Te Rangi, Kahikatea

Te Rangi is an enchanting self-contained cottage wonderfully situated within the twenty acres of rolling hills of Kahikatea – a secluded country retreat set high above Akaroa Harbour on the Banks Peninsula (an hour’s scenic drive from Christchurch).

The cottage is a peaceful hideaway which offers total relaxation and the ‘ultimate getaway’ from today’s world. Your privacy is enhanced by the established gardens, pond and rushing stream, interrupted only by the llamas grazing in the adjacent paddocks. Kahikatea is, in fact, a working llama farm – so don’t be surprised if a few friendly curious llamas come to visit whilst you’re sitting on the flower-framed deck enjoying the views across the shimmering waters of Akaroa Harbour. Your host, Jane, lives in the lovingly restored original 1860’s homestead nearby.

Oriental rugs, hardwood floors, antiques and original paintings by New Zealand artists adorn the cottage which is ideal for a romantic couple. There is a queen bedroom and a fabulous Italian tiled bathroom with separate shower and a double bathtub which overlooks the surrounding countryside. The large living area leads out to a sweeping verandah and the fully equipped kitchen provides all you need for self-catering – you can pick herbs from the cottage garden and there is a barbecue for alfresco summer dining.

With twenty acres to explore, Kahikatea has endless secluded spots to escape – or you can just laze in the double hammock in a giant Macrocarpa tree. The Banks Peninsula offers a wide range of activities –from mountain biking and hiking in the hillsides to strolling through the charming French settlement of Akaroa or joining a relaxing cruise through the harbour to see the unique Hector dolphins (the world's smallest and rarest dolphin).

PRICES Prices from £68 per person per night, based on 2 people sharing. Fly to New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch)  via Los Angeles or Hong Kong on the award winning services of Air New Zealand from only £890 including taxes and fuel surcharges. Please ask your consultant about upgrading to spacious Pacific Premium from only £280 per sector.