Otahuna Lodge

The Grand Beauty of Canterbury

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 Lodge offers seven luxurious suites, each with unique features. The two Master Suites, Rhodes and Verandah, boast expansive layouts, private verandahs, and panoramic views. The Botanical, Clark, Jockey, Polo, and Loft Suites share a harmonious design, with inviting spaces, floor-to-ceiling mantels, and captivating garden or mountain views. Each suite combines timeless heritage with modern luxury, providing a serene sanctuary within Otahuna’s historic grandeur.

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YOUR EXPERIENCES

From helicopter adventures over the Southern Alps to dolphin encounters in Akaroa Harbour, Otahuna offers exclusive access to Canterbury’s captivating experiences. On the estate, explore 30 acres of nationally significant gardens, take a cooking class, or unwind in the Woodland Massage Studio. Enjoy cycling or walking through the Otahuna Valley, play croquet or pétanque, or savour a picnic under century-old trees—each experience reflects restorative luxury.

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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 flavours from the property’s Potager Garden and Orchard. Guests can dine in the opulent formal Dining Room, where timeless elegance sets the scene, or choose a more intimate setting in the Wine Cellar, Library, or Drawing Room Turret—embracing the refined charm, exceptional service, and gracious hospitality of this historic estate.

YOUR ARRIVAL

Otahuna Lodge is conveniently located approximately 30 minutes drive 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 added comfort. 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, where every moment feels extraordinary.

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, creating a sense of timeless beauty. At the estate’s southern end, a century-old vegetable garden, orchard, and greenhouses yield fresh organic produce and flowers year-round, ensuring the homestead remains beautifully adorned and abundantly stocked with seasonal ingredients that provide a true farm-to-table experience.

Otahuna Lodge

Nestled in Canterbury’s rolling countryside, Otahuna Lodge sits beneath an ancient volcanic cone, surrounded by lush gardens and vast plains. The estate offers sweeping views of the Southern Alps and is framed by the Port Hills, creating a stunning natural backdrop. With 30 acres of meticulously restored gardens, Otahuna reflects a seamless blend of Victorian charm and modern luxury, offering guests an idyllic retreat just outside Christchurch in the serene Tai Tapu Valley.

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