10 Memorable Stays Worth Travelling For

9 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City

Hidden in Christchurch’s beloved Arts Centre, you will find The Observatory Hotel, bursting with vibrant interiors, elegance and a reverence for the history of the building it occupies. What once housed the university departments of astronomy and physics is now home to 33 beautifully and uniquely designed rooms.

155 Victoria Street, Christchurch

Looking for the ultimate in luxury? Look no further than The Mayfair, perfectly positioned in and amongst the hustle and bustle of Victoria Street and mere metres away from Christchurch’s green space gem of Hagley Park. Opening in mid-2022, no detail has been spared in the fit-out of this hotel. Each room is sumptuously appointed, from the interior decor to the latest in-room technology and luxe bathroom amenities.

365 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013

Beginning life as army barracks in 1967, The Tack Rooms have been transformed into private spaces with all comforts of home and understated luxury that give you a 'world away' feeling. Perfectly located in the heart of the city while being tucked into a lush landscape gives you the best of both worlds.

82 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch Central City

“Like always. Like never before.” This is the motto at Eliza’s Manor, and for this beautifully restored boutique hotel, it rings so true. This manor house was built in 1861, and has lived many lives including a boarding house, a private hospital, a lodging house, a family home and now a luxury hotel. With the same owners as Christchurch foodie hotspot Miro, the menus at the onsite restaurant will have you salivating.

Wildside Booking Office 2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520

The farm stay at Pohatu, located on the south-eastern corner of Banks Peninsula is the definition of a memorable stay worth travelling for. Memorable in its uniqueness and it certainly is a bit of a four-wheel drive to get there. The scenic journey and the feeling of seclusion once you get there are all part of the beauty of Pohatu. Alongside the farm animals, white-flippered penguins also inhabit this area and at certain points of the year, an evening penguin tour is included in your stay.

Purau-Port Levy Road Port Levy, Banks Peninsula 

An hour’s drive from Christchurch, Pōhue Purepod is located on a stunning, intimate spot in Port Levy, surrounded by rolling hills and rocky outcrops. Sheltered by lush conifer trees, the secluded Pōhue Purepod is essentially a single room with an outdoor deck that gives guests the feel of being perched on nature’s doorstep. It’s an ideal spot for those looking for a bit of solitude and relaxation.

The pod also lies at the end of a spectacular drive around Banks Peninsula, past Charteris Bay and Diamond Harbour, and up over the hill above Purau. From there, it’s a 25-minute stroll to your accommodation along a track that winds through native bushland (so be sure to pack your walking shoes.)

224 Rhodes Road, Christchurch

Just like the city of Christchurch itself, Otahuna Lodge in Tai Tapu combines the modern luxuries of a city with the traditional landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand. Set against the backdrop of an ancient volcano and surrounded by gardens and woodlands, the lodge is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest private residence.

In addition to all the trappings of high-end accommodation and service, dining at Otahuna Lodge is a fun experience in itself. In the lodge’s dining room, locals and guests alike can tuck into a degustation menu that changes daily, with produce sourced largely from Otahuna’s own potager and orchard. Travellers who find themselves at Otahuna Lodge during Aotearoa New Zealand’s winter and spring months are often also greeted with gourmet events, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly

Rue Grehan, Akaroa 7520

Tree Crop Farm is a lush 20-hectare retreat on the Grehan Valley stream and just a stone’s throw from Akaroa’s town centre. Featuring a range of accommodation options, from the spacious Verandah Hut and the uniquely shaped Tree House Hut to the vintage inspired Little French Studio and the cosy and romantic Hut by the River, the farm is a great choice for all types of travellers.

Staying here is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure. After a sleep-in, collect your own eggs laid by the resident hens for breakfast, before taking a wander down one of the retreat’s many walking paths. At the end of the day, relax in the outside hot tub under the stars.

618 Omihi Road, Waipara

The origin story of Kumiko’s Guest House is a heartwarming one. Built in 1995 by Waipara wine legend Russell Black, this house was influenced by his wife Kumiko’s Japanese heritage. Fast forward to 2018, it was bought by current owners Sue and Paul, who have extensively renovated the property while paying homage to the original Japanese design and architecture. Russell’s Cabins, inspired by the classic Kiwi DOC hut, offer three options for a “fusion of luxury and a true kiwi camping experience”. You can’t go wrong with either choice of accommodation, and their proximity to Waipara wineries is the icing on the cake.

State Highway 75, 4243 Christchurch Akaroa Road, Little River

Throughout the country, there are structures that have taken on new lives as creative accommodation spots, and in Little River, you will find one such example. Eight grain silos have been converted into the very unique SiloStay, each one a self-contained three-storey unit decked out for the cosiest of stays. The furnishings and fit out are all custom, and the curved nature of the silos give you the ability to stargaze via the skylight feature. This location is perfect for exploring the Banks Peninsula, with Akaroa only 30 minutes in one direction and a whole host of other bays nearby.