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The Coop

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The Coop

Oxford, Canterbury


The Coop is located just 15 minutes from Oxford and an hour from Christchurch City.

Nestled in the foothills of Mt Richardson within the Mount Thomas Conservation Area, The Coop offers couples a true nature retreat.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need for a restful stay: a kitchenette, lounging chairs, a bar leaner, and a cosy bed where you can wake to rolling hillside views. The outdoor bathroom is accessible from inside the cabin, and the veranda extends the cooking space with a barbecue area.

Just a few steps away, a wood-fired hot tub and cold plunge await, tucked amongst native bush alive with bellbirds and kererū.

Each morning brings breathtaking sunrises over the Canterbury plains, with glimpses of the sea on clear days. And when night falls, Oxford’s newly awarded Dark Sky status transforms the skies into a celestial theatre - best enjoyed by the campfire.

The Coop is more than accommodation. It’s an escape into Canterbury’s pristine wilderness.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Coop is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the air fryer, BBQ and campfire. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

Fancy a bite to eat in Oxford? Black Beech Wine Bar and Indian Hut are great choices for lunch or dinner, while The Diner offers breakfast and lunch options.

World Famous Sheffield Pies has a range of cakes, biscuits, slices, sandwiches and rolls, freshly baked bread, and possibly the best pies you’ve ever tasted.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is Fresh Choice in Oxford, 15 minutes away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Enjoy board games and books by the campfire, unwind in the wood-fired hot tub, or brave a dip in the cold plunge. A yoga platform is perfect for sunrise stretches but also doubles as a peaceful spot to enjoy a glass of wine at the end of your day.

For the active explorers, there are plenty of nearby walking and hiking trails through the bush. Mountain biking is also available.

On Sundays, visit the local Oxford Farmers Market (open 9am – 12pm) or the nearby art gallery and museum.

The Waimakariri River is a favourite spot for boating adventures and fishing. Just down the road, Ashley River is a summertime gem, with sparkling swimming holes to cool off in and, after a good rainfall, some fantastic kayaking too.

For keen skiers and snowboarders, head out to the Mt Cheeseman Ski Fields, only a 1.5 hours drive away.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at The Coop are Nikki and Neill.

Nikki and Neill, along with their three children - Rose, Fred, and Freja - are excited to welcome guests to The Coop.

They moved to the property five years ago during the COVID lockdown, after Nikki, who was working as a Rural Nurse Specialist, came across the home on a whim. Trading city life for peace and isolation, they now grow their own food and care for rescue cats, chickens, and cows.

The quiet, the views, and the nearby conservation areas and mountains are what they cherish most. Neill runs a property maintenance business throughout Canterbury, while Nikki is part of the local District Nursing Team. Both are also qualified massage therapists, with Neill offering holistic treatments including Reiki and reflexology.

Inspired by their own love of glamping, they spent 18 months handcrafting The Coop from recycled materials salvaged from an earthquake-damaged Christchurch home – a cabin built with passion and care.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Epic location, fantastic hosts, and a beautifully peaceful getaway. Tranquillity at its best! We will be back again. ”

Sam Mander- 2025-09-01

19 / 19

“ It was a great experience for us. We absolutely enjoyed the stay. The hot tub, view from the bedroom, and unique atmosphere were amazing. ”

Isfaqur Siddiqui- 2026-05-23

1 / 19

“ Neill and Nikki are lovely, welcoming hosts. Fresh bread, milk, eggs and honey were a real treat! The bed is one of the comfiest I've stayed in. Overall a wonderful little break away! ”

Emma Robinson- 2026-05-14

2 / 19

“ We should have stayed longer! If you want a tranquil and luxurious getaway, this is the spot! Great service and spectacular views! ”

Vinnie McIvor- 2026-05-05

3 / 19

“ We were blown away with the beauty of The Coop, not only the view but also the stunning cabin and amenities. The hosts were so generous and made us feel very welcome! We hope we can celebrate another anniversary there one day. ”

Jamie-lee Davies- 2026-04-16

4 / 19

“ Excellent hosts, loved the amazing welcome suprise gift, very thoughtful and kind. View was amazing, so peaceful and relaxing. It you are looking for that something special, then The Coop is the place for you. ”

Dee Kennedy- 2026-03-29

5 / 19

“ The Coop was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The view was incredible and it had everything you would need. The fresh bread and eggs were the cherry on top. ”

Honour Mitchell- 2026-03-05

6 / 19

“ It was exactly what we needed after coming off the mountain in the storm. The cosiness, the comfort and the warmth. The bread, the milk and the eggs! You guys looked after us so much. What a special place. We hope we can come back! ”

Enda Owens- 2026-03-04

7 / 19

“ Absolutely loved our stay, beautiful home and amazing generosity from the hosts. ”

Savannah Holt- 2026-02-12

8 / 19

“ The Coop was fantastic and perfectly located. Surrounded by forest in every direction, it was beautifully clean, tidy, and well presented. Hosts Neil and Nikki were incredibly welcoming and accommodating. The cabin was well equipped, and on arrival we were treated to freshly baked bread, eggs, and honey, such a lovely touch. The outdoor area was amazing, with a plunge pool and hot tub that made watching the sunrise and sunset truly special. We will definitely go back and highly recommend this place. ”

Darryn McGregor- 2026-02-03

9 / 19

“ Amazing stay, so relaxing. Will be back. ”

Nicola Saville- 2026-01-31

10 / 19

“ Awesome place and hosts! Highly recommended! ”

Gary Lee- 2026-01-21

11 / 19

“ We had the absolute best time staying at The Coop! The owners, Nikki and Niell, are actual sweethearts. We stayed there as we had just gotten engaged, and they made the stay so special. The place was cosy and well looked after. Will be recommending to our friends and anyone we know. ”

Dan Wilmot- 2026-01-13

12 / 19

“ A lovely place with awesome views that the bifold doors, the deck, and the hot tub utilise well. Friendly and helpful hosts with some great walking tracks just up the road from the accommodation as well. ”

Megan Walsh- 2026-01-12

13 / 19

“ Beautiful peaceful location with incredible views, what a hidden gem. Friendly welcoming hosts and we loved the fresh bread, honey and eggs on arrival. The hot tub and cold plunge pool were epic and a great way to end the day at sunset. ”

Toni Hannah- 2025-11-12

14 / 19

“ We loved staying at The Coop! What a beautiful weekend getaway. We felt so disconnected from the outside world and truly able to just soak up our time together. We will be back again! ”

Sinead McGrannachan- 2025-10-07

15 / 19

“ We absolutely loved our stay! The hosts were great so friendly and were available if we needed anything. The place was very peaceful, clean and overall a great getaway. Would go there again any day! ”

Alyssa Astle- 2025-09-29

16 / 19

“ Nikki and Neill were amazing hosts and we will definitely be returning. Such a ‘pinch me’ atmosphere and we were extremely impressed with everything. They have put a huge amount of time and effort into everything and it really shows. Highly recommend. ”

Kimberley McFall- 2025-09-22

17 / 19

“ Nikki and Nigel were incredibly friendly and informative but quickly let us relax. There was some freshly made bread with farm eggs and honey. Peaceful, quiet and comfortable. ”

LIAM SIMES- 2025-09-05

18 / 19

“ Epic location, fantastic hosts, and a beautifully peaceful getaway. Tranquillity at its best! We will be back again. ”

Sam Mander- 2025-09-01

19 / 19

“ It was a great experience for us. We absolutely enjoyed the stay. The hot tub, view from the bedroom, and unique atmosphere were amazing. ”

Isfaqur Siddiqui- 2026-05-23

1 / 19

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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