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The Croft

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The Croft

Waikari, Canterbury


The Croft is located in Waikari, just one hour from Christchurch city.

The setting is calm and picturesque. Rolling farmland stretches out in front, while behind the cabin, the rugged high-country landscape of matagouri, tussocks and grazing animals creates a timeless New Zealand scene.

A spacious front deck invites you to bask in the sun and enjoy sweeping views of the Hurunui Mountains. Built-in seating makes it the perfect spot to settle in with a blanket and cushions for an evening of stargazing beneath the dark skies. In the cooler months you can warm up in the wood-fired outdoor bath, the perfect way to end a crisp winter's day.

Inside, the cabin’s minimalist design is bathed in natural light from large windows that frame the surrounding landscape. A well-equipped kitchen, bathroom and cosy lounge provide everything you need for a restful stay.

All around, birdsong and the gentle whisper of wind in the trees create a soothing soundtrack to your escape.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Croft is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the four-burner gas stove and electric oven provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you’d prefer to head out for a meal, you’re spoilt for choice nearby. Just a two-minute drive away, the Star & Garter pub serves classic pub favourites alongside a full Thai menu, with takeaway options available. They’re open Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm to 9pm.

For a relaxed bite to eat in the day, The West Coast Pie Company is a must-visit. Their award-winning wild meat & vegetarian pies are a local favourite and absolutely delicious (and so are their coffees!) Open Mon- Sat 7:30am-4:30pm and Sunday 8am-4pm.

A little further afield, about a 15-minute drive in the Waipara/Omihi area, you’ll find two exceptional wineries. Black Estate offers cellar door tastings and a restaurant with a focus on local and organic produce. Greystone provides a similar experience, with seasonal menus of outstanding quality.

For supplies, the nearest Four Square is in Hawarden, less than 10 minutes away, while larger supermarkets can be found in Amberley, just a 20-minute drive from the property.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Take a leisurely wander around our two paddocks, or curl up inside with a choice of board games, card decks, or a good read from the bookcases filled with magazines, fiction, and non-fiction. Binoculars are on hand if you’d like a closer look at the local birdlife. And when the day is done, sink into the wood-fired outdoor bath and let the warmth of the water wash over you.

For adventures further afield, the old Waikari Village Walkway - a picturesque 30-45 minute walk.

We also recommend the Māori Rock Art Walk through Weka Pass History Reserve. The track begins on State Highway 7, opposite the Weka Pass Railway Station (just above Waikari Kitchen Café). Follow the trail until you reach the sign for the Rock Art. The walk is steep in places, but well worth the effort, taking around 90 minutes return at a leisurely pace. Note this walk is closed during lambing season.

Wine lovers will enjoy tastings and dining in Waipara, while Hanmer Springs, with its famous hot pools, walking tracks, and cycling trails, is perfect for a day trip.

Head to Hanmer Springs for the day and experience the hot pools - 40 minutes away.

And lastly, the Great Northern Market in Waikari is open on the first and third Sunday of every month with great local produce and crafts.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at The Croft are Sarah and James.

Sarah and James have owned the property for over a decade, spending the first six years sleeping in a caravan on the land. When they first bought the land, the only trees were a large poplar, a willow at the rear, and a spring wattle. Since then, they have planted hundreds of trees and shrubs, transforming the land into a mix of cosy, pastoral charm, framed by the rugged foothills of the Southern Alps.

The Croft is a calming place to escape the pace of city life and enjoy the changing light, views, and rhythms of nature. Surrounding farms are traditional sheep and cattle operations, adding to the authentic rural feel.

James is a senior architect, and Sarah works part-time in the civil construction industry. Together, they love sharing the peaceful setting with guests.

The name “The Croft” was inspired by their time living in England, when travels through Ireland, Scotland, and Wales introduced them to crofters’ houses – modest, beautiful dwellings that blended into the landscape and were designed to house both families and small herds of animals.

TESTIMONIALS

“ The Croft was such a peaceful escape from the city life, and so close to home for something so unique. ”

Wern Downing- 2025-10-08

18 / 18

“ We loved our stay at The Croft. A beautiful and clever little building in a stunning setting. It's cosy and luxurious at the same time! ”

James France- 2026-05-25

1 / 18

“ My stay was an incredible experience. Sarah and James were great hosts. The moment I walked into The Croft, it was so welcoming, warm, and a home away from home. There was everything I needed, the linen was beautiful, the decor was stunning, and the views - WOW! I felt truly lucky to have this space for a couple of nights. I cannot fault The Croft and look forward to returning. ”

Rawinia Wilson- 2026-05-22

2 / 18

“ The architectural details, the night sky, a friendly welcome and all the amenities including the outdoor bath. The view that looks over the valley resembles to a Rita Angus background. It’s a great place to be and we really enjoyed our time relaxing at The Croft! ”

Ellen Geeraerts- 2026-05-16

3 / 18

“ Stunning building and landscape, and so easy to get to for a relaxing weekend. We’ll be back! ”

Traci Stanbury- 2026-04-20

4 / 18

“ I had a great stay, finally cracked a design issue I’d been stuck on for weeks. I’ll return whenever I need some focused time. ”

Mahdi Heidarian- 2026-04-10

5 / 18

“ Quiet, cosy and everything you need. I want to stay permanently. ”

Kate Morrow- 2026-04-07

6 / 18

“ A nice relaxing spot surrounded by nature and beautiful views. ”

Michael Lawson- 2026-04-05

7 / 18

“ Very relaxing and cosy. ”

Sharon Cunningham- 2026-03-25

8 / 18

“ We fell in love with the peace and quiet, and the view. We will definitely be back. Sarah was the most easiest and polite host also! ”

Leigh Wickliffe- 2026-03-24

9 / 18

“ An amazing place to chill out and relax for a long weekend. Beautifully decorated and fitted out, with a view to match. ”

Chris Wallace- 2026-02-09

10 / 18

“ Great setting. Superb design and balance in the whole structure. Misty morning, sun cutting through the valley . Beautiful. ”

Des Bailey- 2026-02-07

11 / 18

“ Nice and quiet for a relaxing couple of days. ”

Chris Phillips- 2026-01-26

12 / 18

“ A wonderful, thoughtfully designed property in a peaceful environment. Sarah was a very communicative host. Thanks very much. ”

Andrew Watts- 2026-01-13

13 / 18

“ Absolutely loved it. Fantastic view, brilliant location, lovely setup, hosts were so friendly and accommodating. Wonderful night away. ”

Sara Griffin-George- 2026-01-12

14 / 18

“ An absolutely magical Canopy Camping escape. The setting is beautiful, and the thoughtful layout shows real care and attention to detail. I loved every moment and would highly recommend it. ”

Lisa Stevenson- 2026-01-04

15 / 18

“ Great spot to enjoy the view and relax. ”

Dana Evans- 2025-12-10

16 / 18

“ Wonderful views, the accommodation was warm and comfortable. It was great to get off the grid and relax. Great communication from the hosts. ”

Max & Tanya Benfell- 2025-11-06

17 / 18

“ The Croft was such a peaceful escape from the city life, and so close to home for something so unique. ”

Wern Downing- 2025-10-08

18 / 18

“ We loved our stay at The Croft. A beautiful and clever little building in a stunning setting. It's cosy and luxurious at the same time! ”

James France- 2026-05-25

1 / 18

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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