The Whare

The Whare

Christchurch

The Whare is 20 minutes from Christchurch in the South Island.

The Whare started life in the early 1900s as a farm worker's hut on a farm near Tai Tapu village. It was recently renovated into the luxury 'tiny stay' that it is today. With beautiful styling and gorgeous finishing - the renovation has been sensitively done - honouring the historical and quirky nature of the original build.

Perfect for a couple looking for a romantic retreat, The Whare is peaceful, with an atmosphere that oozes yesteryear. Historic items and memorabilia gathered from farm sheds have been lovingly restored and repurposed for decorative effect and detail. The recently established gardens are beautiful and blend seamlessly with the native bush.

Tucked in next to a farm barn, the views to the West overlook ever changing cultivated fields and the occasional cows grazing. On clear days, you'll have distant views of the Southern Alps. The magnificent evening sunsets are something to behold. 

FROM $250 p/n

  • Sleeps 2

A $40 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

host address
 

130 Tai Tapu Road, Halswell, Christchurch 7672

directions
 

The Whare is just 20 minutes from Christchurch in the South Island.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address and once you arrive, turn onto the farm driveway, passing the main house on the right and follow the signs to The Whare. Please drive very slowly as there are children on the farm. Once you have arrived at The Whare, check-in with your hosts at the red tiny house a short distance from The Whare. 

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay so you can provide your estimated time of arrival.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

The Whare

what time is check-in and check-out?

what are the bed and bedding arrangements?

what are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

what are the bathroom facilities?

is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception?

Is there heating?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT The Whare?

Can i bring my dog?

how private and remote is The Whare?

what is the access like and where can i park my car?

Are there any safety considerations?

can i stay for one night only?

minimum stay periods

Rates

Gift Vouchers

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    The Whare is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you fancy a meal out, there are several great places within a 5 to 6-minute drive from The Whare. Details are in the Information Folder waiting upon your arrival.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is the New World at the Halswell Shopping Centre - 5 minutes drive away.

  • Things To Do

    A stay at The Whare is like stepping out of your busy 21st-century life, and stepping into another, simpler (and prettier!) place and time.

    Ideal for rest and relaxation, The Whare has everything you need to recharge. Soak in the outdoor bath with gorgeous views of the garden and out over the fields (at some times of the year the planted crops may be quite tall, however the views are still lovely). Watch the glorious sunset with a glass of wine in hand. In winter, cosy up in the hut with your favourite person and while away the hours with a game of cards.

    Just 20 minutes from the centre of Christchurch, you won't have any shortage of things to do if you're keen to get out and about. You'll find a folder in The Whare with all your host's favourite and recommended things to do when you're visiting Christchurch.

  • Your Hosts

    Your hosts at The Whare are Jenny and Derick Foss. They have six adult children, all of whom have 'flown the nest'.

    Three years ago, Jenny and Derick were invited by their dear friends, Katherine and Josh Bauer, to find a spot on the family farm to build and park their Tiny House. Once complete, Jenny and Katherine cooked up another project... renovating a derelict Whare on the farm into a unique retreat for guests to enjoy. It was a collaborative project between the two friends - and they are delighted with the end result.

    Jenny and Derick are both originally from farming backgrounds in Southern Africa. They love the absolute peace and tranquility of their surroundings on the property. This particular setting on the farm reminds them of home. They love that they are "so close and yet so far" to everything Christchurch has to offer.

    Jenny is an Interior Designer and passionate gardener. Derick is a retired engineer and now keeps busy crafting BBQ and Kitchen tools, selling online and at all the major county markets. They are both of the "retired age" and fully committed to their new venture as Canopy Camping hosts.

    The original itinerant workers' hut, built in the very early 1900 hundreds, has always been referred to as The Whare, and now four generations later, the name remains.
     

Testimonials

  • "

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with our young baby. It was well set up for us, and we felt so welcomed!

    "

    - 03 May 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    The Whare was a beautiful stay. We had a lovely time in the beautiful garden, curled up in front of the fire, and enjoying the amazing treats that were left.

    "

    - 04 Apr 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    We really loved and appreciated all the careful attention to detail at The Whare - was such a peaceful spot to enjoy Christchurch from!

    "

    - 29 Nov 2023

    3 / 12

  • "

    What an incredible spot! Amazing hosts and a gorgeous location close to so many stunning spots. Highly recommend!

    "

    - 22 Nov 2023

    4 / 12

  • "

    Highly recommend a stay at The Whare. Very friendly hosts, a relaxing setting, yet close to Christchurch, beautiful details and touches throughout!

    "

    - 12 Oct 2023

    5 / 12

  • "

    Perfect place to go for a quiet night away to refresh! Would definitely stay again.

    "

    - 30 Aug 2023

    6 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful property with all the thoughtful touches!

    "

    - 15 Aug 2023

    7 / 12

  • "

    We loved the unique charm of 'The Whare'. The rustic touches and interior decor was just gorgeous. So nice to come home to a home, light a fire and get cosy! We loved our stay.

    "

    - 12 Aug 2023

    8 / 12

  • "

    Great communication by our lovely hosts leading up to our stay. The attention to detail in all aspects of The Whare made our stay so special. Even though the weather wasn't in our favour, we still thoroughly enjoyed it and will be back to use the outdoor bath tub!

    "

    - 26 Jul 2023

    9 / 12

  • "

    We had an amazing stay at The Whare. The cottage was gorgeous and cosy, the hosts were very welcoming, and I especially loved the focus on using local and recycled goods. I'd definitely stay again!

    "

    - 12 Jun 2023

    10 / 12

  • "

    We had a lovely and relaxing stay in this cosy and absolutely gorgeous cottage. The interior is very warm and inviting. Also, the view outside the farm is so calming. A perfect place to get away from the city. The Whare is a true hidden gem in Christchurch.

    "

    - 12 Jun 2023

    11 / 12

  • "

    My husband and I throughly enjoyed our stay at The Whare. It’s perfect and quaint with a beautiful ambiance. Derrick and Jenny were very accommodating and had excellent communication. Would definitely recommend this amazing stay.

    "

    - 11 Jun 2023

    12 / 12

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