As you approach Otahuna Lodge you’re charmed by the picturebook quality of the period architecture. Tile hung walls and grey slate roofs complement the white wooden clap-boarding. Ornate upper windows decorate the grand bays. Stone steps lead up to an arched porch, itself surmounted by a first floor, galleried veranda. There are decorative brick chimneys that wouldn’t look out of place on an English manor house, and inside the ‘slice-of-history’ theme continues with original 19^th century fireplaces, carved inglenooks and stained glass windows.

But make Otahuna Lodge part of your luxury, tailor-made holiday to New Zealand and you’ll have plenty of modern comforts too and easy access to all the opportunities of the pretty city of Christchurch.