Experiences

• Garden tour

  No stay at Otahuna Lodge is complete without a tour of the estate's own century-old garden. The tour provides insight into the history of Otahuna, explaining why and how Victorians grew certain kinds of plants, as well as the many ways in which the current garden team restores and maintains Heaton Rhodes’ greatest legacy.

• Akaroa day trip

  Originally settled by French immigrants, Akaroa is a picturesque seaside town that has retained many of its 19th century public buildings and cottages. The one-hour drive from Otahuna’s gates takes guests over the crater rim of an extinct volcano, with stunning views of the harbour and the patchwork of farms and forests below. Akaroa offers the opportunity to swim with the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins, the Hector’s Dolphins.

• Arthur’s Pass

  Embark on one of the world’s greatest train journeys, the TranzAlpine, which traverses the South Island’s majestic landscapes. From the nearby Rolleston Station, experience the most scenic part of the rail journey as the train climbs into the heart of the Southern Alps, winding its way along the bright blue Waimakariri River and through dramatic alpine valleys before arriving at Arthur’s Pass National Park.

• Cooking classes

  Culinary excellence is a cornerstone of the Otahuna experience. A hands-on cooking lesson with Executive Chef provides an enjoyable overview of the philosophies behind the lodge’s celebrated food and wine programme. They provide an introduction to planning menus and offer a special chance to learn first-hand cooking techniques in the kitchens before tasting the delicious results for yourselves.

• Fly-fishing

  Canterbury’s rivers provide excellent chances for both the novice and expert fly-fisherman to test their skills.Benefit from the knowledge of a local guide who will choose a location to ensure the best chances of making a successful catch. Brown and rainbow trout can be caught in both the high country as well as lowland streams from October through April. It is also possible during these months to catch Chinook salmon. Guides provide licenses, tackle equipment, waders, instruction and transport in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

• Biking

  Canterbury’s diverse landscape offers an array of trails for walking and biking. The lodge offers complimentary use of bicycles for exploring the immediate area's quiet country roads. For the more adventurous, join a cycling guide along the summit road taking in spectacular views over Christchurch city and the nearby coastline.