Summary:
The Huntaway by Tiny Away puts you in the middle of New Zealand’s authentic farm life. Set in Taiko Valley on a working sheep and beef farm, it’s the same rugged land where James Mackenzie and his collie Friday once roamed with stolen flocks.
Rest in a rustic tiny home, start the day with the rhythm of farm life, and step into hands-on experiences that you talk about long after the trip ends. It’s a place to create memories as timeless as the valley itself.
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The Space:
Field and Fleece Farmstay by Tiny Away warmly welcomes you to an authentic and personalised working farm experience in the heart of rural New Zealand. Surrounded by open fields, grazing animals, and valley views, you’ll share the changing seasons landscape with friendly hens close by, native pūkeko, a fruit orchard, butterfly garden, wildflower meadow, and a living salad and herb garden — creating a truly immersive stay where nature is both the setting and the experience.
Your private courtyard in The Huntaway is sprinkled with fairy lights. It creates an evening atmosphere for a cosy night beside the fire pit, sipping wine, toasting marshmallows, and stargazing at our vast night sky.
Step into the heart of farm life with an intimate, hands-on experience designed exclusively for our guests. Snuggle our gentle pet lambs in the warmth of the nursery, or—during spring and summer—help bottle-feed newborn lambs as they begin their journey on the farm.
In the cooler months, enjoy feeding our pet sheep and strolling the paddocks alongside them with our trusted working dogs. This personalised experience is thoughtfully curated, informative, and unhurried, offering unlimited, truly magical photo moments set against the beauty of the farm.
Our on-farm meal options offer you a relaxed opportunity to dine on New Zealand local produce delivered to your door.
During your stay, experience bottle feeding orphan lambs and calves, meet our working dogs, or pat the rescue animals. At night, wrap up in wool blankets by the fire pit and stargaze at the Milky Way.
Enjoy a morning coffee overlooking green paddocks and rolling hills dotted with sheep, playful lambs, and bouncy calves. The Huntaway is a central base to visit Te Ana Maori Rock Art, discover The Raptor Experience where you can interact with New Zealand native hawks and falcons, and at dusk, check out Little Blue Penguins (Kororā) waddling their way home on the beach at Caroline Bay.
The 139-square-foot tiny home includes water access, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking gear, and excellent bathroom facilities. These amenities include a gas-heated shower, hand basin, and eco-friendly cassette toilet.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If your booking for a group, we have a second tiny home called "The Rustler", available with 24 hours' notice, ensuring you have even more cosy holiday homes to enjoy.
Guest Access:
Guests have full access to the tiny house and the outdoor area directly around it. Farm access is by appointment only, and we ask all guests to remain within the fenced camp area. Please respect our animals and farming operations, and we’ll do our part to make you feel completely at home.
The Neighborhood:
The Huntaway by Tiny Away presents a slice of country life with easy access to South Canterbury’s most intriguing experiences in the rural community of Taiko Valley, just 15 minutes from Timaru. This is a working-farm region where local pride is evident in everything from hand-raised meats at Cloudy Peaks Butchery to craft spirits at Humdinger Gin, where each bottle is carefully peeled, distilled, and labeled by hand.
Timaru adds its own character with Te Ana Māori Art’s ancient limestone cave paintings, The Raptor Experience’s up-close encounters with New Zealand’s native hunters, and the nightly return of Little Blue Penguins (Kororā) at Caroline Bay. The bay itself is alive with playgrounds, beach volleyball, and long coastal walks, while the Timaru Artisan Market brings together local makers and fresh produce.
Taiko Valley brings to you quiet rural rhythms with quick trips to art, wildlife, and community-driven food culture. Experience a true sense of the South Island's enchanting allure.
Getting Around:
By Car:
- Christchurch Airport to Timaru: 2 hours 9 minutes
- Christchurch Airport to Cedar Views Farm: 2 hours 14 minutes
- Cedar Views Farm to Geraldine: 37 minutes
- Cedar Views Farm to Tekapo: 1 hour
- Cedar Views Farm to Mt Cook: 2 hours 12 minutes
- Cedar Views Farm to Queenstown: 4 hours 6 minutes
By Public Transport:
- No public transport is available.
By Flight:
- The nearest airport is Timaru Airport (Richard Pearse Airport), just 12 minutes from Timaru and approximately 20 minutes from Cedar Views Farm.
- Regular flights operate between Timaru and Christchurch, providing a quick connection for travelers who prefer to fly rather than drive.
Other Things to Note:
- Wifi is available
- No pets are allowed
- A gas BBQ grill is available
- Smoking is strictly prohibited
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- Mobile reception has weak signals for all providers
- Complimentary breakfast on the first morning only
- Mobile phone service is available through wifi calling
- Please note that more extended stays or late check-outs will incur an extra charge
- We are a working farm, and for everyone's safety, we kindly ask that all guests follow our farm's health and safety guidelines. Please do not enter any farm areas without your host.
Important note:
- For stays of 5 nights or more (or for bookings of 5 nights or more), an additional cleaning fee will be collected to help maintain the cassette toilet and ensure a clean and fresh experience for all guests. We appreciate your understanding.
Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.
