Otahuna Lodge

Otahuna-Lodge

Otahuna Lodge is located at the head of a secluded valley on New Zealand’s South Island, situated only 30 minutes’ drive from Christchurch airport. It is New Zealand’s Premier Historic Estate, an intimate, exclusive retreat from 1895.

This is no hotel, the seven suites makes you forget about other guests until you run into them at mealtimes. These suites are about comfort above all with huge bathrooms, comfortable super-king beds and spectacular interior design. Another great feature of Otahuna Lodge is their expansive gardens, these 110-year old gardens expose wide vistas over lawn and lake contrast beautifully with intimate walks which wind through the heavily wooded areas. In these gardens you’ll find swimming, tennis, croquet and petanque among others.

If you are looking at exploring the area, the lodge is ideal. There are wineries, private gardens, championship golf courses, world class fishing and even the world’s rarest dolphins are all just a short drive away.

Fishing
Canterbury’s rivers provide excellent chances for both the novice and expert fly-fisherman. It is the Quinnat Salmon capital of New Zealand with six major river systems of interest to anglers. These include the Waiau, Hurunui, Ashley, Waimakariri, Rakaia and Selwyn Rivers, holding Browns, Rainbows, Brook Char, Mackinaw, Splake and of course Quinnat Salmon.

You’ll enjoy the benefit from the knowledge of a local guide who will choose the ideal location to ensure the chances of a successful catch. The guides will provide licenses, tackle equipment, waders, instruction and transport in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Access to remote mountain streams via helicopter provides an alternative option.

Hunting
Otahuna Lodge will set you up for the ultimate hunt, experience the pinnacle of New Zealand’s hunting in the South with some of the most experienced, safe and enjoyable hunting guides in the industry. Whether you’re an avid rifle or bow hunting enthusiast their guides will ensure you have a memorable experience. Hunting is available year round using 4WD, quad bikes, jet boat or helicopter giving you access to breathtaking high country wilderness for your chosen species. Red Stag, Elk, Fallow Deer, Tahr, Chamois, Arapawa Rams, Wild Goats, Wild Boar or game birds are available. Prime trophy hunting is late February – September.



Accommodation
The lodge offers 2 large master suites and 5 suites that retain the grand architectural features from the 19th century.

Rhodes Suite
This Suite was originally the master bedroom of this historic house, and is actually a series of four rooms which embodies the gracious character of Sir Heaton and Jessie Rhodes. The bedroom boasts a magnificent Victorian fireplace with spectacular inglenook seating and large stained glass windows. The en-suite bathroom is luxurious and appointed with a double shower with a separate spa tub. This room also features a private balcony showcasing spectacular views across the Canterbury plains.

Verandah Suite
This is the room with the view, four doors open onto an enormous arched verandah, reserved exclusively for the suite. Inside the interior is soft and calming with splashes of warm tones throughout. Lose yourself in the crackle of a fire – either from a deep armchair in the bedroom or from the freestanding bathtub in the spacious en-suite bathroom.

Botanical Suite
The Botanical Suite is located on the ground floor and used to be the original Morning Room, where tea was served to Jessie Rhodes and other fine Canterbury ladies everyday at 11 o’clock sharp. This room has now been converted to a stunning suite with floor-to-ceilling mantel featuring gingerbread woodwork as well as a stunning wood-burning fireplace. Your view faces east to the gardens and receives bright sunlight through the painted glass in the mornings.

Butler Suite
Comprising of a series of rooms overlooking the terracotta roof of the sunken game house (which is now a wine cellar). This Butler Suite is decorated in a reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts period, it features dark wood, original fireplace tiles and classic furniture. The Butler Suite also has a separate full sitting room and two bathrooms.

Clark Suite
This room was named for the Lady of the House – Jessie Clark. Looking out east and over the treetops to the Port Hills, the soft yellows and blues of the interior draws inspiration from the expansive stained glass windows, tiled fireplace and traditional English country ambiance.

Garret Suite
The Garret Suite is perched at the top of the house with stunning wood-paneled walls. Along these walls feature fishing and hunting memorabilia, along with an eclectic collection of antiques and mementos that will convince one that there is such a thing as a luxury attic.

Polo Suite
Obviously named after the tradition of the game at Otahuna, this Suite occupies a sunny position at the front of the house. The interior of this room features classic leathers, houndstooth fabrics and oak furniture providing perfect inspiration to plan one’s own horseback adventure!