Take me to....
Take me to....
Descending from the “Dry Hills” of southern Marlborough a quite fantastic sight greets you – the stunning Pacific coastline of North Cnterbury! Flanked by the majestic Kaikoura Ranges on the landward side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this is a trip of pure magic.
Buy your dinner absolutely fresh from a roadside crayfish stall. Go whale watching or swim with the dolphins at Kaikoura; ski at Mt. Lyford then head inland to the fabled hot pools of Hanmer Springs.
See the strange limestone formations and explore the wild rivers of the Hurunui or sample the wines of Waipara.
Amberley
Prices from $200 to $300 per couple
15 minutes to Waipara vineyards. 1 hour from Christchurch.
63 km north of Christchurch and one hours drive from Christchurch airport 100 year old Karetu Downs Homestead offers luxury accommodation for guests to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the country side while staying on a real New Zealand sheep and beef farm.
The Louisa Suite has a comfortable queen size bed with warm cosy bedding and modern ensuite. The charming private lounge attached to the suite is an added bonus for guests to relax and compliments the room beautifully.
The Musterers studio has a comfortable super King bed with stylish bedding, warm duvets and cuddly throws. The welcoming fire place and cosy furnishings provide extra charm. The kitchenette allows flexibility to prepare your own meals if you wish.
Free wifi available in both rooms.
Karetu Cottage is a wonderful 4 bedroom fully furnished farm house ideally suited for families and larger groups.
Karetu Downs is a 2,000 hectare property situated in the Waipara Gorge North Canterbury. The hill country farm rises to just on 3 thousand feet above sea level. A climb to the top of the farm through tussock tracks provide outstanding views over the countryside looking back to the Southern Alps, the east coast and Christchurch the surrounding areas are breath taking.
Easy drive to Hanmer Springs hot pools, Kaikoura whale watch, Waipara vineyards/cafes and restaurants.
North Canterbury rural
Prices from $265 per couple
10 minutes from Culverden, 25 to Hanmer Springs
This romantic self-contained cottage is available for your exclusive use. Superbly equipped with two large bedrooms, a shower and bathroom and a sunny sitting/dining room with a wood burner. Pahau Downs is a tranquil working farm set amidst stunning scenery. Enjoy the mountain views from the heated swimming pool (summer only). Also relax in the spa. Walk over the farm or tour the working sheep and beef station with the owner. Free tour for guests who stay two nights or more.
And here's why you should: Pahau Downs makes an excellent base for exploring the immediate region. Excellent golfing in Culverden and Hanmer Springs, where you can also enjoy the famous thermal spa & hot pools. The Waipara wineries are within easy distance, as is the Mt Lyford ski field. So much to do, the problem usually is too little time!
Waipara
Prices from $180 per couple
Less than 1hr North of Christchurch
PROFESSIONAL KIWI HOSTED HOMESTAY
Geoff and Barb, we are your kiwi hosts and we will ensure you have a great time while in our home. Barb has spent her working career in hospitality and has traveled extensively and worked in hotels throughout Europe and England, She also spent a number of years in the Philadelphia USA region working for private families.
Geoff mainly kept his travel within NZ and has been involved in his own business ventures. We are relaxed fun couple who enjoy good food and company.
Barbs Place is a 100 year young house that has been renovated in keeping with its style and retaining all of its character and charm. It is a warm inviting place that you cannot help but enjoy.
We are in the middle of Canterbury's premier wine growing area with a number of wineries open for lunches and 1 for lunch & dinner wednesday through sunday
We are less than 1hrs drive from the Hanmer Thermal Pools that are a must to visit and soak away any travel stress.
The Kaikaura Whale Watch Tours are an easy 1 1/2hr drive through the hills of North Canterbury and along the very picturest Kaikoura coast. Whales are present all year round and a great experience.
Hanmer Springs
Prices from $210 to $260 per couple
2 hours north of Christchurch 1hr 40 west of Kaikoura
Our studio apartments, Mt Isobel and Mt Dunblane, have small kitchenettes (microwave no hob) so you can book either as a self-catering guest or full bed and breakfast. The often complimented breakfast may be delivered to you at your selected time to enjoy in your apartment or in the garden. There is a barbecue for you to use.
Each apartment is 44sm, with large bathrooms where you can enjoy the luxury toiletries. The lounge and dining area has great views through the gardens to the mountains beyond.
Guests are spoilt for choice with great cafes and restaurants in Hanmer as well as the world renowned Thermal Pools.
Golfers can just walk down our garden path to the course which has hire clubs and carts. We have sets of clubs that may be used for free when not in use.
Mountain bike and walking tracks abound through the forest. We have bikes for our guests that are free to use. Jet boating, quad biking and bungee jumping are all close at hand.
Shopping is a must our little boutique shops provide all the retail therapy you may require.
Hanmer Springs
Prices from $220 to $270 per couple
2 hours north of Christchurch 1hr 40 west of Kaikoura
Our studio apartments, Mt Isobel and Mt Dunblane, have small kitchenettes (microwave no hob) so you can book either as a self catering guest or full bed and breakfast. The often complimented breakfast may be delivered to you at your selected time to enjoy in your apartment or in the garden. There is a barbecue for you to use.
Each apartment is 44sm, with large bathrooms where you can enjoy the luxury toiletries. The lounge and dining area has great views through the gardens to the mountains beyond.
Guests are spoilt for choice with great cafes and restaurants in Hanmer as well as the world renowned Thermal Pools.
Golfers can just walk down our garden path to the course which has hire clubs and carts. We have sets of clubs that may be used for free when not in use.
Mountain bike and walking tracks abound through the forest. We have bikes for our guests that are free to use. Jet boating, quad biking and bungee jumping are all close at hand.
Shopping is a must our little boutique shops provide all the retail therapy you may require.
Kaikoura
Prices from $145 to $170 per couple
4 km Kaikoura Town Centre.
We offer you a warm and friendly welcome to our family home. Surrounded by the beauty of the sea and farmland (part of the Kaikoura Peninsula) we are ideally situated for walking around the Kaikoura Peninsula or to the Seal colony.We have two queen guest rooms each with their own ensuite bathroom. Relax in the garden, sit on the veranda or wander over to the beach to enjoy the peace and quiet of our rural setting. If you are an early riser make the most of the sunrise.
The Point farm originally covered 600 acres of farmland and ran 2000 sheep. Today we have 90 acres and run 300 Drysdale sheep on the farm which forms part of the Kaikoura Peninsula. While staying at The Point come and see the sheep shearing show and catch up with the famous "Ram Man"; he eats out of the palm of your hand. Please note: there is an extra charge to attend our Sheep Shearing Show.
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