A love story written in
shades of green
A love story written in
shades of green
A love story written in
shades of green
A love story written in
shades of green
Step into Otahuna’s gardens and into another place and time. Where manicured lawns meet wild woodlands and winding paths lead to secret sanctuaries. Where roots have entwined since 1895, and pockets of long-lost landscape are still being lovingly restored today.
The spectacular 130-year old grounds of Otahuna were laid out and cultivated under the direction of A.E. Lowe who trained at Kew Gardens, London. The wide vistas over lawn and lake are reminiscent of the Landscape Style of British gardening, whilst behind the homestead a serious of self-contained garden “rooms” were introduced in the 20th and 21st centuries.
At the south end of the estate lies a vast, century-old vegetable garden, orchard, cutting garden and several greenhouses, which keep the house stocked with organic produce and flowers throughout the year.
Private guided garden tours of the Otahuna estate are available—by prior reservation only—for $30 per person (minimum charge of $300) year-round. To make a reservation for your group to tour the grounds please contact us on enquiries@otahuna.co.nz or (03) 329 6333.
EXPLORE OUR GARDENS
Dutch Garden
The Dutch garden was renovated in 2007 with the removal of more than 40 trees and the restoration of 6 buxus-lined gravel lanes which radiate from a central circle. Sunlight filters through the canopy of exotic trees planted many years ago which include original oaks, a feijoa and a weeping cherry, which in spring drapes its white blossom over a carpet of vibrant blue ajuga. Elsewhere, a 'Madron Tree' from North America with feathery red bark stands sentinel over drifts of flowering shrubs.
Daffodil Field
During the first half of the 20th century, Otahuna became nationally famous for its vast fields of daffodils. Surplus bulbs were donated to the city of Christchurch forming the nucleus of the daffodil gardens in Hagley Park. Today, hundreds of thousands of bulbs still bloom resplendent every August and September.
Lawn & Lake
The Great Lawn has served as the site of glorious garden parties, polo matches and even a royal visit or two. Hidden paths wind in and out of camellia beds and open out to a striped expanse sloping down to the ornamental lake which is crossed by three wooden bridges linking to both the Daffodil Field and the Woodlands.
Woodlands
Pine bark trails and flagstone paths wind through the rambling Woodlands. Here, one might stumble upon century-old rhododendron gardens, moss covered steps leading to the romantic frog pond, or a hidden settee where Heaton would sit in the afternoon watching the musterers herd sheep on the Port Hills.
Discover our Garden's Finest Discover our Garden's Finest
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The Potager Garden holds a prime position in a sunny, stone-walled enclosure which was originally the domain of Heaton’s stallions. The Potager Garden holds a prime position in a sunny, stone-walled enclosure which was originally the domain of Heaton’s stallions.
Here, a huge range of seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts and mushrooms - including exotic and rare heritage varietals - is grown organically for the table. Guests may even accompany the chef to select vegetables for their own evening meal.
This season's Plantings
Orchard
Heritage apple and pear trees – including some planted more than 100 years ago – produce thousands of kilograms of fruit for the Lodge kitchens. Nearby, the original, sunken apple store has been repurposed as the Mushroom House to grow enoki, oyster, shiitake, and other exotic mushrooms.
Greenhouse
Seedlings of both edible plants and flowers are propagated in the Greenhouse before being transplanted to the Potager or Cutting Gardens. Some cold-sensitive plants are permanent features here including calamansi, curry, passionfruit and tamarillo.
Melon House
The restored Melon House exhibits the same methods used by gardeners of the Edwardian Age. In the summer, vines are trussed from soil to ceiling where everything from French Charentais Melons to Caviar Limes reliably flower, fruit and ripen in the sun-filled, warm building.
Animals
Pigs enjoy residence in the piggery, “Oink-a-huna”, keeping the kitchen supplied with Otahuna’s very own prosciutto, coppa and other cured preparations of pork. Nearby “Ota-hen-a” houses a flock of exotic chickens for eggs, and our beloved Valais Blacknose sheep are never far away grazing in the paddocks.
From Garden to Table
Join us for dinner
From Garden to Table
Join us for dinner
Reserve a table
