Gunyah Country Estate

In the foothills of the Southern Alps, west of Christchurch you will find Gunyah. Driving up the sweeping drive through mature trees you get the feeling of grandeur and are not disappointed when you pull up at the entrance of this 1912 Edwardian home on eight acres of park-like gardens.

We are welcomed by William and Simonetta and shown into the entrance hall. Lavish furnishings, original woodwork and truly magnificent antiques adorn the rooms. This is one of the largest private collections of New Zealand antiques. The bedrooms, all with ensuites are graciously decorated and no two rooms are the same. There is the choice of the Verandah room opening out to sweeping views over the garden to the hills, the Garden room, Port Hills room or Orchard room.

However it is the fine dining experience that makes Gunyah extra special. William and Simonetta are passionate about food and wines and the dinning room, with its table of grand proportions and silverware, complement the gourmet cuisine.

There are numerous golf courses nearby, romantic hot air ballooning, fishing the Rakaia, Mt Hutt ski field, jet-boating, and hiking were just some of the activities on offer.

We left with a pot of beautiful preserves from the old original orchard, a lovely way to take a memento of our stay. Gunyah offers grand country living with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.