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Washpen Falls - The Mai Mai

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Washpen Falls - The Mai Mai

Windwhistle, Canterbury


The Mai Mai is set on the same high country property as the famous Washpen Falls Walk.

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 Mai Mai gazes over calm waters and gentle rolling farmland. Wander across the bridge leading to your cosy hut. Inside, a comfortable living and sleeping area is warmed by a Roaring Meg fire, while the luxe bathroom showcases a double black corten steel shower that blends rustic touches with modern comfort.

Dining choices include indoor and outdoor bar leaners, a wooden outdoor table, and a cosy dinner nook beside your covered entertainers open-air kitchen. Soak up the sunshine on the deck or hop into the rowboat out on the pond (or even go for a dip!) Further along the waterside, a private outdoor bath sits on the edge of the pond.

At the Mai Mai, nature is always on full display - calm, wild and everything in between. You’re well equipped to take shelter from the elements, which enhances its wild charm!

Here, the sunrises paint the sky in tender hues, and as evening settles, the night lights create truly wonderful moments you'll remember long after your stay.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The Mai Mai is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the double burner gas cooktop and Weber BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

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

Nestled at the base of the foothills, this is a place where you'll want to simply 'be.' Spend lazy afternoons playing cards, dominos, or petanque. From the outdoor bath, watch ducks glide across the pond and listen to the cows moo in the distance.

The Washpen Falls Adventure Walk on the property is a fantastic 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 cabin is well situated to explore all the local region has to offer. Windwhistle is the gateway to the Lake Coleridge Back Country, which has numerous lakes, walkways, hunting and fishing, horse trekking, scenic drives, heliskiing, mountain biking, jet boating on the famous Rakaia River, and 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 cabin. A number of other ski fields are also in the region, including****Mt Olympus, Craigieburn, Temple Basin, Porter Heights, Mt Cheeseman and Broken River.

You may also want to check out the Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa in Methven. Surrounded by mountains, fed by the rivers and powered by the sun, this is your latest wellness destination.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Amazing place, beautiful location. The whole place was thoughtfully designed and decorated. Has everything you need. Will definitely be recommending to others. ”

Michelle Cairns- 2025-07-29

20 / 20

“ A great retreat to nature but with plenty of comfort. Even in late autumn, with the outside setup, it was very cosy and comfortable! ”

Mike Penny- 2026-05-26

1 / 20

“ We absolutely loved our stay at the Mai Mai! We went to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, along with other camping adventures around the south island, and this stay was the icing on the cake. It was such a lovely quiet location, and the feeling of being so isolated was just incredible for relaxing. The outdoor bath was a highlight, as was the cute little row boat on the pond. Loved the decor, and the rustic and modern touches. Would definitely come back again when we can! ”

Jessica Douglas- 2026-04-05

2 / 20

“ A place that feels a world away from anything other than the beauty of nature. Watching the sunrise over the lake on the first morning is something we will never forget, no film could ever do it justice. ”

John Knight- 2026-03-03

3 / 20

“ Wonderful, peaceful and private setting with plenty of bird life. Loved the rustic outdoor kitchen and dining, as well as the very comfortable cabin. ”

Vicki Creamer- 2026-02-21

4 / 20

“ We had a lovely stay at The Mai Mai in atmospheric weather. Warm and cosy indoors, with great walks, and the outdoor tub was welcome. ”

Barnaby Nye- 2026-02-17

5 / 20

“ An absolutely idyllic spot to celebrate our mini honeymoon! Loved the cosy cabin, outdoor bath and fun outdoor, but warm, kitchen. Would recommend. ”

Mary Wilson- 2026-02-03

6 / 20

“ I honestly love The Mai Mai so much. There’s something about its quietness and gentle stillness that just settles my whole heart. The way it’s tucked close to nature, surrounded by farm animals, open fields, and that calm, earthy air, makes it feel like a little sanctuary away from everything. It’s one of those places where time slows down, where you can breathe a little deeper, and where your mind finally feels clear. Just being there, hearing nothing but nature and the soft sounds of the animals, reminds me of how beautiful it feels to simply exist in the moment. The Mai Mai is truly special to me, a place that feels peaceful, grounding, and full of quiet magic. ”

SHIARA RUMBAUA- 2025-12-01

7 / 20

“ A great escape. ”

katie lucas- 2025-11-11

8 / 20

“ Highly recommend this authentic, comfortable escape! ”

Christina Carlsen- 2025-11-05

9 / 20

“ Fabulous place to stay, so quiet and beautifully fitted out. Look forward to returning sometime. ”

Rebecca Foulds- 2025-11-04

10 / 20

“ Awesome place for a wee getaway. Loved how off the grid you felt at The Mai Mai and had all you needed for the weekend. Great location and facilities. ”

Hannah Cottam- 2025-11-04

11 / 20

“ Loved the place. It was beautiful, tranquil and peaceful. We would have loved to stay longer. ”

Paul Maivan- 2025-11-03

12 / 20

“ Location is incredible, amenities are perfect. Very relaxing and a great way to spend a long weekend. ”

Caleb Davey- 2025-10-29

13 / 20

“ This was a magical stay of every sort of season, even snow. We felt very blessed and held by such a well-thought-out private nook. ”

Stacey Young- 2025-10-06

14 / 20

“ Absolutely gorgeous. Well set out with a fabulous outdoor area to sit in, in all kinds of weather. ”

Katherine Lester- 2025-10-01

15 / 20

“ Nice and comfortable place. The BBQ stove had a limited fire volume as it wasn’t big enough for me, but the other table stove was quite nice. It’s a very lovely place apart from the windy weather. Definitely will visit again. ”

Rain Tsai- 2025-09-29

16 / 20

“ It was so remote and very private, yet not far from the Washpen Falls walk. A place that makes you appreciate life. ”

Mahinarangi Terei- 2025-09-28

17 / 20

“ Fantastic location. Awesome place to stay, highly recommend. ”

Carl Bellam- 2025-09-08

18 / 20

“ A magical stay at The Mai Mai. We loved the quaint accommodation and really appreciated the attention to detail, the high-quality 100% natural linens and throws, and the high-quality kitchen essentials. That stuff matters to us, and we felt very spoilt. Worth every penny. Thank you to the wonderful hosts. ”

Sarah Duncan- 2025-08-07

19 / 20

“ Amazing place, beautiful location. The whole place was thoughtfully designed and decorated. Has everything you need. Will definitely be recommending to others. ”

Michelle Cairns- 2025-07-29

20 / 20

“ A great retreat to nature but with plenty of comfort. Even in late autumn, with the outside setup, it was very cosy and comfortable! ”

Mike Penny- 2026-05-26

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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