A wonderland on our doorstep
Canterbury’s newest luxury lodge invites locals to experience alpine elegance this winter.
Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, not far from Castle Hill, lies a luxurious winter retreat that many Cantabrians might be surprised to discover is right on our doorstep. Flockhill, a working sheep station turned luxury accommodation, has launched an Escape to the Alps winter package, offering Kiwis the chance to experience luxury without the international price tag or travel time.
“This is a wonderful destination for Cantabrians to enjoy,” says Andrew Cullen, General Manager at Flockhill.
The winter package, available from May to September, has been designed with locals in mind. At $2,250 per night for a junior suite at the recently opened Flockhill Villas, with no minimum stay required, the package is all-inclusive: including early arrival (subject to availability), breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the onsite, world-class Sugarloaf restaurant, and Flockhill’s signature two-hour Farm Tour. The first seven reservations will receive a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe suite, worth an additional $1,000 per night.
The seven Flockhill villas comprise 14 private suites. Opened in December last year, each villa has two king bedrooms adjoined by a lounge, enabling family and friends to holiday together. All villas are outfitted with a calming palette and organic textures, including wooden flooring throughout.
The Farm Tour is a guest favourite. “You’ve got the dog whistle, you’re mustering, you’re out there with the workers. It’s a really authentic experience because it’s a working sheep station,” says Andrew. Visitors meet the highly trained Huntaway working dogs and their owners, explore the woolshed, and, depending on the season, witness a live sheep shearing demonstration. Sturdy gumboots and rain jackets are provided, ensuring guests are well-equipped for the diverse terrain of this high country farm.
What makes Flockhill particularly appealing for winter visitors is its proximity to multiple club ski fields, making it the perfect accommodation for a ski holiday. After a day on the slopes at nearby Porters, Broken River, Craigieburn, Mt Cheeseman or even Mt Hutt, guests can enjoy cosy moments by the fire, take in snow-capped landscapes, indulge in massage treatments, and experience exceptional cuisine – all without the crowds.
“A lot of people think it’s out of reach, budget-wise,” says Andrew. “But this package is about offering the food and wine experience, the soft adventure, the ability to basically be in this luxury environment at a very attractive price.”
The entire property showcases the best of Canterbury, from the locally-sourced cuisine at Sugarloaf restaurant to the stunning architecture, designed and built by Canterbury-based architects and builders. It’s a point of pride for the Flockhill team that the property has been created with “all Kiwis behind it”.
Additional curated activities, ski passes, and massage treatments can be added to the package, with alcoholic drinks charged upon departure. The activities team at Flockhill can help with transfers, ski passes, and add-ons like rentals or lessons, too. “We also offer pickups for heli skiing directly from the lodge,” says Andrew.
“It’s a Canterbury asset,” Andrew emphasises. “It’s not just something for the international travellers. It’s a place to enjoy that special occasion or just restore oneself for a weekend away. Sugarloaf restaurant is also open to non-guests with reservations, for those wanting to make it a day-trip from the city.”
This winter, why travel overseas when refined luxury awaits in Canterbury’s own backyard?