My wife and I have just stayed at St Leonards Vineyard Cottages over the long weekend and wow! This really is an amazing part of the country, made all the better by a couple of wonderful hosts.

Our cottage was easily big enough for the two of us and was equipped with everything you could possibly need for a couple. We used the bbq for two of the three nights and it was no drama at all. There is a Park and Save a two minute drive away just down the road is a real bonus to pick up some supplies.

The provisions provided for breakfast each day were very generous, and in particular the eggs were awesome for breakfast each morning. Being able to eat outside at the table watching the sun come up over the Wither Hills vines was such a great way to start the day.

The sheep, lambs, chickens, alpaca, deer and cat were all very friendly and are very welcoming. The sheep loved being fed some lemons, which was a nice surprise. Nellie the lamb is most certainly the star of the show and really does love a good chin scratch.

We stayed for three nights in the Shearer’s Quarters and could not have asked for a better stay. This is quite possibly the best accommodation I’ve had the pleasure of staying at in New Zealand.

There is also a swimming pool and spa available, as well as a children’s playhouse, pétanque set and a grass tennis court!

Michele and Marcus are absolutely wonderful hosts and nothing is too much effort for them. Really lovely, friendly great people. We really can’t thank them enough for their hospitality.

Thank you so much for having us and we’ll definitely be back!

Hubby and I took a South Island roadie recently and voted Marcus and Michelle's The Stables the best accommodation of our trip. Michelle greeted us with a smile and made us feel so very welcome and Marcus made a couple of appearances also. The property is beautifully maintained and we stayed in the Stables. Our disappointment at missing out on being able to book the Shearing Shed was overcome by being in the best cottage for looking out over the Wither Hills and the animals and seeing the Rooster "sitting on top" of the chickens on many occasions, one of the deer roaring around at dusk, and the cute little lambs and their Mums. The Stables was spotless and cosy and we could have just stayed there for good. Every little detail had been thought of and we could tell Michelle and Marcus genuinely wanted us to have a great stay. We enjoy having our own space so it was perfect that we were left to ourselves with a wave or greeting on our frequent drives in and out of the property, but equally enjoyed the lovely chat we had with them both on checkout. Will definitely return with the girls for a girls weekend and try out the Shearing Shed soon.

Beautiful place to stay. Stayed in the Stables which is well equipped and comfortable. Enjoyed breakfasts outside in the sun. Feeding the friendly hens, sheep and Alpacas was a highlight. Great hosts who arranged last minute local restaurant and wine tour bookings for us. Lovely relaxing stay after a long journey. Would love to return in the future.