New Zealand in bloom
Who in their right minds wants to tiptoe through the tulips when they can dance through dozens of daffodils! Daffodil Day comes alive in New Zealand at the countries largest historic property, Otahuna Lodge.
The magnificent Otahuna Lodge will open its doors to thousands of visitors this Daffodil Day to showcase its stunning gardens and raise money for cancer. The tradition that began 81 years ago at New Zealand’s largest historic property has been revived to celebrate the magic of these extraordinary gardens in spring and provide the public with a sneak-peek of the grounds of the luxury seven-suite lodge.
Current owners, Hall Cannon and Miles Refo, rekindled the event in 2006 when they bought the Lodge. The original owner, Parliamentarian Sir Heaton Rhodes and his wife Jessie, established the open day in 1928 at their impressive home in Tai Tapu, 20 minutes from Christchurch, to showcase the gardens designed by A.E. Lowe, who had trained at London’s famous Kew Gardens.
Mr Cannon and Mr Refo undertook an impressive restoration of the 12ha grounds and 1895 homestead and took great pleasure in reviving what was one of the most important events in the local calendar.
Otahuna Lodge will open on September 6 from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are NZ$15 for adults and $5 for children (cash only) at the gate. A donation will be made to the NZ Cancer Society from the sale of every ticket. The last Daffodil Day event raised more than $8000 for the Society.
To book: Phone +64 3 329 6333 or email . Visit www.otahuna.co.nz
