Otahuna Lodge, Canterbury - New Zealand Luxury Travel

New Zealand at its Grandest

Set in idyllic pastoral surroundings beneath the fluted cone of an ancient volcano, Otahuna Lodge is a captivating Victorian mansion. As New Zealand’s largest private historic residence, it blends luxury accommodation, stunning gardens, and exquisite cuisine, offering a timeless charm that merges historic romance with contemporary elegance and warm hospitality.

YOUR STAY

Otahuna’s seven suites offer refined comfort, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Ornate fireplaces, carved inglenooks, and fresh flowers enhance the ambiance, while lavish fabrics and elegant bathrooms provide indulgence. The grand Master Suites include a four-room retreat and a private verandah with sweeping views. Each suite features super-king beds, custom linens, deep soaking tubs, separate showers, original artworks, and luxurious bath amenities—creating a unique sanctuary within the historic grandeur of the estate.

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YOUR EXPERIENCES

Welcome to Canterbury, New Zealand’s largest and most diverse province, where adventure and discovery await. Sail across an extinct volcanic harbour, marvel at breathtaking panoramas on one of the world’s greatest train journeys, or take a helicopter from Otahuna’s Great Lawn into the stunning Southern Alps. With endless opportunities to explore vibrant landscapes, rich flavors, and unforgettable experiences, Canterbury invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of this extraordinary region.

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DINING

Otahuna’s cuisine showcases the finest seasonal New Zealand produce, with a focus on fresh, estate-grown ingredients. Each evening, a four-course chef’s menu highlights vibrant flavors from the property’s Potager Garden and Orchard. Guests can dine in the opulent formal Dining Room, by a roaring fire, or enjoy an intimate setting in the Wine Cellar, Library, or Drawing Room Turret, embracing the refined elegance and gracious hospitality of this historic estate.

YOUR ARRIVAL

Otahuna Lodge is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Christchurch International Airport, offering easy access by car or private transfer. Guests can drive through scenic Canterbury landscapes or arrange a chauffeur service. For a more exclusive arrival, helicopter transfers can land directly on the estate’s Great Lawn. Whether by road or air, reaching Otahuna is a seamless journey into luxury and tranquility in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island.

The Gardens

Otahuna’s stunning 130-year-old gardens were designed by A.E. Lowe, a Kew Gardens-trained horticulturist. Expansive lawns and a serene lake reflect British Landscape Style, while intimate garden “rooms” were added over the centuries. At the estate’s southern end, a century-old vegetable garden, orchard, and greenhouses provide fresh organic produce and flowers year-round, ensuring the homestead remains beautifully adorned and abundantly stocked with seasonal ingredients straight from the land.

Otahuna Lodge