New Zealand's Otahuna Lodge Offers Farm to Table, Iconic Gardens, History & Adventure

• Unique Historical Setting - Otahuna Lodge is the largest private historic residence in New Zealand. It is regarded as the best example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia. Distinctive features such as a hand-carved Kauri staircase, Rimu panelling, original leadlights and fifteen, working wood-burning fireplaces (including two in suite bathrooms) have brought Otahuna Lodge the honor of a Category 1 listing with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Set on a hill between the rocky outcrops of the Banks Peninsula, Otahuna Lodge provides commanding views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.

• Farm to Table Concept, Highlighting New Zealand's Finest Wines - With its extensive gardens, including a ½ acre potager (vegetable garden); and focus on excellent dining, Otahuna Lodge offers an inspired food and beverage program. Complimentary five-course degustation menus with wine pairings are prepared nightly. The menu celebrates the best of fresh New Zealand produce with an emphasis on seasonal and estate-grown offerings. Guests have the opportunity to select produce for their own meals directly from the gardens.

• Explore Canterbury - New Zealand's largest and most diverse province presents a countless array of activities: Horseback riding, shopping and historic museums in Christchurch, Arthurs Pass National Park and its filming locations from "The Chronicles of Narnia", Canterbury Plains 25 golf courses, Scenic Helicopter rides, visit the quaint village of Akaroa, situated on a harbor formed by the collapse of a pre – historic volcano, Culinary adventures with Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre, Otuhuna's Spa and Gardens.

Three Ultimate Days at Otahuna Lodge

DAY 1: Heaven on Earth, a Journey through the Sky

Depart Otahuna Lodge and travel across the Canterbury Plains, New Zealand's largest arable land area, enjoying a scenic drive through the Rakaia River gorge. Arrive at Double Hill Station, situated in the heart of the Southern Alps and one of the original Canterbury homesteads owned by the Hutchinson Family. Indulge in morning tea and take part in a guided tour of one of the country's most iconic sheep stations. Afterwards lift off for a breathtaking helicopter journey, showcasing alpine flora and fauna, inspiring glaciers, pristine lakes and even a view of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Between heaven and reality, the helicopter pilot locates the perfect hideaway for travelers to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch catered by Otahuna Lodge. This remarkable adventure concludes with the helicopter's departure across the foothills of the Alps and the checker-board plains, arriving onto Otahuna Lodge's own Great Lawn.

DAY 2: Explore the Heart of an Extinct Volcano and Meet the World's Rarest Dolphins

During an hour long drive from Otahuna Lodge to Akoroa, take pleasure in some of New Zealand's most scenic treasures. Originally settled by the French in the mid-1800s, the town is nestled in the heart of an extinct volcano and surrounded by a picturesque harbor, which is home to some of the world's most unique marine life. As the guide drives along the crater rim of the volcano, 2,500 feet above the ocean, experience the most magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the harbor. After exploring the quaint village of Akaroa, embark on a harbor cruise to see the famous Hector's Dolphins - the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, fur seals, blue penguins and some of the country's rarest trees. Return to shore to enjoy a delicious lunch in one of Akaroa's top restaurants, followed by a trip to explore the eccentricities of Josie Martin's whimsical mosaic garden at the historical Giant's House.

DAY 3: Personalized Potager to Plate Experiences at Otahuna Lodge

A stay at Otahuna Lodge is never complete without experiencing a selection of the property's unique on-site activities. After a leisurely, scrumptious breakfast, Otahuna Lodge Head Gardener Steve Marcham leads a one-on-one guided tour of the estate's 30 acres of legendary gardens, recognized as "A Garden of National Significance." The tour provides an interesting overview of Otahuna's vast, organic and productive gardens, highlighting the property's long-term commitment to its botanical heritage, which dates back to 1895. Upon completion of the tour, Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre awaits guests in the demonstration kitchen to begin a three-hour, hands-on cooking lesson. This guided cooking experience showcases the philosophies behind the Lodge's leading culinary program, offering guests a chance to learn advanced cooking techniques. Conclude the day with a blissful 60 or 90 minute therapeutic massage with one of the Lodge's skilled massage therapists, or a soothing dip in the property's outdoor, heated swimming pool.

Hotel Profile: Otahuna Lodge

Otahuna Lodge is a member of Lodges of New Zealand