Otahuna Lodge is a turreted Queen Anne mansion built in 1895 for a prominent Canterbury statesman, set against the fluted cone of an ancient volcano on the edge of Christchurch. It is the largest private historic residence in New Zealand, and the estate once ran to some 5,000 acres. The house has been restored without losing its bones, with carved kauri, stained glass and open fires throughout. There are seven suites, no two alike, each with its own story, from inglenooks to wide verandas and long views over the grounds. The gardens are a large part of the experience: manicured lawns give way to woodland, winding paths and hidden corners, and in spring the daffodils come out across the grounds. Dinner is a set multi-course menu with paired wines, and the lodge now opens its dining room to visitors who are not staying. Fly-fishing, golf, cooking classes and garden tours can all be arranged, and the lodge is a natural starting point for the rest of the South Island.
- Rooms
- Seven suites
Insider tip Children under 12 can stay only when the whole lodge is booked, so families should take it over for sole use.
Why I choose it One of New Zealand's great historic houses, small enough to feel like a private home, with cooking and gardens worth the visit alone.
