25 photos that will inspire you to visit Rockwood Station

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Roundabout a month ago was my first anniversary with my partner Giulio. Fresh out of an extended lockdown with weeks and weeks of zero cases of COVID19 in New Zealand meant that we were allowed to travel domestically again. Finally, I was so excited to get on the road. My itchy feet were acting up.

The New Zealand borders have been closed since April. So in a way, it’s never been a better time to get out and about exploring our back yard here. Now that I’ve moved to just outside of Christchurch, there’s so much I’m eager to see and explore around Canterbury, my new home.  

Meanwhile, with winter in full swing, we decided to escape the gloomy coastlines and head inland for a little romantic getaway to a Rockwood Station for a lovely retreat for just us two. 

Honestly, I can’t believe how much my life and circumstances have changed in a year. I could have never, ever imagined where I was now last year.

A charming oasis is hidden away on a working farm, full of charm and history. 

I couldn’t think of a better place to sit and reflect on the love of my life. How happy we are and where we want to go moving forward, dominated our conversations. Nothing inspires us like staying in a cozy place in a beautiful space.

You guys know that glamping and nature getaways are two of my favorite things. I was ooh-ing and ahh-ing on the drive there. Canterbury in winter is fantastic. Just near the local skifield of Mt. Hutt, you had amazing views of the snowcapped Alps on the drive into the farm.

Only an hour and a bit from Christchurch, Rockwood Station is the perfect little escape from the city to relax and recharge.

A little tiny house, Rockwood Station, is looked after by my friends at Canopy Camping, and consists of a wee summer cottage on a bigger farm, with everything you need right there. 

There’s a lovely little log burner inside the two-room house, with a full kitchen and cozy living room, perfect to snuggle up on a sofa and relax. Surrounded by full glass doors and windows, you feel at one with nature here. 

We spent our days sleeping in, walking in the sunshine, cooking, and playing Scrabble. It was wholesome and lovely. I couldn’t think of anything better. 

To make Rockwood Station even more perfect, there’s a little stream that runs along the length of the cottage and up into the forest, ideal for swimming in the summertime. In the heart of winter, though, we had to pass, haha. However, in central Canterbury, you often get bright summer days just like Wanaka, where it’s frosty and clear with no wind, and then lovely in the sunshine later on. 

We cranked up the outdoor fire and cooked some local fish outside, sipping wine in our loungewear and just enjoying our company. Most importantly, it was so perfect.

Just looking at these photos again brings a smile to my face.

The bird-life surrounding the summer house is out of this world. Bellbirds, wood-pigeons, fantails, and kingfishers are regularly spotted here. There’s even a walk that takes you through 100 acres of native bush.

Perhaps this is what makes Rockwood Station so unique. Most farms in New Zealand cleared out the native forest and bush a century ago, but here, there’s a beautiful, preserved little park of native trees and plants right on the property. You don’t often see this around the South Island, making it extra special.

Furthermore, the farm is still owned by the same family, with the founders even buried on site as well, next to the large forest. 

History, nature, birds, and the best partner ever? What more could I ask for? 

This time my camera accompanied me to Rockwood Station. I began to feel inspired to shoot again, just for myself and for fun. To sum it up, this was a getaway that healed my soul. 

Here are 25 of my favorite shots from a couple of days away at a beautiful place. Enjoy!

Where do you like to go and recharge? Do you love hiding away in cozy spots in nature, just like me? Share!

Many thanks to Canopy Camping for hosting us at Rockwood Station. Like always, I’m keeping it real. Like you could expect less from me!