Originally Posted by Groombridge

Otahuna has an amazing chef and very, very personal service, more like being in your own home than any place I have stayed.

Originally Posted by gastropub76

Otahuna I think was our favourite though. It had the best food, partly due to the personality and presentation of the chefs. We particularly like the country house hotels of England and there are a lot of similarities between Otahuna and Gidleigh Park or possibly Le Manoir (though Le Manoir is much more formal) with the history, the style and the garden. Also we found the value to be best at Otahuna - one of the most delightful things was that they don't charge for things that the others do, like wine and laundry. We also took a tour (another thing they didn't charge for) of their gardens with the gardener and the amount of vegetables and fruit they grow onsite was inspirational.

Originally Posted by DavidO

I absolutely loved Blanket Bay - just a gorgeous setting, and Otahuna was my other favorite.

Originally Posted by DavidO

Otahuna Lodge. Let’s start with one of the most charming properties in New Zealand. Located about 30 minutes from downtown Christchurch, Otahuna Lodge is a large, comfortable home that has been converted into an exquisite luxury lodge. When it was built in 1894, it was the largest private residence in New Zealand. Recognized as an architectural icon with a place on the Historic Places Trust, this Queen Anne style residence was purchased by its current owners who have lovingly created one of the most comfortable lodges I have ever seen. Every room is unique, and the Master Suites are especially attractive. The room rate includes a 5 course tasting meal, with each course paired with wines. As much as possible, the produce used for meals are grown in the lodge’s own organic vegetable garden. The staff are warm and hospitable, a culture that begins with the owners. You’ll especially enjoy the chef, Jimmy, and ask for a tour of the garden as well!

Originally Posted by vuittonsofstyle

David. I completely agree about Otahuna Lodge (my favourite)

Originally Posted by vuittonsofstyle

THE best property on the South island is OTAHUNA LODGE near Christchurch - much, much better than Whare Kea or Azur.

Originally Posted by BPA

physical location of places like the Otahuna...personal service (especially at the Otahuna where you share a few drinks with the owner, and whose staff will fix you up a delicious midnight meal upon request). The feeling evokes a sense of comfort as if you are staying at the estate of a wealthy friend

Originally Posted by Riya

Otahuna is amazing!! Jimmy McIntyre is a great chef with so much enthusiasm, and has singlehandedly converted me to carrot and orange juice for breakfast. It's a really lovely property and the owners are so passionate about its restoration

Originally Posted by LuxTraveler

Having recently returned from my second trip there, I would strongly recommend Otahuna Lodge outside of Christchurch on the South Island. It is an incredible former homestead--the largest in the country--with an exceptional staff. Jimmy McIntyre, the head chef, provided consistently the best meals on our trip in New Zealand.

Furthermore, it has been recently purchased by two American-expats. They have shut the Lodge for four months to carry out a series of sweeping renovations. From what I understand it will set a new standard of lodging in New Zealand once they are finished. The GM of another property on the South Island even told me about Otahuna, "they are going to be the Lodge to beat in the country, once they are up and running again..." The website says that the Lodge will be open again in May, so it should be going at full speed by the time you are there in September.

One other place not mentioned in these posts--and worth considering--is the Lodge at Paratiho outside of Nelson. It is in a stunning region with many beaches and great food and wine pursuits. The rooms are first-rate, and the kitchen is fantastic. Plus, it gives you access to an area that is somewhat off-the-beaten track for many overseas travelers to New Zealand.