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The Matchbox

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The Matchbox

Waimate, Canterbury


The Matchbox is located 15 minutes from Waimate, 3.5 hours from Queenstown, 2 hours from Dunedin and 2 hours and 40 minutes from Christchurch. It's just 5 minutes from State Highway 1 - so the perfect place to break your journey between Christchurch and Queenstown. What's more, last minute bookings can be made as late as 1pm on the day of arrival. Also on the same property is The Jetty.

Small and perfectly formed, just like the wee box it's named after, The Matchbox sits high on the hills at 200m above sea level. The views stretch for miles - from the snow-capped mountains to the West to the rolling farmland of Morven and out to the Pacific Ocean to the East, and the vast pine forestry to the South.

Inside, beautiful bedlinens, leather seating, hand-crafted copper and timber touches and amazing tiling create a vibe of pure rustic luxury, with no expense spared. The bedroom, kitchen and bathroom are all contained within the same building - with large sliding doors opening out to the view beyond.

During the day, relax on the deck and take in the spectacular views, and the gentle presence of the Wiltshire sheep in the surrounding paddocks - the odd baaaa being the only sound to interrupt the total peace and quiet.

At night, soak in the hot tub and enjoy the lights of Waimate twinkling to the northeast, while the stars in the night sky sparkle from above.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Matchbox offers catering with farm-to-plate butchery from the farm, offering all the meat you need for your stay. You can find out more under the 'Rates and Extras' button. If you have ordered this option; it will be ready and waiting for you in the hut on arrival.

If you choose self-catering, you will need to bring your own food and cook meals using the 2-burner gas hob provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, and utensils that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, award-winning, fine dining restaurant Riverstone Kitchen is just 20 minutes away. Also recommended by your hosts, is the amazing Indian restaurant, FishTail, or The Waimate. Half an hour away is Scotts Brewery in the historic part of Oamaru. While you're in the area, Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli is a must-do for cheese-lovers.

For something slightly more casual, The Studholme Hotel or Makikihi Country Pub are excellent choices for a hearty meal. You'll also find takeaways such as fish and chips and Chinese cuisine in Waimate.

A supermarket for stocking up on supplies can be found at Waimate (15 minutes away) or Oamaru (30 minutes away).

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Relax in the wood-fired cedar hot tub and soak up the views. Enjoy the incredible views across farmland and out to sea. At night, spark up the firepit and enjoy star-gazing in the incredible night sky. There are board games for a bit of old-fashioned friendly competition too!

If you want to get out and about locally, check out Kelsey's Bush behind Waimate. This is the last remnant of native bush in the area. The Whitehorse monument above Waimate has great views, walks and mountain biking. The Wainono Lagoon has a wetland walk with a variety of native wildlife to spot.

Active types might want to ride a part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail that starts at Mt Cook and ends in Oamaru. You can choose to do sections - and it's kid-friendly too.

If you're keen to explore further afield, you can day trip to Mt Aoraki, Tekapo, and Twizel. Check out the penguin colony in Oamaru, and the fascinating steampunk culture in the historic part of Oamaru. Timaru has Caroline Bay and the Maori Rock Art Gallery which are both worth a visit.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Adam, Karen and their daughter Mya are your hosts at the Matchbox. Named after a tiny house, that Adam and Karen lived in whilst teaching and travelling overseas, the Matchbox was designed to take in the incredible 360-degree views up and down the East Coast and out to the Pacific Ocean. The Matchbox became a year-long project, with Adam and Karen completing much of the building work themselves. Alongside providing accommodation, Adam, Karen and Mya farm fully shedding Wiltshire sheep, and Speckled Park cattle and raising around 250 beef calves each year. Both with educational backgrounds, Adam and Karen are enjoying the huge learning curve that their new direction in farming and look forward to sharing their 'special place' with others.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Clean, cosy and comfortable! Lovely views and very relaxing. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. ”

Greta Sefton- 2025-12-04

20 / 20

“ WOW! This place is so cool! Outstanding communication from hosts, facilities extremely clean, warm and cosy, will be back!! ”

Mia Daly- 2026-04-29

1 / 20

“ We absolutely loved The Matchbox, it is well equipped with everything you need. We chose the dinner and breakfast food package and the food provided was so fresh and the meat was amazing cooked on the fire. The accommodation was spotless and the bed was super comfy! The view with the sunrise and sunset was a 10/10. We have recommended this to our friends and family and we will be back. ”

Cassie Jones- 2026-04-21

2 / 20

“ Our stay at The Matchbox was incredible! When the sun comes out and the wind dies down, it is the most beautiful heat in the sun. Would 100% recommend to anyone! ”

Emma Dodd- 2026-04-20

3 / 20

“ We stayed at The Matchbox for our anniversary and loved it! It was quiet, and tranquil. The facilities were great! The outdoor hot tub was great! It was exactly what we needed to get away from reality. Thank you so much. ”

NICKY REYNECKE- 2026-04-13

4 / 20

“ The hot tub is amazing! ”

Yuki Taniguchi- 2026-04-10

5 / 20

“ I have never experienced a holiday so tranquil and relaxing. ”

janine stewart- 2026-04-03

6 / 20

“ Wonderful place, the view is splendid. Adam is generous and the lamb is delicious. Comfy, cosy and all the comfort needed. ”

Yves Dias- 2026-03-24

7 / 20

“ Amazing place. Lovely hosts. We really enjoyed our stay and everything about The Matchbox. ”

Cara Louise Greengrass- 2026-03-24

8 / 20

“ The Matchbox is in such a beautiful setting with magnificent views, especially the starry night sky. Very comfortable bed and the log burner kept us toasty and warm. ”

Cathy Whitmore- 2026-03-13

9 / 20

“ We had the most amazing stay. The space was beautiful, peaceful, and so thoughtfully done. We especially loved having no curtains and waking up to those incredible views. It felt like the perfect place to switch off and just soak it all in. We didn’t want to leave! ”

Kiritina Glew- 2026-03-07

10 / 20

“ Beautiful wee spot, could sit and look at that view all day!! All the luxuries available while being off-grid. ”

Holly Roulston- 2026-02-16

11 / 20

“ Lovely place and we will surely be back! ”

Kim Tangan- 2026-02-12

12 / 20

“ It was just amazing! The view was breathtaking. Such a cosy place. ”

Samantha Tait- 2026-02-01

13 / 20

“ Absolutely amazing spot to relax and unwind. Loved our experience. ”

Narelle Collie- 2026-01-28

14 / 20

“ This was a beautiful place to stay with great size amenities and an amazing view. ”

Jake Fleming- 2026-01-27

15 / 20

“ The most magical view and setting, which made for a perfect retreat. Make sure to order from the host’s farm butchery. ”

Maree van Royen- 2026-01-12

16 / 20

“ The Matchbox was a perfect getaway! Stunning views! We loved how peaceful it was. The hot tub was lovely to watch the sunset too! ”

Courtney Barnett- 2026-01-08

17 / 20

“ A wondrous spot, gorgeously furnished. We felt relaxed even though we had bad weather. It was so cosy and warm. ”

Sharon Cox- 2026-01-02

18 / 20

“ The Matchbox is a beautiful cabin, perfect mix of rustic charm and luxury. The views and feeling of privacy are also outstanding! ”

Jodi Davidson- 2025-12-10

19 / 20

“ Clean, cosy and comfortable! Lovely views and very relaxing. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. ”

Greta Sefton- 2025-12-04

20 / 20

“ WOW! This place is so cool! Outstanding communication from hosts, facilities extremely clean, warm and cosy, will be back!! ”

Mia Daly- 2026-04-29

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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