New Zealand's Otahuna Lodge to Reopen in May

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. October 14, 2008

APRIL 17, 2007. New Zealand's seven-suite Otahuna Lodge, on the South Island just 20 minutes from Christchurch, is being re-launched following a significant, four-month renovation undertaken by its new American-born owners Hall Cannon and Miles Refo. Scheduled for reopening on May 1, 2007, the renovation includes the complete refurbishment of the seven suites, the public areas and a major overhaul of the 30-acre garden. Guests will also be able to take advantage of spa treatment rooms in addition to a heated pool, Jacuzzi and tennis court.

Built in 1895 for Sir Heaton Rhodes, Otahuna is the largest private residence in New Zealand and is regarded as the finest example of Queen Anne architecture in Australasia. Auckland based Interior Designer Stephen Cashmore has taken great care to enhance the Lodge with new furniture, fabrics and bedding while maintaining the original character of this Category I listed building with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. True to its original style, fifteen working woodburning fireplaces in the public areas and in the suites (including two in suite bathrooms) along with its original hard-carved Kauri staircase and Rimu paneling offer authentic charm to this magnificent lodge.

New Zealand art is strongly showcased at the new Otahuna Lodge, featuring one of the most important private collections in the country. Twenty eight major works, by both established and emerging artists such as Peter Beadle, Anna Caselberg and Craig Primrose, have been specially commissioned for the Lodge. Additionally, original photographs illustrating the homestead's prestigious history - housed in the Canterbury Museum or National Library of New Zealand - have been reproduced and installed throughout the Lodge. A special art compendium has been created so guests can learn about the art while visiting Otahuna.

With its extensive gardens and focus on excellent dining, Otahuna Lodge offers an inspired food and beverage program that features group cooking demonstrations and individual cooking classes. Five-course degustation menus along with wine pairings (featuring largely New Zealand wines) are prepared nightly and supplement such unique activities as foraging for mushrooms on Otahuna's grounds in late summer (March). Guests also have the unique opportunity to select their own produce for their meals. The food and beverage program is under the leadership of nationally-regarded New Zealand Chef Jimmy McIntrye.

Noted New Zealand gardener Keven Garnett, former superintendent of the Christchurch Botanical Garden, and his team are restoring the gardens of Otahuna and the lodge's original lake. The 30 acres of manicured gardens and rambling, semi-wild woodlands, one of Sir Heaton's greatest legacies, include an orchard with a variety of fruit and nut trees, a one-acre vegetable garden, a mushroom garden, a rose garden and a field that blooms with millions of daffodils in the spring (September).

Otahuna Lodge is the perfect base camp for exploring Christchurch and the wider Canterbury Region. Area activities that can be arranged include private garden tours, horse riding, golf, heliskiing, fishing and hunting excursions. The Lodge is also conveniently located for the scenic French settlement of Akaroa with its fascinating marine life, the varied recreational offerings of the Southern Alps, and the Waipara wine region.