Otahuna Lodge
Christchurch, New Zealand
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About the Hotel
Framed by centuries-old gardens and native forest, Otahuna Lodge stands as a grand and historic mansion on New Zealandâ€(TM)s South Island. This lovingly restored Queen Anne landmark, hidden away in Tai Tapu just 20 minutes south of Christchurch, today welcomes with a new era of luxury. Youâ€(TM)ll delight to discover it singular hospitality, which includes seven distinctive and beautifully appointed suites, an indulgent day spa, and a lifestyle that centers on fine wine and dining.
Location
Otahuna Lodge
RD2, Rhodes Road
Tai Tapu
Christchurch, New Zealand
Nearest Airport: CHC
Features and Amenities
- On-Site Amenities
- Pool
- Spa on Property
- Spa Services
- Activities
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Tennis
- Interests
- Lodges
- Dude Ranches
- Haciendas
Reviews for Otahuna Lodge
An exceptional experience!!
For an unforgettable luxury lodging experience that will raise the bar for all others, don’t hesitate to book a reservation at Otahuna Lodge! My husband and I arrived at this lovely countryside estate on a late September afternoon after traveling more than 24 hours from Phoenix, Arizona. Despite being dizzy with jet lag, we couldn’t have been more impressed with the staff, facilities, amenities, and gastronomical excellence. Our only regret was that our itinerary didn’t allow us to stay longer than two nights! The Lodge itself is an absolutely gorgeous blend of architectural elegance, historical detail, lush greenery, and artistic flair! Owners Hall Cannon and Miles Refo restored the mansion by seamlessly merging the charm of the Queen Anne architecture with modern conveniences. Each piece of decor reflected the home's Victorian origins while simultaneously enhancing its timeless character. My husband and I wandered through the rooms, hallways, and niches, admiring how the contemporary art fit so harmoniously alongside historical photographs and memorabilia from the original owner, Sir Heaton Rhodes and his family. The Lodge offers many unique spaces to relax or to enjoy meals, including the romantic library, the turret, the bright and airy kitchen banquette, and the elegant formal dining room. I also appreciated the colorful flowers and lush plants in every room, bringing the beautiful outdoor gardens inside. Our suite, the Rhodes, was both spacious and cozy, with its fireplace, stained-glass windows, rich woodwork, plush (and spotlessly clean) carpeting, sitting areas (plural!), and an outdoor veranda with spectacular views of the front of the property (where we enjoyed a glass of wine in the evenings and our coffee in the morning). I am picky when it comes to bathrooms, and this one was was thoughtfully designed and appointed, including - large countertops, dual sinks, easily-accessible outlets, excellent lighting - modern shower with 2 shower heads - spa tub with bath salts - towel warmers and heated floors - a Dyson (!) hairdryer with diffuser attachment (as a curly-haired girl, my heart swelled with gratitude and joy!!) - a makeup mirror (positioned so I didn’t need to stand on my toes to actually use it) along with make-up-specific towels and disposable makeup-remover wipes Otahuna Lodge provides so many lovely services and touches, but we particularly appreciated the turndown service with decanters of water and brownies, the complimentary laundry service, and of course, the rapidly-replenished coffee/tea/snack offerings on the mezzanine level (my husband couldn’t get enough of the caramels, but I preferred the fresh fruit and chocolates). Our itinerary left us limited time to explore the grounds, but we loved strolling through the tranquil Dutch garden before dinner one evening. When we return to Otahuna (and we WILL return!), we will reserve plenty of time to enjoy a full tour of the property, including the potager garden that supplies the ingredients for the kitchen. Speaking of the kitchen, each of our meals was expertly prepared by the oh-so-talented Executive Chef Jimmy, Chef Nikki (those breakfast muffins!), and sous-chefs Zak, Gus, and . . . one more whose name I’ve unfortunately forgotten. Each dinner was a multi-course culinary masterpiece, on par with any Michelin-rated establishment. We highly recommend signing up for Chef Jimmy’s private cooking class; I’m not much of a chef myself, but Jimmy was kind, patient, and detailed in his explanations. Afterwards, he gave us a fascinating tour of the kitchen and all of Otahuna’s top-shelf equipment. Bottom line: While every aspect of our stay was a pure pleasure, it was the staff who truly made Otahuna Lodge so exceptional. We were so impressed by the obvious pride and pleasure they all took in their crafts and responsibilities. Each of them (special shout-outs to Tim, who shared his coffee and wine expertise, and Andrew, who encouraged us to call him in the middle of the night if we needed him) made us feel like royalty. We were very grateful to them all, and I felt like I was saying goodbye to old friends even though we spent less than 48 hours at Otahuna Lodge. Thank you, Hall and Miles, for making our 30th anniversary trip to New Zealand and Otahuna Lodge an unforgettable one!
mzrobbie - Scottsdale, Arizona
OMG!
We have travelled the world only to find the perfect location is Otahuna Lodge. Only a short drive from Christchurch airport you find yourself in a truly magnificent property with the most outstanding homestead. The team are amazing and you will have the best experience, food, gardens, ambience. Put this one on your list and make sure you visit! We will be back….
Harvey L
Like coming home!
A return stay and we are coming back again for a longer stay! Thank you Miles and Hall. And thank you to an incredible staff! As always we loved the Rhodes Suite and the amazing dinner and breakfast and cocktail hour. It truly is like coming home when we are there, and this is a gift that the Otahuna has. Finally, your book is wonderful and a great keepsake! See you again!
Escape635458
An incomparable experience when visiting New Zealand
Otahuna Lodge is a very special place. It was without peer of places we stayed during our month in New Zealand. We loved it so much we hated to leave, wanted to stay longer and vowed to come back. Why? On arrival, it felt like Downton Abbey. The staff came out to greet us by name. The grounds are beautiful. The rooms exceptional. The food a culinary delight. Most of all, they genuinely seem to welcome their guests and do everything to make the stay at Otahuna Lodge memorable. They do a superb job of blending guests during pre-dinner drinks without forcing socialization that people might not want. Walking the grounds transports you to another time and age. From the person who takes you your luggage up to your room to the proprietor Arthur everyone does what they can to accommodate you. Even your laundry is quietly taken away and cleaned for free with a very short turn around time. Anyone would be lucky to book a stay at Otahuna Lodge, and I encourage you to stay there for at least a week, not the three days we were there. We didn't want to leave.
K7104TKjessicas
The very best place to stay in the world!
This is the best place I have ever stayed in! I have travelled the world and seen many countries, stayed in amazing hotels but have never experienced anything like this. Miles, Hall, and their team have hospitality and service completely mastered! The food is the best I have experienced anywhere in the world. There is nothing I can think of for them to improve on...quite simply, they have got it right! It is not cheap but is worth every penny. The problem was this being our first experience in NZ, we kept (unsuccessfully) looking for something similar. Please Hall and Miles expand to other places in NZ....we would go wherever you had something to offer as I am certain your other guests would! We keep telling everyone we meet to visit you at Otahuna!
568fionar - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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