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Hurunui River Retreat is the perfect place for a relaxing break.Situated in a peaceful rural valley alongside the Hurunui River, the Hurunui River Retreat is just a one hour drive from Christchurch and a little over thirty minutes south of Hanmer Springs.With two stunning architecturally designed apartments – aptly named ‘Tussock’ and ‘Flax’ – situated a stone’s throw from the Hurunui River, your accommodation offers relaxation, tranquillity and stunning views from every room. Once there, enjoy a glass of wine on the deck or a soak under the stars in our heated outdoor bath, which boasts uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps.In summer, take a short stroll through the paddock to swim in the river; in winter, make the most of the nearby ski fields; enjoy a leisurely ride on the mountain bikes provided; or duck out for some fishing at the renowned Hurunui and Waiau rivers. There’s plenty to do, with the Hurunui River Retreat handy to many popular destinations and local activities.Each apartment has a stunning fully appointed kitchen and barbeque for self-catering, with a continental breakfast provided each morning.
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We had a perfect time staying a couple of nights here with our two boys 4 and 7. The boys loved feeding the donkeys! Also exploring the river and building a dam. Just up the road is a lovely walk up to the historic fire lookout and the Hurunui Hotel for lunch. A great break away for Christchurch families!
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Date of stay: May 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was the perfect place to spend the last few days of our New Zealand holiday. An immaculate and very well equipped cottage in a spectacular setting. We will always remember the peace, the spectacular sunset (not guaranteed!) and incredible starlit nights. Pip, the host was extremely friendly and welcoming and we immediately felt at home. She even went to the lengths of making me a birthday cake! That was very much appreciated and soon eaten. Lots to do in the area, we visited hamner springs and a few of the central Otago vineyards, or just sit on the veranda and enjoy...
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
High quality, superbly quiet, and so relaxing. Note that it is 6km along a gravel road, in case that is a consideration. And no wifi, but honestly, you don't need it. We found it so therapeutic to just sit on the deck, eat dinner, and watch the clouds go by as the sun got lower.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had the most relaxing few days at Flax - it was the ideal spot to recharge after a long international flight and before a long drive up North. The cottage was spotlessly clean , warm, well equipped and stylishly furnished with high quality bedding and towels. Waking up to amazing uninterrupted views and the occasional bunny rabbit in front of our room was an added treat. It was blissfully quiet and peaceful with the only sound being that of birdsong .The kids loved feeding Cheese and Crackers, the resident alpacas, and just running around the grounds. Tina told us about a little walk down to the river and , although it was too cold to swim, we had great fun paddling and skimming stones. Not a soul in sight. Perfect. Tina was warm and great w the kids not to mention a great cook. Do order an evening meal from her- best pannecotta ever! Thank you Tina for and hoping your lovely home was not damaged by the recent quake :(. Regards Tara and family …
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Date of stay: October 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovely place , great decor & amenities. Peaceful surroundings with good view. Extremely good all round & wonderful breakfast options provided. Everything you could want for a weekend away to recharge the batteries. Also great option for a group of friends. We will be back in summer to enjoy the outdoors.
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Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The moment we arrived for our 1 night stay in the Tussock cottage, it was luxury! The impeccable presented cottage oozed 5 Star – the decor, setting, furnishings, linen, the supplied breakfast (home made muesli and apricots were amazing) and the divine platter that Tina prepared for us. The best 20 hours away in a long time for us to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary. We came away from our ‘Hurunui Rive Retreat’ experience feeling very special for having staying there. Definitely will repeat – however, don’t know that I can wait until our 20th wedding anniversary to repeat.
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Date of stay: January 2016
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed two nights at the cottages and had a wonderful time. Everything was perfect. Tina (owner and chef) cooked dinner for us one night and it was great. This is a very restful, quiet, retreat that certainly helped recharge our batteries. Its close to Hanmer Springs and the Waipara vineyards.
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Date of stay: January 2016
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's taken a few months to write this review, what a little treasure these cottages are. The hosts are so hospitable and the breakfasts left for in the cottage was amazing, beautiful yoghurt, muesli, farm fresh eggs. I cannot wait to go back to this wee slice of paradise
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Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visited with old friends for a good catch up. Serene and magnificent setting and perfectly well appointed cottages. We were able to relax straight away and enjoyed Tina and Grant's wonderful hospitality and food! A special time. Will be back. Thank you Tina and Grant.
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Date of stay: September 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our Book Group of 7 shared the 2 well equipped villas for a weekend and had a wonderful relaxing time. Fabulous views with fresh snow on the hills (and a sprinkling on the ground). Breakfast was included with delicious farm fresh eggs, muesli, yoghurt, toast, compotes. A highlight was a fabulous dinner cooked by Tina at her house comprising beetroot cured salmon, duck confit and a perfect panna cotta with whisky soaked raisins and a hazelnut brandy snap biscuit – all v delish and ably assisted by the delightful Susan! No need to go anywhere else but enjoy the amazing scenery and food.
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Date of stay: August 2015
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.