The name Gunyah (Australian Aboriginal for 'little hut or house') belies the grandeur of this magnificent property.

The house was built around 1912 for the son of a New Zealand Premier, Sir John Hall. Rich mahogany panelling, native timber beams, and floors of jarrah and rimu combine with generous fireplaces to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The garden features 4 acres of well-established rhododendrons and azaleas, alongside mature deciduous species, and native trees which attract the resonant song of bellbirds. Roaming the property are peacocks and pet lambs, hand-reared deer and a comical kune kune pig.

The verandah overlooking the garden is an ideal place to relax , catch up on some reading, or engage in some lively discussion.

Guests often marvel at the brightness of the Southern Cross in the clear night sky.

Your hosts, David and Catherine Latter, are Canterbury born and bred, with a farming background. In the idyllic setting of Gunyah, with their genuine friendliness and superb country cooking, the Latters offer something unique: a real South Island welcome.

Gunyah Country Lodge offers year-round Kiwi hospitality to a maximum of 10 guests. The large drawing room features a huge brick fireplace and a bay window overlooking the garden.

In winter, this is the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine, read a book, or mull over the day's events. The elegant dining room seats up to 24. Here you can enjoy some of Catherine Latter's renowned 'gourmet country' cuisine: a presentation of the finest South Island produce.

• Select regional wines
• Local game and salmon
• Organically grown vegetables
• Canterbury lamb - a specialty

Both the dining room and drawing room lead onto the verandah. At the far end of the hall is a cozy library. Upstairs there are 5 recently refurbished guest rooms. Each has access to the covered balcony, overlooking the garden, private ensuite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities

We can also cater for conferences and seminars

Gunyah's peaceful and tranquil setting offers total privacy for small informal overnight conferences for a maximum of 8 people. Day seminars cater for up to 15. Advise Gunyah Country Lodge of your requirements and the hosts, David and Catherine, can tailor it to your needs. Sole occupancy for your conference is assured.

Location:

Gunyah Country Lodge is situated in the middle of the South Island, on the edge of the Canterbury Plains. Only a forty five minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, it lies on the main routes to the West Coast, Mt Cook and Queenstown.

Activities:

Some of the nearby activities and places of interest you might enjoy during a stay at Gunyah Country Lodge:

• Golf
• Skiing
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Croquet
• Hot Air Ballooning
• The TranzAlpine Express
• Walking and Horse Trekking
• Jet Boating and White Water Rafting

• Day Trips
  • Arthurs Pass (1 hr 30min)
  • West Coast (2hr 30 min)
  • Akaroa (1 hr 45min)
  • Lake Tekapo ( 2hr)
  • Mt Cook ( 3 hr 30 min)
  • Hokitika (2 hr 30 min)

Testimonials:

"A truly beautiful spot with service and cuisine of the highest quality"

• Deanna and Brian DeLooze, Gloucester, England

"Staying at Gunyah was one of our best experiences. Catherine and David were gracious hosts, providing us with plenty of local information including maps. Catherine is one of the best chefs in NZ using fresh organically grown vegetables and fresh game and fish in her recipes."

• Robert and Bernadette Solomon, Virginia, USA.

"A peaceful haven with marvelous host and hostess. We shall return."

• Helen Mary and Bob Stein, California, USA.

"The best place we've been for a bit of rest and relaxation. Fabulous hosts."

• Mark and Wendy Jones, Auckland, New Zealand.

"A wonderful week of relaxation, great food and fabulous hosts."

• Denis and Gwenda Bignold, Beijing, China.

"A most delightful stay in this lovely house - warm hospitality, superb food."

• Sir William and Lady Gladstone, Hawarden Castle, Great Britain.

"Gunyah is an experience, an atmosphere, and a feeling you will long to capture."

• Nic and Nichole Greco, Louisiana, USA.