Claremont Country Estate

This historic elegant homestead nestles on a 2,400 acre estate and private nature reserve surrounded by rivers and stunning mountain scenery, just a 45 minute drive from Christchurch.

Beautifully restored, Claremont offers five individually styled lodge suites with antique furnishings – and views over the lovely gardens and farmland to the mountains beyond. Warm hospitality and fine food and wine are all part of the Claremont experience – cuisine is an imaginative and exquisite mix of fresh local produce including organic fruit and vegetables from the gardens and orchard and Claremont’s own farmed venison –accompanied by signature wines from the nearby Waipara wineries.

A ‘must’ is a unique and exhilarating landrover safari through the estate – acclaimed as ‘‘the most interesting and diverse 4WD experience in NZ’’ (this is complimentary to guests staying 2 nights or more). It is worth taking time to visit the nearby wineries, and your hosts will be happy to arrange activities in the local area, such as horse-riding or fishing. Kaikoura is only 11/2 hours away and Hanmer Springs’ thermal pools are 50 minutes away.

Perfect for those with young children or for friends travelling together, the heritage style self-contained Ram Paddock Cottage is located 100 metres from the lodge and offers three bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a private garden. For families, the cottage is available on a ‘self-contained’ basis (breakfast provisions are supplied) – and adults can opt to dine in the lodge whilst baby-sitting is arranged for the children.

PRICES Prices from £152 per person per night, based on 2 people sharing including breakfast, dinner, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks and open ‘standard’ bar. Claremont closes July to September each year. 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.