Recharge out in the ‘real’ world
Just the two of us. A hot tub. Some bubbles. A thousand or so lambs. And the Kaikoura Ranges. This must be ground zero of Zen; there is nothing to do here but relax. We’re near the rural town of Cheviot, between Christchurch and Kaikoura, in the lush rolling coastal hills. Here, in the corner of a farm, is a little glamping village – and the setting is a celebration of everything New Zealand.
Even the hills are alive with the sound of music, and our particular choir is the thousand or so lambs camped out in the nearby paddock.
You may have seen the viral YouTube video of goats yelling like humans.
I hear you, it sounds like the lowest form of entertainment there is, but it’s seriously funny. And our flock of sheep give those goats a serious run for their money.
In the middle of it all is us, soaking in a big cedar hot tub, giggling at the sheep. As if the mountains are envious of the attention, they start to glow pink in the last light of the day, highlighting a thick layer of fresh snow.
We both stop speaking; it’s the kind of moment where nature’s grandeur does the talking.
Tawanui Farm Glamping has just opened, a significant labour of love by the Loughnan family, who built it all in their spare time over the past two years. After a drought, the family decided to diversify and opened up their large sheep and deer farm to glamping. And they’ve nailed it.
Unlike most other glamorous camping setups across the country, this retreat can cater for up to eight people in a single group.
The camp has two Lotus Belle tents and a main hut with a kitchen and shower – all in a rustic minimalist style. Then there’s the piece de resistance – a large hot tub out the front, overlooking the farm and mountains.
While the village fits up to eight, it will only rent to one group at a time, so if it’s just a couple, you’ll have the place to yourself. Barring the sheep. (Yes, I know, terrible pun. I get on a roll, and it becomes pretty in-tents.)
With limited reception, no power (apart from a USB for charging your phone) – it’s the perfect place to unwind without the modern world getting in the way.