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Top Of The Plains

Canterbury


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Eating and Drinking

EATING AND DRINKING

Top Of The Plains is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the oven, gas hob and BBQ provided.

If you fancy a meal out, Stronechrubie Restaurant is just down the road. The award-winning restaurant features locally sourced meals including lamb, beef, salmon and venison. The connecting bistro restaurant also offers casual family dining. Your host also recommends Panthers Rock in Mayfield, and the Staveley Store & Cafe in Staveley as fantastic and close-by dining options.

Methven has a great selection of dining options, whether you're looking to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Staveley Store & Cafe stands out as a perfect spot for a coffee and a bite to eat.

The nearest stores for stocking up on food and supplies are the supermarkets in Methven, 30 minutes away, or basic supplies at Mt Somers, 10 minutes away.

Things to Do

THINGS TO DO

A stay at Top Of The Plains can be as relaxing or as action-packed as you feel like. Relax in the cosy cabin or savour a glass of wine in the wood-fired hot tub. Board games, cards and books are also available.

Head outside on the property and walk to Hinds River, on the property's boundary - well known for its agate gemstone.

For those who wish to explore further afield, check out Aotearoa's beauty at these scenic nature walks: Awa Awa Rata Reserve, Sharplin Falls tracks and Woolshed Creek walkways, and Ashburton lakes - all less than a 30-minute drive away.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Mt Hutt is less than an hour away and offers a day of skiing/snowboarding.

Experience ice skating at the Staveley Ice-skating and Curling Rink, only 15 minutes away.

And if you're in Methven, the Ōpuke Thermal Spa Pools is a must-do!

Your Hosts

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts at Top Of The Plains are Sarah and Craig, along with their children Annabel and Max.

Sarah and Craig found their way to Mt Somers in 2011, embracing the farming lifestyle alongside Sarah's parents. Sarah is a mother of two and a dedicated beef farmer in Mt Somers, while Craig is a cropping farmer near Mayfield. Their love for the land is evident in the property's unique character, shaped by the rolling downs that grace it. After discovering Canopy Camping and enjoying one of the escapes themselves, Sarah and Craig decided to create their own magical glamping experience for others to enjoy.

The name "Top of the Plains" is inspired by the enchanting views of the vast Canterbury Plains and the foothills from the cabin.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Top of the Plains has every ingredient needed for a relaxing stay. So warm and inviting, with an amazing view, and the hot tub under the stars is to die for. So close to home but so far removed from reality. We will be back for sure. ”

Graham & Debbie Walker- 2025-10-29

20 / 20

“ Gorgeous spot with fantastic views, privacy and lovely. Well set up cabin. ”

Carmen Tuffnell- 2026-03-22

1 / 20

“ Cosy and quiet retreat with all the little extra touches to make it even more special. ”

Jo Newton- 2026-03-15

2 / 20

“ Beautiful place with everything you need, in an amazing spot with gorgeous views! We loved our stay at Top of the Plains!! ”

Leah McEwen- 2026-03-10

3 / 20

“ Everything was good. Best Canopy Camping escape we have stayed at. ”

Michael & Rachel Reddy- 2026-02-18

4 / 20

“ Everything from start to finish was perfect. A great couples retreat with amazing views. Love it. ”

Amanda Wilson- 2026-02-16

5 / 20

“ Great view from the living room and hot tub!! ”

Haruka Koizumi- 2026-02-04

6 / 20

“ It was so lovely. ”

Emma Khrapova- 2026-01-28

7 / 20

“ Gorgeous modern facilities with nice little touches. Marshmallows and chocolates, board and outdoor games. Our kids absolutely loved the loft room! Lovely outlook and really feel like you’re a world away! ”

Kylie Munday- 2026-01-26

8 / 20

“ Wonderful two night stay at Top of the Plains. Awesome views and we even managed to catch the Aurora Australis! The cabin had everything we needed, it was super comfy and well presented. ”

Jennie Gibson- 2026-01-22

9 / 20

“ Very nice accommodation. ”

George Gunn- 2026-01-21

10 / 20

“ Awesome place when you really want to relax. ”

Shan Silva- 2026-01-20

11 / 20

“ Really lovely setting. Peaceful, beautiful views and a comfortable home. ”

Kelly Sutherland- 2026-01-19

12 / 20

“ Our family loved our stay at Top of the Plains. The accommodation was everything we needed and more. Perfect little getaway. ”

Nicola Mcinnes- 2026-01-15

13 / 20

“ 10/10. Everything was perfect. Will definitely stay again. ”

Kelly Schroeder- 2026-01-04

14 / 20

“ This home away from home was just beautiful. It was a great place to retreat and get away from the city, as it was just a short drive away. The drive there alongside green pastures was peaceful, as were the views of the plains and hills, which were spectacular at any time of the day. The wildlife was a highlight and evening entertainment. Nearby, I recommend a picnic lunch at Mt Sunday. ”

Iona Rait- 2025-12-07

15 / 20

“ We were absolutely blown away by our stay at Top of the Plains. The accommodation was modern, beautifully decorated, and equipped with everything we needed. The view was truly breathtaking. The hot tub was a highlight, so relaxing to sit under the stars, taking in the scenery with a glass of wine in hand. We would recommend it to anyone. ”

Susan & John Grindell- 2025-12-02

16 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay. The setting was just amazing. Being able to sit down in the lounge and have such incredible views in almost every direction was absolutely amazing. The hope run was super nice, one of the reasons we picked this stay, and the little touches, like the marshmallows and little chocolates, were just the cherry on top. 100% recommended. ”

Kate Markman- 2025-11-28

17 / 20

“ A fantastic modern cabin with all the conveniences. The views were phenomenal and looking out over the Canterbury plains. A great spot to relax and unwind. ”

Shelley Mccully- 2025-11-23

18 / 20

“ Absolutely stunning spot overlooking the plains. Sunrises and sunsets. Very private location. Gorgeous tiny home with hot tub. The perfect spot for our honeymoon. ”

Maria Funcke- 2025-11-03

19 / 20

“ Top of the Plains has every ingredient needed for a relaxing stay. So warm and inviting, with an amazing view, and the hot tub under the stars is to die for. So close to home but so far removed from reality. We will be back for sure. ”

Graham & Debbie Walker- 2025-10-29

20 / 20

“ Gorgeous spot with fantastic views, privacy and lovely. Well set up cabin. ”

Carmen Tuffnell- 2026-03-22

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

BROWSE OUR COLLECTION

Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.

A family holiday.

Whatever the reason, let nature back in – go glamping!

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