Summary:
Find your perfect spot at Lake Stella Mountain Retreat 2 - Rock Wren by Tiny Away inside Mount Lyford Adventure Park. One of the best tiny house rentals perched on top of the North Canterbury mountains, complete with a mountain lake nestled among the mountain tundra and overlooking Amuri Basin. Where you can feel the natural elements while admiring the breathtaking views of South Island, NZ.
The Space:
Lake Stella Mountain Retreat 2 - Rock Wren by Tiny Away is located inside Mount Lyford Adventure Park on the South Island of New Zealand and is one of the best tiny house rentals near Amuri Basin, Kaikoura Beach, and Hanmer Springs Spa.
A comfortable 139-square-foot tiny home with easy access to water, a kitchenette with gas hobs for cooking, utensils, a fridge, and excellent bathroom facilities. These amenities include a cassette toilet with a removable waste-holding tank, hand basin, and shower (gas heated for hot showers).
If you plan to spend your holiday homes NZ retreat here, we advise that you bring your basic necessities such as food and water during your stay with us. Thank you!
Important Note: Please arrive during daylight hours—before 5 PM in winter and 7 PM in summer. Our location is on top of a mountain, where weather conditions can be extreme and change rapidly. Come prepared for varying conditions.
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the tiny house and its surroundings, including the three-mountain mountain park and our beautiful native bush below.
Guests are advised to prepare the necessary items to bring with them as the property is situated in a mountainous area, and in some cases, a personal locator beacon is required.
Guests will have restricted to some areas, which may be closed due to severe weather conditions. When venturing out during these conditions, please check with the land host first.
Guest Advisory:
- The Park Pass is not included in the accommodation fee. A Park Fee of $35/person/day or $50/person/2 nights is required (link sent with check-in instructions).
- Choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-night pass option, with a pet-friendly fee available. The pass covers 1 person and grants park access, but does not include ski or hot tub activities (available for an extra fee).
The Neighborhood:
Lake Stella Mountain Retreat 2 - Rock Wren by Tiny Away is located between Kaikoura and Hanmer in a secret mountain paradise in Mount Lyford. The ideal holiday homes NZ retreat set in an alpine village and ski resort on the South Island.
Our local recommendations:
- Kaikoura Beach is perfect for marine life encounters, coastal walks, and tucking into a plate of crayfish.
- Hanmer Springs is a resort town in the Canterbury region with a variety of pools, including fun water slides, relaxing rock pools, and relaxing sulfur pools.
- Mount Lyford Adventure Park offers self-guided mountain access for activities like biking and hiking in the summer and snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating on the lake in the winter.
- Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura's deep underwater canyon attracts diverse marine life, making it New Zealand's top spot for dolphin encounters. Watch acrobatic dusky dolphins leap and somersault, creating unforgettable memories.
- Point Kean Viewpoint in Kaikoura offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura Range, abundant marine life, including seals, and informative signage on the local environment and history. A must-visit spot.
Getting Around:
By car:
- 30 mins drive to and from Waiau
- 1 hr drive to and from Kaikoura
- 1 hr drive to and from Hanmer Springs
- 2 hr drive to and from Christchurch
The road is a steep, rocky mountain track. An AWD or 4WD is recommended, and snow chains are required during winter or snowfall events.
By public transport:
- Transfer available from the Mt Lyford Village to Lake Stella with Mt Lyford Express
Other Things to Note:
- You can pre-book and pre-pay for hot tub use and the pet cleaning fee online.
- If applicable, please pay the $50 pet fee directly to the land host when you contact them for the mountain gate access code.
- The hot tub is available for $199/hour (up to 2 people), starting at 3 pm. Please coordinate with the land host for reservations.
- No Breakfast
- Pets should be kept on a leash at all times
- All pet policies will be sent before arrival
- No smoking allowed inside, except outside
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- Good mobile reception in general, very good with Spark
- Please note that the wind can be noisy and strong at times
- Terms & Conditions for your confirmation should be sent to the land host via SMS.
- We would like to advise guests that longer stays or later check-outs will incur an additional charge
Safety guidelines
- Watch out for steep drop-offs and do not leave the property during the heavy snow and rain, or a wind storm, as there is a risk of avalanches or landslides.
Important note:
- No BBQ grill and outdoor fire pit as both are fire risks
- Dropping cigarette butts on dry grass can start a bushfire. Please put out your cigarettes properly
- For stays of 5 nights or more, an additional cleaning fee will be collected to help maintain the cassette toilets 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.
