9 Best Hotels in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand

Surrounded by spectacular peaks, beech forests, and serene lakes, this sophisticated back-to-nature lodge shares 4,000 acres with its own high-country merino sheep station and nature reserve in a valley called Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa (Valley of the Mother of Rainbows). Rooms have balcony views of this incredible area. Full-day guided trips can take you to limestone caves, a tranquil lake, a glacier basin, or to spots where you might glimpse rare alpine plants and kea (native mountain parrot); you'll soon share the owners' passion for preserving this environment. There is a sister lodge at Lake Moeraki on the West Coast. 

This gem set on a private farm at Pigeon Bay is made up of four secluded villas, including an ultramodern waterfront home and a magnificent Victorian homestead surrounded by expansive heritage gardens with an impressive pool and spa facilities. You can customize packages to suit couples, families, or larger groups, adding extras like helicopter transfers from Christchurch, private gourmet meals, and wildlife boating tours.

Within walking distance to Akaroa township sits an historic Victorian house, which now stands as a bed-and-breakfast. Nestled among well-kept gardens, a petite vineyard and an avocado orchard, the birdsong here is a delight, especially from the native bellbird. Well-known for its outstanding hospitality, hosts Noel and Sharon will put on drinks and homemade hors d'oeuvres for all guests at 6 pm. Breakfast is a delight with both hot-cooked and continental fare. All six rooms are elegantly decorated; the architecture and the setting are superb, and the owner's passion for collecting has transformed the home into a living heritage museum.

This 11-floor, upscale, New Zealand--owned and -operated hotel is a postearthquake renovation with a contemporary design. It's an easy walk to all the main shopping and dining areas, with the acclaimed O.G.B. Bar next door. Expect the latest technology and top-quality bedding and room comfort.

Inside the beautifully restored Old Government Building built in 1913, with its sweeping central staircase and high ceilings, the Heritage has suites in an Italian High Renaissance Palazzo style complete with stained-glass windows and dark-wood paneling. It has sports facilities, a fitness center, a heated lap pool, sauna, spa, and the highly rated O.G.B. Bar on the ground floor.

Just 20 minutes from Christchurch and almost hidden by glorious century-old gardens is one of New Zealand's most important historic homes, now an award-winning luxury retreat. Built in 1895 in Queen Anne style for Sir Heaton Rhodes, a high-profile Member of Parliament of the time, the three-story homestead has been restored to its former grandeur, yet has all the modern amenities you would expect in an exclusive luxury lodge. Each of Otahuna's seven suites has a distinctive character and reveals a different element of the Otahuna story. Original fireplaces complement the rooms and the wisteria-blue drawing room is divine. Be sure to wander the 30 acres of gardens (guided tours available), and take a dip in the heated pool (summer only). Do spend some time in the potager garden and the kitchen with the chef to learn some of his secrets.

Tucked in among giant kahikatea trees and native forest, and overlooking Little Mt. Peel (which isn't so little), this comfortable log lodge provides a haven of peace and quiet. Opened as a hunting and fishing lodge it's a nice getaway if you want to experience the great outdoors without hiking miles up into the hills. There are four bedrooms—two share a bathroom—all looking out to the mountains. You can self-cater, have breakfast provided, or request a fully catered service. Nearby there's rafting, fishing, hunting, horse trekking, hiking, helicopter tours, and visits to Mesopotamia Station up in the high country. It's available for exclusive bookings only.

Considered a top golf resort in New Zealand, Terrace Downs is a good place to base yourself for a vacation away from the crowds. Although not strictly in Methven, Terrace Downs is a 20-minute drive away, with spectacular views of the Rakaia Gorge and the looming presence of Mt. Hutt. Accommodations are in a series of contemporary one- to three-bedroom villas and larger fairway chalets perched on a ridge above the clubhouse and restaurant, with views from their balconies over the golf course and of the mountains.