Most Romantic Christchurch Accommodation

February 13, 2016 | Updated: February 14, 2016 | By Elizabeth | Reply More

Christchurch accommodation: Otahuna Lodge is a heritage property located outside the city.

New Zealand: Christchurch accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes, but Otahuna Lodge is easily the most romantic. The stately Victorian mansion is surrounded by 30 acres of beautiful gardens, emerald green lawns, and fragrant woodlands. Seven spacious bedrooms – most with working fireplaces – are both grand and welcoming. If you’ve ever longed to star in a BBC romance (think Downton Abbey), this is the Christchurch accommodation for you.

Speaking of Brits…you might be interested to note that Charles and Camilla have been guests at Otahuna.

Otahuna’s romantic surroundings include 15 working fireplaces.

The house was built in 1895 and was the home of Heaton Rhodes, a country gentleman with a passion for horticulture. Given this, it seems appropriate that Otahuna’s gardens are the best of any Christchurch accommodation. I liked the Dutch Garden, planted as it would have been early in the 1900s; the “Melon House” conservatory; and the Potager Garden, where Otahuna’s vegetables are grown. The croquet lawn made me long for a Laura Ashley sundress and a big picture hat.

Beautiful gardens surround this romantic Christchurch accommodation.

Christchurch accommodation – traditional and modern

Lest you think that Otahuna is too sedate for your modern self, let me point out that the grounds include a swimming pool, spa pool, tennis court, fitness area, and massage room. And guests have the option of arriving by car (20+ minutes from the city) or via helicopter. In fact, I arrived just as a shiny chopper was lifting off from the front lawn. Impressive.

Guest arrive at Otahuna via road or helicopter.

Who’s who at Otahuna?

You know how I feel about hosted accommodation in New Zealand, so you won’t be surprised to learn that this romantic Christchurch accommodation comes with gracious hosts. You will, I think, be surprised to learn that Hall Cannon and Miles Refo are Americans who moved to New Zealand in 2006 from New York City.

Miles graciously toured me all over the property and patiently answered my questions, so – while he isn’t a Kiwi – I think you’ll really enjoy him.

Rates at Otahuna Lodge include accommodation, full breakfast, multi-course gourmet dinners with wine, beverages throughout the day and laundry service.

Rates at Otahuna include full breakfast, multi-course gourmet dinners with wine, and laundry service.

What’s to do at Otahuna?

If you’re feeling romantic, you might want to sit on the verandah and soak up the historic ambience or wander in the gardens all day. If you want something more energetic, Hall and Miles can arrange daytrips to Akaroa (swim with dolphins), a visit to a high country sheep station, a guided helicopter tour of the area, and picnics in myriad scenic locations.

And, should the need arise, you’ll be glad to know that the former billiard room at this country lodge can graciously accommodate weddings with up to 64 guests.

Enjoy!