Fodor's Expert Review Claremont Country Estate

Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.

This spectacular deer and sheep station is up the Waipara Gorge, a 10-minute drive inland from Amberley; its luxurious homestead was built from limestone quarried on the property in the late 1860s.Watch where you walk—that white stone you see might turn out to be a marine dinosaur fossil. The one luxury suite and five homestead suites are elegantly furnished with antiques. A compelling guided four-wheel-drive tour is thrown in if you stay three or more nights. You can wander about the 2,400-acre farm, extensive gardens, and private nature reserve as well. Children over 12 are welcome, but are treated as adults.