Living between the Pacific Ocean and an extinct volcano, one quickly learns to respect the forces of nature. This extraordinary garden, among the clearings and dramatic vistas of the Banks Peninsula, offers a lesson in life.
More than 120 varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts and mushrooms flourish in the historical gardens of Otahuna and rare horticultural species are protected. The gardens are maintained organically with homemade compost. The Chef might even ask if you would like to accompany him to pick the vegetables for dinner, while in “Ota-Hen-A” the property’s hen house, chickens get ready to lay eggs for breakfast. Homegrown produce is showcased, alongside regional products. And, notable Maori paintings decorate the walls of the Victorian manor, including many by emerging New Zealand artists. Otahuna: artfully blending the traditional and the modern.