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Top Of The Plains

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Top Of The Plains

Mt Somers, Canterbury


Top Of The Plains is located in Surrey Hills, just an hour and a half from Christchurch in the Canterbury region.

Surrounded by rolling farmland, Mt Somers, Mt Peel and Surry Hills paint a 360° masterpiece on the horizon.

Upon arrival, wind around the pebbled path, passing a wood-fired hot tub, while a majestic cabbage tree stands as a centrepiece.

Step inside the hut and embrace the luxury. Sink into the plush couches or a cuddly beanbag as the vast windows dissolve the barrier between you and the outside world. There is a modern kitchen with all the cooking supplies you'll need. The main bedroom has a plush queen bed and above is a small, yet cosy, loft with two single beds. A modern projector with streaming services allows you to enjoy the comfort with your favourite movies and shows.

An alfresco breakfast bar beckons you outside to take in the mountainscapes. Your morning coffee never tasted so good!

Top of the Plains is a place to relax and reconnect with beautiful vistas. If you book a stay in the winter, witnessthemesmerising spectacle of snow groomer lights over Mt Hutt Basin. In summer, enjoy a refreshing dip at Hinds River at the base of the farm.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

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 near Escape

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 at Escape

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

“ 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

20 / 20

“ We loved our stay and will be back. The scenery was incredible with a different view from each window. A beautiful part of the country. The cabin was very cosy and warm with very nice facilities. The photos almost don’t do it justice. ”

Nick Taylor- 2026-04-22

1 / 20

“ Beautiful setting with amazing views and wildlife to watch. Dry, cosy and warm wee house. We loved it. Boys loved the loft. Thank you. ”

Katrina Van Raalte- 2026-04-17

2 / 20

“ We had the most relaxing time away. The accommodation was clean, cosy and absolutely beautiful. The hosts had really thought about all the details from the cosy linen, the tea, coffee and the board games available. 10/10 would recommend and we will be back. ”

Jorja Lilley- 2026-04-13

3 / 20

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

Carmen Tuffnell- 2026-03-22

4 / 20

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

Jo Newton- 2026-03-15

5 / 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

6 / 20

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

Michael & Rachel Reddy- 2026-02-18

7 / 20

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

Amanda Wilson- 2026-02-16

8 / 20

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

Haruka Koizumi- 2026-02-04

9 / 20

“ It was so lovely. ”

Emma Khrapova- 2026-01-28

10 / 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

11 / 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

12 / 20

“ Very nice accommodation. ”

George Gunn- 2026-01-21

13 / 20

“ Awesome place when you really want to relax. ”

Shan Silva- 2026-01-20

14 / 20

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

Kelly Sutherland- 2026-01-19

15 / 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

16 / 20

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

Kelly Schroeder- 2026-01-04

17 / 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

18 / 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

19 / 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

20 / 20

“ We loved our stay and will be back. The scenery was incredible with a different view from each window. A beautiful part of the country. The cabin was very cosy and warm with very nice facilities. The photos almost don’t do it justice. ”

Nick Taylor- 2026-04-22

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

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