Woodpecker Hut sits on a five-acre bush-clad property on the West Coasts’ Great Coast highway, halfway between Greymouth and Westport.

The hut, owned by Liz Henderson and Sonia Minnaar, co-founders of Canopy Camping Escapes, remains one of the company’s most popular destinations.

“We get domestic guests throughout the year, with an increase in international guests through the Summer and shoulder seasons,” Henderson says.

The hut was built in 2015 over the course of a year by a West Coast builder Henderson describes as “a real craftsman”.

“We used lots of recycled timber and materials from Christchurch buildings that were demolished in the earthquakes.

“We think this gives the hut lots of personality.”

Woodpecker Hut consists of two huts, joined by a covered outdoor kitchen.

The hut is rustic and cosy, with waney edge weather board and a native timber lining.

Woodpecker Hut is the perfect place for a winter getaway. One of the rooms is a bedroom featuring a king-size bed and views of the ocean, and the other is a lounge with a wood-burning stove.

An alpine wood-fired hot tub off the deck is perfect for a night-time soak, and the bathroom consists of a hot shower, sink and flushing toilet, with hot water supplied by gas califont.

With its clifftop location, the hut is not suitable for children but is ideally suited to couples wanting a romantic weekend away.

For those wishing to explore or go out for dinner instead of self-catering in the hut, Punakaiki, the site of the Pancake rocks, is a short seven-minute drive away.

The hut is connected to mains power, and while there is cell phone coverage, there is no wifi.

“It’s a chance to reconnect with nature through beautiful surroundings and slow down through experiences like a hot tub under the stars,” Henderson said.

By Claire Inkson