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Washpen Falls - Shepherd's Hut

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Washpen Falls - Shepherd's Hut

Windwhistle, Canterbury


Black Billy Hut is set on the same high country property as the famous Washpen Falls Walk. Also on the same property are Black Billy Hut and The Mai Mai.

It is a 50-minute drive from Christchurch Airport, one hour from Christchurch City and 20 minutes from the Mt Hutt access road. It's perfectly positioned geographically for a stopover to or from Queenstown, Tekapo, West Coast and beyond.

The hut is tucked into a private oasis on the property. Set right next to a pretty wildlife pond, it's surrounded by majestic pines - and beyond that, large, rolling deer paddocks. During the Summer months take the rowboat out on the pond, or even go for a dip, a welcome respite from the Canterbury heat. In winter, the frost and occasional snowfall transforms the surrounds into a winter wonderland.

Oozing atmosphere, the accommodation is a fully-self contained traditional English Shepherd's Hut. There is an ensuite bathroom and kitchen inside the hut and an outdoor kitchen space for summer cooking and dining. A deep and luxurious wood-fired hot tub is nestled to the front of the Shepherd's Hut on the banks of the pond.

Nature abounds at Washpen Falls. During the 'roar season' keep an eye out for wild deer meandering close by to the campsite. Ducks love to take shelter on the pond and wood pigeons are often flying about. The bird song at Washpen Falls is extraordinary.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Shepherd's Hut at Washpen Falls is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the equipment provided in the cabin kitchen. You'll find cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, and utensils.

It's a good idea to stock up on groceries before you leave home, although both Darfield and Methven (20 - 25 minutes away) do have small supermarkets.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, you are spoilt for choice with a variety of dining options in Methven.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

The Shepherd's Hut at Washpen Falls is the ultimate get-away-from-it-all escape. You might decide not to leave the campsite during your stay at all. While away the hours soaking in the hot tub. With wildlife, starry skies and a beautiful hut to cosy up in - you can just relax and rejuvenate in nature.

The Washpen Falls Adventure Walk on the property is a 2-hour loop track offering majestic scenery. You’ll go through lush native bush to a volcanic canyon reserve, experience picturesque views across the Canterbury Plains and see sparkling spring-fed creeks and stunning waterfalls.

The hut is well situated to explore all the local region has to offer. Windwhistle is the gateway to the Lake Coleridge Back Country with numerous lakes, walkways, hunting and fishing, horse trekking, scenic drives, heliskiing, mountain biking, jet boating on the famous Rakaia River or playing golf at one of the popular local courses.

Keen skiers will love the fact that the Mt Hutt Ski Field is just a 20-minute drive to the access road from the hut. A number of other ski fields are also in the region including****Mt Olympus, Craigburn, Temple Basin, Porter Heights, Mt Cheeseman and Broken River.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Beautiful setting in a great location. Perfect little ski getaway! ”

Sarah Asher- 2025-06-23

20 / 20

“ We had a fantastic time. Cute cosy little hut with everything you need to have a comfortable stay from the kitchen facilities, comfy bed, wood burner, hot tub and privacy setting. Great friendly communication from the hosts. ”

Lizette Moller- 2026-05-26

1 / 20

“ Such a dreamy spot to relax, loved the walk to the falls on the property. ”

Nicole Jackson- 2026-05-18

2 / 20

“ Shepherd’s Hut is a beautiful and peaceful haven, we found it to be extremely refreshing. ”

Mark Critchlow- 2026-04-27

3 / 20

“ Such a well thought out idea and has everything you need and provided to you. Perfect for a private getaway. ”

Nicholas Maree- 2026-04-20

4 / 20

“ This was a great chance to get back to basics, left the phones at home and reconnect with one another. Reading, soaking, morning coffee in the outdoor kitchen watching the ducks. A wonderfully relaxing weekend at Washpen. ”

Erika Andrews- 2026-04-07

5 / 20

“ Beautiful spot and lovely facilities. ”

Matt Selen- 2026-03-18

6 / 20

“ Stunning environment, peaceful and private. ”

Alan Renwick- 2026-03-11

7 / 20

“ We had the most relaxing stay at Washpen Falls - every little thing was provided and you can really tell how much thought has gone into making it such a lovely place. We also loved the walk up to the waterfalls and the brownies were the (literal) icing on the cake!! Thank you, we wish we lived closer so we could visit again! ”

Amelia Palmer- 2026-02-18

8 / 20

“ Beautiful spot, we had a lovely stay there. ”

Brooke Dillon- 2026-02-15

9 / 20

“ Washpen Falls - Shepherd's Hut is outstanding.Stunning, private setting. Pitch perfect facilities built around comfort, relaxation and privacy. ”

GUY WILLIAM RANDALL- 2026-02-02

10 / 20

“ Washpen Falls was so cosy and secluded, such a snug place to spend a couple of nights. The hot tub was the icing on the cake. Thank you. ”

Emma Gray- 2026-01-19

11 / 20

“ We had a lovely stay. It's a cute little place with everything we needed for a couple of nights. The setting is great, and we loved the walk up to the falls as well. ”

Mary-Anne Kirkness- 2026-01-11

12 / 20

“ Very relaxing, would definitely recommend Shepherd's Hut to relax and unwind. ”

Tina Parkes- 2026-01-10

13 / 20

“ We had the privilege to spend the weekend at Shepherd’s Hut. This was a peaceful experience. ”

Sophie Hale- 2025-12-02

14 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our stay! We couldn't recommend the accommodation enough. Romantic, secluded and intimate! ”

Holly Gill- 2025-11-24

15 / 20

“ Loved the atmosphere for my girlfriend and me on our two-year anniversary. ”

Oliver Barker-McMillan- 2025-11-04

16 / 20

“ Awesome place to stay, absolutely loved it. ”

Shinae Thornley- 2025-09-11

17 / 20

“ What a beautiful stay. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We loved all the little touches around the hut, the fireplace was cosy, the outdoor bath was great. We loved it! Thank you to the host. ”

Elizabeth Haerewa- 2025-08-24

18 / 20

“ Very romantic. ”

Dominic Baines- 2025-07-01

19 / 20

“ Beautiful setting in a great location. Perfect little ski getaway! ”

Sarah Asher- 2025-06-23

20 / 20

“ We had a fantastic time. Cute cosy little hut with everything you need to have a comfortable stay from the kitchen facilities, comfy bed, wood burner, hot tub and privacy setting. Great friendly communication from the hosts. ”

Lizette Moller- 2026-05-26

1 / 20

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