Otahuna Downs is a 30-allotment development on part of the original farmland surrounding Otahuna Homestead in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Discover a different world
Otahuna Downs is a 30-allotment development on part of the original farmland surrounding Otahuna Homestead. This area at the foot of the Port Hills was originally chosen for its beauty and contours by Canterbury pioneer Sir Heaton Rhodes, who made it his home for 61 years.

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Now this unique piece of Canterbury is obtainable for a new breed of pioneers. The development winds through valleys, up hills and past a wandering stream to native bush teeming with bird life. The uppermost blocks are adjacent to a scenic reserve, and all allotments have legal access to this wonderful playground of thousands of acres.

Otahuna Downs presents endless potential for lifestyle developments, small scale farming, equestrian activities, horticulture or natural heritage protection.

With just 23 10-acre blocks and 5 100 acre blocks available, this is a rare and limited opportunity to own property in this exclusive sought-after part of Canterbury. The development is located on Rhodes Road between Tai Tapu and Halswell, with many of the sites having building platforms commanding huge panoramic views from Lake Ellesmere to the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains and on to the magnificent snowcapped Southern Alps. Even in this area it is unusual to find a development with such picturesque geography and a genuine rural feel that’s still so close to the city. In keeping with the property’s historic grandeur, the entrance to Otahuna Downs is marked by formal stone gateways and with other areas incorporating landscaped water features. The sealed access way is flanked by post and rail fences. Each block is serviced with sealed entranceway, power, telephone and water. All blocks have protective covenants in place to protect your investment and ensure that high standards of developments and maintenance are adhered to.

A legacy of luxury
Otahuna is Maori for ‘the little hill amongst the hills’, and refers to the grand homestead that was built atop a little hill to give it commanding views of the surrounding countryside, and to the mountains beyond. Built in 1895 for Canterbury pioneer Sir Heaton Rhodes, the three-storey homestead is touted as one of the best examples of unspoiled Queen Anne architecture existing in Australasia. Sir Heaton lived at Otahuna until he died in 1956, at the age of 95. Known for his enthusiasm for life and kindness towards others, Sir Heaton was a parliamentarian, military officer, stockbreeder and horticulturist. He was also a central figure in the Tai Tapu community, funding the building of St Paul’s Anglican Church and the old Tai Tapu Library (both completed in 1932). At Otahuna, Sir Heaton took a close personal interest in the establishment of a grand garden, which became famous for its endless garden parties amongst fields of daffodils. Otahuna Estate was one of Sir Heaton Rhodes greatest legacies, and an enduring testament to his love for the finer things in life. The homestead has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur, and now operates as an exclusive luxury lodge. Set in Century old gardens, the lodge is one of New Zealand’s most important historic homes and best kept secrets.

The best of both worlds
Rich in history and colonial charm, Tai Tapu offers rural village living just 20 minutes from Christchurch’s central city. Vineyards, restaurants, berry farms and the iconic luxury homestead, now Otahuna Lodge, sets the tone for this desirable district. Winemakers have chosen this area for the climate, sunlight, clean soils, water, and air. Nestled at the foot of the Port Hills, charming Tai Tapu has fantastic local amenities plus an abundance of recreation. The lovely Tai Tapu domain has tennis and netball courts, a rugby field, outdoor bowling green and nine-hole golf course. There are horse riding facilities and charming local gardens to visit. The village also has its own café and primary school – and Lincoln University is only 6km away. And not to forget, Akaroa’s picturesque harbour is just an hour’s drive away, giving you access to superb opportunities for boating, tramping, fishing and plenty of other outdoor activities. Tai Tapu really is the best of both worlds – quaint village community and in easy reach of the city.

Otahuna Downs Location:
• Holmes Road between Tai Tapu and Halswell
• 20km from the Christchurch Square, 5km from Lincoln University

Services:
• Sealed access
• Power
• Water
• Telephone
• Broadband internet

Features:
• Varied landscape
• Commanding views
• Stream
• Bordered by natural scenic reserves
• Native bush
• Good local amenities & recreation
• An abundance of wildlife

Now selling:
• Blocks from $650,000
• 23 x 10-acre blocks
• 5 x 100-acre blocks

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