About Thyme for Sleeps and Treats

14/08/2026

🎄 Love Central Otago at Christmas, but not the crowds? Have we got a spot for you… 🌿

🐾AND ... welcome dogs! 🐾

Find out more - book direct:
https://aboutthyme.co.nz/campervan-stays

07/08/2026

Great video as usual from the Leopard family - we loved having them to stay and sharing a little of our place with them!

Join our family as our winter adventures in Central Otago continue!...

26/07/2026

A Holiday on Holiday?

For the past four years, the lovely Leopard family have been collecting memories rather than possessions while exploring New Zealand in their incredible home on wheels.

For this stop, in Central Otago, the kids happily stayed in the caravan while mum and dad enjoyed a few nights in the railway carriage. It was the best of both worlds - everyone had their own space, but came together for everyday family stuff!

Before they left, they said that staying at About Thyme had felt to them it had been like "a holiday on holiday."

We honestly couldn't have asked for a nicer compliment! And so pleased we could make this happen.

Before they headed off, they gave us one of their Leopards Go Wild fridge magnets (very honoured – thank you!).

Here's the funny thing... we don't collect fridge magnets (sad but true). In fact, this is the only one that's ever earned a place on our fridge.

Now? Every time we grab the milk, we'll be reminded that some guests leave a lasting impression. Love that you guys feature highly in that category!

Thank you, Mike, Soph and family, for letting us share a small part of your adventure. ❤️

Mā te wā, haere pai, haere haumaru xx

📍 If you haven't already, go and check out Leopards Go Wild and follow their adventures around New Zealand. It's insightful and inspirational too!

25/07/2026

🔥Campfire & Damper

Sometimes the best memories aren't planned.

A crackling campfire on a crisp, clear evening, Central Otago Pinot Noir, shared kai, plenty of stories... and more than a few laughs.

By their last night, Toby had perfected his skills as chief fire builder, while Jade introduced us to cooking delicious damper wrapped around a harakeke stick over the fire. Once it was cooked, it was smothered in golden syrup and disappeared remarkably quickly. Dessert before dinner? Absolutely! 😄

As the evening wore on and the temperature dropped, we all found ourselves shuffling our chairs a little closer to the fire.

Those are the evenings we'll remember.

Thank you, Leopards Go Wild, for sharing this special evening with us. ❤️

24/07/2026

Well... they certainly made themselves at home! 😂

We've just waved goodbye to the wonderful Leopards Go Wild family after a few memorable days here at About Thyme. Travelling New Zealand full-time in their purpose-built caravan for the past four years, this family of five know a thing or two about life on the road, so we were delighted to become one of their Central Otago stops.

It didn't take these guys long to discover the outdoor baths... and let's just say we managed to run out of bath bombs and gas on night one! Oops! 😂 The next day everything was sorted, and it was back to soaking under the stars.

Toby lit the campfire, and over the next few nights he became chief firewood collector and fire builder (under supervision, of course! 😉). Marshmallows were toasted, s'mores were made, and the campfire quickly became part of the evening routine.

Sometimes it's the little unexpected moments that make the best memories. Watching Toby's face light up every evening as he collected firewood and got the campfire going was an absolute delight.

Thanks for staying with us, Mike, Soph and family. We loved having you here and already miss seeing you around the place. ❤️

23/07/2026

What a stunning sunrise today in Central Otago!

21/07/2026

Right on our doorstep - love that sound! Most of the time it's nice and quiet but when it's running, it's running!

21/07/2026

🚐 A quick update about our Caravan & Motorhome Stays at About Thyme...

We've had lots of enquiries recently (thank you! 😊), so I thought I'd answer a few of the most common questions.

🌿 Our private caravan and motorhome site is $70 per night for exclusive use** (unless you're travelling together as a group with two vehicles), so you'll have the space all to yourselves.

🛁 Your stay includes power, water (weather permitting in winter), our outdoor baths with complimentary bath bombs, with optional extras including the BBQ, pizza oven and fire pit.

📅 We don't open every date on the booking calendar. The caravan site is generally released only a few weeks ahead and around our other accommodation bookings.

If the dates you'd like aren't showing, please get in touch. If we're able to make them available, we'll happily open them up for you.

💳 Payment is made when you book, but if your plans change you can cancel up to 48 hours before arrival for a full refund.

🎄 We've also opened bookings for a special Christmas stay from 24–28 December. Keep an eye on the page for more details!

📧 [email protected]
📱 +64 20 4018 0729

We'd love to welcome you to our little slice of Central Otago. And if your favourite travelling companions happen to have four legs, they'll love the safe, fully fenced space for off-leash sniffs and zoomies too. 🐾❤️

Warmest,
Helly 🌿

20/06/2026

The shortest day, 2026, and it's just beautiful!

12/05/2026

Trail town: OPHIR

There’s something special about Ophir...

One of the Otago Central Rail Trail’s most iconic historic settlements, Ophir is where time slows down. Originally a bustling gold mining town in the 1860s, today it’s a peaceful stop filled with heritage buildings, big Central Otago skies, and warm country hospitality.

Take time to wander the historic streets, cross the stunning Daniel O'Connell Bridge, and enjoy a well-earned meal or refreshment at Pitches Store or Blacks Hotel (Ophir).

It’s places like this that make the Otago Central Rail Trail more than just a bike ride — it’s a journey through history, landscape, and local stories.

🚴‍♀️ Autumn and winter riding brings crisp mornings, golden light, and fewer crowds — the perfect time to explore.

More about Ophir: https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/plan/news-and-stories/ophir/