Quite British in design, Otahuna’s great lawn has served as the site of glorious garden parties, polo matches and even a royal visit. At the top of the lawn, hidden paths wind in and out of camellia beds and open out to a great expanse gently sloping down to the ornamental lake. Majestic oaks, cedars, wattles and poplars fringe the grass. The lake itself is crossed by three wooden bridges linking the daffodil field on one side to the forest on the other.
In the late afternoon, it is not uncommon to find a guest here, with a glass of New Zealand wine in one hand and a croquet mallet in the other, ready to engage in some friendly competition.