Otahuna Lodge - Accommodation
Otahuna Lodge was the largest private historic residence in New Zealand. It was built in 1895 as the private residence of Sir Heaton Rhodes and his wife Jessie and remained a private residence until opening as a hotel in 2003. Otahuna is now protected by a Category One listing from the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
Experience
Otahuna is situated on the top of a small hill, between the rocky outcrops of the Banks Peninsula, providing incredible views of the gardens and across the plains to the Southern Alps; the property is steeped in history and Sir Heaton was a Victorian country gentleman and benefactor known for his enthusiasm for life and kindness towards others. He was a long-term parliamentarian, a military officer, stockbreeder and keen horticulturist whose contributions are integral to the history of Canterbury. There is plenty to enjoy at Otahuna; culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the Otahuna experience and a cooking lesson with Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre provides an enjoyable overview of the philosophies behind the Lodge’s celebrated food and wine programme and incorporate a harvesting visit to Otahuna’s working gardens which are recognised as Gardens of National Significance. Take a tour of the gardens with the head gardener to the many themed areas including the formal Dutch Garden, Great Lawn, and Woodland for an insight into how the productive gardens carry on the tradition of supplying the house with hundreds of varieties of fruits, nuts, vegetables, mushrooms and cut flowers; enjoy croquet, petanque, tennis and cycling. Beyong Otahuna take in tours to the southern Alps, the whales at Kaikora, tours of Christchurch, heli-skiing, fishing, golf, horse riding, sailing or a tour of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.
Accommodation
There are only 7 suites all classically appointed with ornate fireplaces, carved inglenooks and flowers freshly picked from the Estate. Sir Heaton Rhodes' former bedroom is the nucleus of a grand, four-room Master Suite incorporating an octagonal study. The other Master Suite has a private, fourteen-metre verandah with views across the Canterbury Plains. A further five Suites have their own individual charms, each located within a unique area of the original homestead. All of the Master Suites and Suites offer super-king beds, fine custom-made linens, deep soaking bathtubs with separate showers.
+44 (0) 1829 77 11 88