Where to stay?
Some say we’re in the middle of nowhere… we say, middle of everywhere! Whether you’re fresh off the ferry en route to the annual Queenstown riding holiday, or looking for a suitable halfway stop between Nelson and Christchurch, boom, there we are. While it is totally doable to get up at the crack of sparrows fart and bust out a day trip, its likely that once you’re here you’ll be wishing you’d scheduled a longer stay. Check out the options below, then get planning!
Container Cottage in the Vines
Located just across the road from the bike park base you’ll find this modern and cosy container house. Tucked in beside the woolshed (which some of you may remember as the original bike park base), the contained looks out over the vineyard and surrounding farmland. It’s the best place to take in the night skies and epic east coast sunrises.
The container is best suited to a couple, but it can fit a small family or up to three singles, at a push!
Everything you need for a comfortable stay is provided - linen, towels, BBQ, kitchen with oven, shower, loo, and a place to wash your bikes!
This accomodation is part of an operating vineyard so there’s a few things to note. The kitchen is shared with vuneyard staff (however you’re very unlikely to actually see anyone else using it during your stay!). Tractors and other heavy machinery may be operating, there’s plenty of hazards around so it’s not an ideal place for young children. Strictly no dogs on the property.
Pricing
$200 for a couple
$20 for each extra single mattress
The Tauhinu Tent sites
(pronounced taa-wini after a lovely dog who is no longer with us!)
What better way to ice the cake of a trip to Middle Hill than with a sweet sweet evening under the stars at the top of the bike park?! Its hard to beat waking to an east coast sunrise, brewing up some coffee in the outdoor kitchen, then dropping straight in to your first run of the day.
We transport you and your gear to and from the site… so that means two extra shuttle laps in the morning if you play your cards right! Your pedal pass is also included with your stay.
There are two platforms where you can put up larger tents. Apart from that, flat ground is a little hard to come by but there’s plenty of great places to roll out your swag and take in the night sky (this is definitely our recommendation!!).
There’s a funky outdoor hot(ish!) shower, and the composting toilet doesn’t have a door - it would be an insult to block that mountain view!
BBQ and cooking stuff provided, there’s even a solar powered fridge and lights!
Pricing
$50 per adult (18+)
$30 per child (under 18)
$30 per member
$100 for a family
The Ram Paddock - Camping
Aren’t we lucky a huge earthquake came along and turned a flat paddock in to a mini hillside with enough gradient to carve some dirt jumps in to the cracks?!
We may have lost the farm cottage in the shake, but we’ve gained a sweet wee playground to base our bike park at. There’s plenty of jumps and drops, a beginner track and a new pump track to enjoy.
For those with a full BYO camping setup, here’s your on-farm accomodation option! There are loos and water (drink at your own risk). BYO all camping and cooking equipment, take all rubbish and recycling away with you.
Pricing (per person, per night)
$20 per adult
$10 per child (age 5 - 17)
$50 for a family of up to 4
Under 5’s free
It’s half price for members!
We now have a town house too!
The Middle Hill MTB town base is located in a sunny and scenic spot on Torquay Street in Kaikoura. It’s even got a spa pool!
The house books out pretty quick, but there’s still a few nights available so maybe you’ll get lucky. Check the calendar on Air BnB, and if your dates are available get in touch with us to book at a discounted rate.
Some other options in the area
We’re not too far from Kaikoura (40 km), and the Kaiterau Trail up on Mt Fyffe gives you a great reason to head there for the night. If you’d like to soak up the magical Clarence vibes for as long as possible and stay a bit closer, here’s a few of our favourite picks…
There’s no better place to soak up all the coast has to offer than just down the road at the Woolshed at Black Miller. It feels like a tropical paradise on a good day! Dunluce is a charming old homestead with heaps of beds, so its ideal for a big group. The Waipapa Cottages are on the neighbouring farm so thats your closest option. If you’re a self contained camper, The Store at Kekerengu is an excellent spot, or for a touch of luxury you could head to town and treat yourself to a night at the gorgeous Clifftop Cabins.
Waipapa Cottages
Rural rustic charm, just down the road!
Call Jane on 027 415 9402 to arrange your booking.
Camp at The Store
Just up the road at Kekerengu is The Store, an iconic roadside cafe which now has a camp ground on offer too.
Clifftop Cabins
These stunning cabins have the best views Kaikoura has to offer. Owned and operated by some VIP Middle Hill regulars, it’s sure to be an experience you won’t forget!