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The Whare

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The Whare

Christchurch, Canterbury


The Whare is 20 minutes from Christchurch in the South Island.

The Whare started life in the early 1900s as a farm worker's hut on a farm near Tai Tapu village. It was recently renovated into the luxury 'tiny stay' that it is today. With beautiful styling and gorgeous finishing - the renovation has been sensitively done - honouring the historical and quirky nature of the original build.

Perfect for a couple looking for a romantic retreat, The Whare is peaceful, with an atmosphere that oozes yesteryear. Historic items and memorabilia gathered from farm sheds have been lovingly restored and repurposed for decorative effect and detail. The recently established gardens are beautiful and blend seamlessly with the native bush.

Tucked in next to a farm barn, the views to the West overlook ever changing cultivated fields and the occasional cows grazing. On clear days, you'll have distant views of the Southern Alps. The magnificent evening sunsets are something to behold.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Whare is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you fancy a meal out, there are several great places within a 5 to 6-minute drive from The Whare. Details are in the Information Folder waiting upon your arrival.

The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is the New World at the Halswell Shopping Centre - 5 minutes drive away.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

A stay at The Whare is like stepping out of your busy 21st-century life, and stepping into another, simpler (and prettier!) place and time.

Ideal for rest and relaxation, The Whare has everything you need to recharge. Soak in the outdoor bath with gorgeous views of the garden and out over the fields (at some times of the year the planted crops may be quite tall, however the views are still lovely). Watch the glorious sunset with a glass of wine in hand. In winter, cosy up in the hut with your favourite person and while away the hours with a game of cards.

Just 20 minutes from the centre of Christchurch, you won't have any shortage of things to do if you're keen to get out and about. You'll find a folder in The Whare with all your host's favourite and recommended things to do when you're visiting Christchurch.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at The Whare are Jenny and Derick Foss. They have six adult children, all of whom have 'flown the nest'.

Three years ago, Jenny and Derick were invited by their dear friends, Katherine and Josh Bauer, to find a spot on the family farm to build and park their Tiny House. Once complete, Jenny and Katherine cooked up another project... renovating a derelict Whare on the farm into a unique retreat for guests to enjoy. It was a collaborative project between the two friends - and they are delighted with the end result.

Jenny and Derick are both originally from farming backgrounds in Southern Africa. They love the absolute peace and tranquility of their surroundings on the property. This particular setting on the farm reminds them of home. They love that they are "so close and yet so far" to everything Christchurch has to offer.

Jenny is an Interior Designer and passionate gardener. Derick is a retired engineer and now keeps busy crafting BBQ and Kitchen tools, selling online and at all the major county markets. They are both of the "retired age" and fully committed to their new venture as Canopy Camping hosts.

The original itinerant workers' hut, built in the very early 1900 hundreds, has always been referred to as The Whare, and now four generations later, the name remains.

TESTIMONIALS

“ A very cute and cosy place to rest. Loved the outdoor bath. Wonderful hosts and treats. Thanks so much for having us stay. ”

Noel Comerford- 2024-08-15

20 / 20

“ The Whare is delightful. It was pretty, character-filled, cosy, comfortable and very well appointed. The garden setting was peaceful and attractive, and it was a short drive to Christchurch for entertainment. ”

Catherine Cattanach- 2026-05-10

1 / 20

“ A beautiful place to stay with great hosts. ”

Tracy Cox- 2026-04-13

2 / 20

“ Loved our stay and all the little extras that the hosts supplied. Loved the outside bath, it was so peaceful and quiet. Thanks. ”

Helen Cudby- 2026-03-06

3 / 20

“ Beautiful wee house in such a tranquil setting. Derick and Jenny are wonderful hosts! ”

Lou McLeod- 2026-03-03

4 / 20

“ Great spot, best host! Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. ”

hayley band- 2026-03-03

5 / 20

“ Beautiful and stylish cottage in a gorgeous setting! Highly recommended. ”

Sylvie Balsillie- 2026-02-24

6 / 20

“ Wonderful place to get your trip through New Zealand started. Lovely hosts and beautifully renovated little cottage. ”

Daniela Jahn- 2026-02-21

7 / 20

“ Amazing, beautiful spot to stay at for the night. The outdoor bath and all the amenities that they provided were amazing. 10/10 would recommend. ”

Alex Southwick- 2026-01-14

8 / 20

“ Lovely wee cottage in a serene setting. We had a very relaxing weekend away, and the hosts made sure we had everything we need. Will definitely be back! ”

Mila Krasnova- 2026-01-03

9 / 20

“ Amazing stay and lovely hostess! ”

Pedro Ribeiro- 2025-11-24

10 / 20

“ We loved our stay at The Whare. The cottage is so cute and we loved spending time in the gardens, eating dinner al fresco watching the next door farmers at work, it was like a live episode of Clarkson’s Farm. The outdoor bath was a treat and the bed had a very comfy queen sized mattress too. Elderly couples may struggle with the small space upstairs where the bed is, however for most people it would be fine, adds to the ambiance of the place. We will be back one day for sure. ”

Olivia Clegg- 2025-11-10

11 / 20

“ If you want a relaxing stay in a farm-style location with a yesteryear atmosphere, this is the place. Thoughtfully decorated with everything you need, including complimentary beverages and kind hosts. We loved exploring Christchurch then retreating to this little escape. ”

Paulina Altshuler- 2025-05-07

12 / 20

“ Lovely warm welcome, and friendly hosts. We loved the garden and hearing the bird song. Had a lovely time relaxing. ”

Tanja Hamilton-Attwell- 2025-01-30

13 / 20

“ It was amazing. My partner and I really enjoyed it. It was her last few days in New Zealand before she went back home to France, and it made for a perfect night. ”

Liam White- 2024-12-03

14 / 20

“ Lovely place for a mini retreat. ”

Tracey Burr- 2024-11-07

15 / 20

“ Lovely hosts and place. The perfect little getaway! ”

Maddy Teape- 2024-10-12

16 / 20

“ Super cute accommodation, a lovely location, and our hosts went the extra mile to ensure we had a fabulous stay. It was perfect. ”

Andrea Hennin-Ritchie- 2024-10-07

17 / 20

“ The Whare is absolutely beautiful, and the host, Derick, met us as soon as we arrived and made us feel so welcome. Cosying up as a rainstorm started in the cabin was amazing, and the entire cabin was extremely clean. We would love to stay here again! ”

Jordan Bayley- 2024-10-03

18 / 20

“ Such a lovely spot to unwind! We appreciated all the little touches from the hosts. ”

Toby Burrows- 2024-09-30

19 / 20

“ A very cute and cosy place to rest. Loved the outdoor bath. Wonderful hosts and treats. Thanks so much for having us stay. ”

Noel Comerford- 2024-08-15

20 / 20

“ The Whare is delightful. It was pretty, character-filled, cosy, comfortable and very well appointed. The garden setting was peaceful and attractive, and it was a short drive to Christchurch for entertainment. ”

Catherine Cattanach- 2026-05-10

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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