Gunyah Country Estate

Simonetta, who is a landscape designer by profession, manages the extensive gardens at Gunyah Country Estate. The Lodge is set in 10 hectares (25 acres) of grounds, mature trees, new plantings and farmland. It was established in 1912 by Millicent Hall, daughter of TH Potts, one of New Zealand's most renowned early botanists and conservationists.

The garden has several native trees including one of the southermost kauri, many rare native bellbirds, and the original large fruit orchard. The azaleas are original to the house, brought to NZ by Thomas Potts himself. There are a number of structures throughout the garden including a gazebo, folly, rotunda, and a pond under construction.

The Lodge’s name “Gunyah” is from the Australian Aboriginal for 'little hut or shelter’, which belies the grandeur of lodge, which is available for accommodaiton. Built in 1912 for the son of former Prime Minister, Sir John Hall, the building features Arts and Crafts architecture.

Gunyah was once part of Terrace Station, one of the biggest holdings in Canterbury, and still retains a number of its original outbuildings including the granary stables and henhouse. The current chicken run today features Pekinese bantams, Araucanas, Barnevelders, Shavers and a peahen.

The Edwardian homestead features mahogany panelling, native timber beams, and floors of jarrah and rimu woods. The house is furnished with the largest private collection of colonial antiques in New Zealand, another part of this collection having been acquired by Te Papa, the National Museum in Wellington.

Directions:

From Christchurch, take SH 73 to Darfield. Turn left and travel to Glentunnel. Continue 10km on SH 72. Turn left at monument into Downs Road, then right into Sleemans Road. Travel 2km to Gunyah Country Estate on left.