature - to completely relax and destress. If you do feel like getting active, though, there's plenty to do.

On the property, explore the 100-acre bush and the stunning country garden. There's a good road network on the farm too. Rockwood Stream, which runs past The Summerhouse, has some swimming holes that are a great place to cool off in the hot Canterbury summer.

In winter, hit the slopes! Mt Hutt is just 50 minutes from Rockwood Station.

If you're a keen walker, there is plenty of great walking in the nearby Lake Coleridge area, with numerous tracks and walkways to choose from.

While there are no bicycle tracks around Rockwood Station, some of our guests like to bike to Lake Coleridge on the road, approximately 25kms. Check out the official website, or have a read of these handy digital leaflets [1] [2].

For fishing enthusiasts, the area offers two great spots. Lake Coleridge, a short drive further up from Rockwood, or the stunning Rakaia Gorge river, is accessible on the way to Methven via Windwhistle.

Rakaia Gorge has a jet boat company,Alpine Jet Thrills, operating jet rides up the Rakaia Gorge, about a 15-minute drive from Rockwood Station. There's a Riding School for keen horse riders just over the Rakaia Gorge Bridge and if clay bird shooting takes your fancy, Newzengland offers clay bird shooting and archery.

If you have ever wanted to try hot air ballooning, there are two operators in the area, Hot Air Adventures and Ballooning Canterbury.

For a relaxing afternoon, the More for You Beauty Salon on the Main Street in Darfield offers massage and beauty therapy.

For the golfers - bring your clubs and visit the Hororata Golf Course in Glentunnel.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Ben is a 5th generation farmer in the Windwhistle area. His great, great grandfather Henry Phillips settled at Rockwood in 1851 after a living in Phillipstown, Christchurch.

Cheryl, originally from Scotland, came to New Zealand in December 2003. She was introduced to Ben through a Scottish friend. In 2004, Cheryl came back to Rockwood to visit - and has been here ever since!

Ben and Cheryl married, and live in the homestead at Rockwood Station with their daughter, Emma. Over their time together at Rockwood, they've reinstated the bush walk through the 100 acres of native bush on the property, and embarked on a major bush care and regeneration project with the removal of wild sycamores from the property.

Cheryl has a keen interest in property and interior decoration, and over a couple of years, transformed the old working man’s hut into the wilderness retreat which is now the Summer House.

Rockwood Station has a fascinating family history, and a beautiful homestead and old English garden. Ben and Cheryl have found immense satisfaction in restoring it to it's former glory, and regenerating the stunning native bush surrounds. Sharing this with guests is something they love!

TESTIMONIALS

“ Utter perfection. ”

Steven Holland- 2025-02-03

20 / 20

“ An absolutely perfect atmosphere for our elopement that had a warm, magical and peaceful moment for our matrimony. We couldn't have asked for more with how beautiful Ben and Cheryl made it for us. Can't wait to see the pictures! Thank you thank you thank you! ”

Sam Wragg- 2026-05-13

1 / 20

“ This cabin was in the most wonderful, quiet location on the farm, surrounded by the beauty of nature, streams, waterfalls, trees, plants, birds. I felt very relaxed and thoroughly loved the bathtub and large windows to take in the stunning views. Immersed in nature in a luxurious cabin! Sipping tea, reading books, resting and gentle walks around the property, beautiful, thank you. ”

Alexandra Kellahan- 2026-04-07

2 / 20

“ Such a great place to unwind and reset. Great hosts even the cat made itself at home. ”

Cat Cramond- 2026-03-28

3 / 20

“ Beautiful, tranquil spot with the sound of the river and birds all around you. The outdoor fire was a delight to keep us warm on autumn evenings. The bush walk on doorstep was a real pleasure. ”

Nicky Browne- 2026-03-15

4 / 20

“ The serenity! Birdsong, burbling stream and such peace and quiet. ”

Rachael Walkinton- 2026-02-14

5 / 20

“ Amazing place!! Absolutely loved it. ”

Kayla Feary- 2026-02-03

6 / 20

“ Rockwood Summerhouse was absolutely perfect. We loved our stay, it was a much needed break in an incredible spot. ”

Cherie Webb- 2025-11-09

7 / 20

“ The Summerhouse was the perfect blend of being surrounded by nature but still with all the modern amenities for a super comfortable stay. The outside fireplace was also really unique and made for very cosy evenings. Even the sandflies, and there were plenty, seemed to mind their own business for the most part. We absolutely hope to return. ”

Zac Gibbs- 2025-09-21

8 / 20

“ Our stay at The Summerhouse was simply awesome. I had gotten in touch with the hosts and let them know I planned to propose to my girlfriend. They went above and beyond to assist. I am very grateful to the hosts, and we will be coming back again for years to come. ”

Lachlan Maclean- 2025-09-17

9 / 20

“ We loved our long weekend stay. It was the most relaxing environment and so cosy. We'll definitely be back! ”

Celisse Moyer- 2025-09-06

10 / 20

“ Absolutely beautiful, peaceful setting by the river and bush! Fabulous facilities! Just loved it, thank you. ”

Paula Shaw- 2025-08-25

11 / 20

“ We loved our stay. The place was cosy, warm, and just what we needed to stop being busy with everyday life. The fire, the night sky, and nature in general were just gorgeous. Definitely a bucket list weekend. ”

lisa woodbridge- 2025-08-18

12 / 20

“ Amazing location. Our favourite feature was the outdoor fireplace which we used to cook nearly every meal. Great place to be, regardless of the weather. ”

Selena Tonks- 2025-08-05

13 / 20

“ We loved our stay at the Rockwood Station. It was so cosy and in the most beautiful location. Such a nice touch having the fire in the bedroom. ”

Rose Clarke- 2025-07-10

14 / 20

“ I recently stayed at the Summer House and absolutely loved it. We were lucky enough to get some snow while we were there, which made it feel even more magical. Surrounded by bush with the sound of the river nearby, it was the perfect place to switch off and completely unwind. Peaceful, cosy and just what I needed. Can’t wait to go back. ”

Krista Gilbert- 2025-06-11

15 / 20

“ We really enjoyed our stay at the Summer House. We loved the lack of cell coverage, took advantage of the bush walk, and relaxed in front of the fire toasting marshmallows. ”

Olivia Inglis- 2025-05-19

16 / 20

“ Such a beautiful setting and a special, uncompromising design and location that offers something different and serene. ”

Jill Campbell- 2025-04-07

17 / 20

“ Amazing break away from the big smoke. Nothing like the sound of a stream to help you sleep at night. ”

Trystan van der Geest- 2025-03-15

18 / 20

“ A beautiful location. No WiFi or cell signal which is perfect for a disconnect from the world. ”

Damon Wells- 2025-03-08

19 / 20

“ Utter perfection. ”

Steven Holland- 2025-02-03

20 / 20

“ An absolutely perfect atmosphere for our elopement that had a warm, magical and peaceful moment for our matrimony. We couldn't have asked for more with how beautiful Ben and Cheryl made it for us. Can't wait to see the pictures! Thank you thank you thank you! ”

Sam Wragg- 2026-05-13

1 / 20

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