1/18 - Seascape Terrace at Annandale, New Zealand
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3/18 - Seascape Interior at Annandale, New Zealand
4/18 - Seascape Bedroom at Annandale, New Zealand
5/18 - Homestead Exterior at Annandale, New Zealand
6/18 - Swimming Pool at Annandale, New Zealand
7/18 - Homestead Bedroom at Annandale, New Zealand
8/18 - Scrubby Bay Jacuzzi at Annandale, New Zealand
9/18 - Scrubby Bay Interior at Annandale, New Zealand
10/18 - Scrubby Bay at Annandale, New Zealand
11/18 - Shepard's Cottage Bedroom at Annandale, New Zealand
12/18 - Shepard's Cottage at Annandale, New Zealand
13/18 - Shepard's Cottage Living Room at Annandale, New Zealand
14/18 - annandale shepherds cottage
15/18 - annandale shepherds cottage
16/18 - annandale seascape
17/18 - annandale scrubby bay
18/18 - annandale homestead
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Hidden among the magnificent coastal countryside of Canterbury, the unmistakeable Annandale Villas offer a heavenly retreat for those who crave privacy, peace and intimate perfection from their break away in New Zealand.
Why you'll love it here
- Choice from five distinct accommodations; from the historic homestead to the ultra-modern seascape retreat
- Experience pure escapism in this rural New Zealand setting in the curve of picturesque Pigeon Bay
- Watch sheep dogs at work and take guided 4WD tours around the 4,000 acres of farmland
- Kayak to see dolphins and blue penguins, and hike or bike the 14km Pigeon Bay Walkway
Best For
- Honeymoon,
Nick
Travel Specialist
Included in your holiday
- Lounge passes and meet & greet service in UK airports
- Transfers to and from your hotel
- All flight luggage allowances
- Personal concierge service
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- Full ATOL protection
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
Removed from the outside world and with nothing but sublime sea views for company on Pigeon Bay, the multi-award-winning Annandale hotel is actually set within an expanse of working farmland upon rugged clifftops, opening out to the Pacific Ocean.
The four properties here are each truly unique; set a good distance apart they offer an entirely different atmosphere and design from one to the next, though between them are able to cater for couples, families and groups alike.
From the family-friendly 19th Homestead with its spacious gardens, multiple bedrooms and balconies to the intimate Shepherd’s Cottage, a romantic wood-clad cabin primed for cosy nights next to the open fire and a rustic-chic bedroom in its loft.
There’s then the impossibly-cool and contemporary Seascape where wraparound walls of glass bring the outside in, and Scrubby Bay, a large luxury Christchurch villa with its own pool and unopposed sea views. Whatever your reasons for travelling to this wild part of New Zealand and whichever option you choose, staying at Annandale is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your trip.
Being amidst such picturesque, untouched countryside, there’s nothing better than borrowing a bike or taking a hike to discover Annandale’s surrounding farmland and coast, easily done as your friendly hosts will happily hand you a map and even pack a delicious picnic on the day you arrive if you wish. For those who prefer to take things a little easier, however, you can enjoy an onsite cooking class to brush up on your Kiwi cuisine or take a trip to nearby Akaroa and jump aboard a nature-spotting cruise.
Then there is guided 4x4 farm tours on offer where – depending on the time of year – you may be lucky enough to watch the sheep shearers in action, some of the most skilled in the world and a sight not to be missed if looking to glimpse rural life in New Zealand first-hand, while staying on a working farm.
The beauty of Annandale lies in its unbeatable Christchurch setting, stunning views, intimate atmosphere and the chance to fill your days with as little or as much as you want, safe in the knowledge that the resort’s serenity will be waiting for you either way.
Sometimes there’s nothing left but to relax on your own private deck, sip a drink and admire the southern cross, as the stargazing from Annandale is first-class too; an authentic Kiwi travel experience.
Room Options
Four very different though equally enchanting villas make up the accommodation options at Annandale. At least 30 mins drive away from each other, these idyllic getaways are as secluded, intimate and irresistibly designed as it gets. Between the four you’ll find very distinctive personality and styles, albeit finished to the same high standard. For honeymooners visiting Christchurch, the Shepherd’s cottage is hard to beat with its inviting fireplace and cosy sofas, though the sea views and altogether contemporary vibe of Seascape and Scrubby Bay also have endless appeal. Throughout, there are certain mod-cons that do then exist in every room option, such as Wi-fi, digital televisions Sonos sound systems, fireplaces, a fully-functioning kitchen, tea and coffee making facilities, lounge areas and luxe bathrooms.
Shepherd's Cottage
Ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape, the quaint Shepherd’s Cottage has been renovated to the highest of standards, while still exuding its original charm of exposed brickwork and beams. Looking out upon the surrounding farmland, with the ocean and iconic Kaikoura Ranges beyond, the wooden house boasts an open fire in the lounge and al fresco bathtub in the garden, a memorable spot to watch the sunset!
Seascape
Seascape boasts panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean from every angle and, with any luck, sightings of the abundant marine life that calls these waters home, including the playful Hector Dolphin. Hidden just above a private bay, this thoroughly modern building blends into the hill with that roof and its exposed stonework from the back. Underfloor heating and a fire will keep you warm on those cold nights, while an outdoor deck and lounge ensures comfort no matter what the time of day.
Scrubby Bay
Sleeps: 14 Adults
Scrubby Bay is just meters from the waterfront and looks out to both the dramatic ocean in front and quiet cliffs on either side. Modern and contemporary throughout, showcasing typically Kiwi design too, this wooden lodge has open plan living quarters, a fireplace complete with stone chimney and huge windows spanning every wall. Outside a deck area, swimming pool and Jacuzzi take the luxury levels up a level.
The Homestead
Sleeps: 12 Adults
This beautiful building has been more than restored to its former glory, retaining the original architecture and country house feel though all brought firmly up to 21st century standards. Large verandas and balconies look out over pristine gardens here, while inside there are multiple bedrooms, lounge areas and a kitchen as well as exclusive access to the Annandale’s infinity pool, tennis courts and stables – which accommodates a further 4 people.Facilities/Amenities
The self-contained cottages at Annandale are fully-equipped, ready to make your luxury stay in Pigeon Bay as effortless as possible. For any additional requirements, your helpful concierge is poised to assist. There are bikes and kayaks to borrow, a state-of-the-art gym with views of the bay and personal trainers on-hand too, tennis courts and a swimming pool for Homestead guests as well as 4 x 4 vehicle tours for everyone, a great way to explore the 4,000-acre estate and wider region alike.
Restaurants & Bars
In Villa Dining
With the emphasis being on seclusion and privacy at Annandale, plus the villas being so far apart (around 30 minutes from each other) the Estate itself does not have an onsite restaurant. However, gourmet ‘ready to cook’ meals can be delivered to your doorstep, complete with simple preparation instructions. Annandale’s onsite vegetable patch, bursting with fresh produce, and meat reared on the farm itself also ensures that the cuisine here has been sustainably sourced too; always good to know. If you’re no budding chef however and simply want to put your feet up while away, simply hire a private chef who will turn up and cook it all to perfection; even easier!
Activities & Entertainment
In an area that is so completely isolated, you could be forgiven for thinking that activities here are kept to a minimum. That could not be further from the truth, as the stretch of Canterbury coastline that Annandale Villas inhabits is known for its outdoor adventure and natural sights. Spend a day on the water kayaking, a favourite pastime for many New Zealanders, or simply stroll around the gorgeous gardens of Annandale before heading out on a coastal walk or bike ride, in search of visiting marine life. You could take to the skies with a helicopter flight and see this awe-inspiring region from a whole new angle or head into Akaroa and enjoy a day of wildlife spotting, watching the penguins go about their business will entertain for hours! With cooking classes, watersports and 4 x drives available too, there will be plenty to fill your days while at Annandale.
New Zealand travel information
When to visit New Zealand
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +13 GMT
- Flight time: 25 hours
- Recommended airlines: Air New Zealand, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airlines
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar
- Tipping guideline: Optional, but not expected
- Health considerations: No major health risks.
- Capital: Wellington
- Population: 5,269,938
- National languages: English, Maori
- Electricity and plugs: Type I (V), 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You need an ETA for New Zealand if you have a British passport - apply online
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our New-zealand experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Nick
Travel Specialist
New Zealand travel guides
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