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This stunning lodge is just 20 minutes' drive from Christchurch but feels a world away. It was built in 1895 for Sir Heaton Rhodes, one of the pioneers of early Canterbury, and was his family home until 1956. Since then, this charming three story homestead has been lovingly restored to her original grandeur and is now one of New Zealand's exclusive luxury lodges, and one of its most important historical homes. Otahuna means 'a little hill among the hills' in Māori, which is very apt as the homestead overlooks the beautiful Canterbury countryside.

The lodge is set amidst glorious gardens, once famous for daffodil garden parties, and blends New Zealand natives with colonial planting and features many rare and exotic oaks. The accommodation at the lodge comprises seven individual suites that marry elegance, opulence and luxury as well as boasting all the amenities one would expect of a luxury lodge.

Dining at Otahuna is an experience in itself and the chef uses the surrounding gardens and local organic producers as much as possible. All of these elements combine for a truly memorable stay.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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Tour ideas in Christchurch

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Otahuna Lodge as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • TranzAlpine Railway
      The TranzAlpine Train, New Zealand

      TranzAlpine Railway

      TranzAlpine Railway

      Making the great traverse of the Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine train links Christchurch on the Pacific with Greymouth on the Tasman Sea, in a spectacular journey lasting four and a half hours.

      View details

    Christchurch and nearby places