Shandelle Battersby checks into a one-bedroom Seaview Cottage, overlooking the harbour
Getting there: Akaroa is a 90-minute drive from Christchurch — if you're heading there in winter take your time, as the road (SH75) can be icy and it's pretty windy. The pretty property is 1km out of town back towards Christchurch, about a 15-minute walk.
Check-in experience: Really friendly and low-key — this is a fairly small operation featuring 10 one, two and three-bedroom cottages spread out over 5ha, and if staff are busy refreshing the rooms, you might have to call them to let them know you've arrived.
Room: I had the Overton one-bedroom Seaview Cottage at the top of the property, with a deck overlooking beautiful Akaroa Harbour; other options look out over native bush. The timber and stone cottage had a woodburner, Sky TV, a DVD player, a separate bedroom, a fully equipped kitchenette and an enormous spa bath. Just what you want on one of the coldest weekends of the year — think clear blue skies and frosty mornings. Good for the soul.
The best bit: I got back too late to bother lighting the fire, but there were two excellent heaters that someone had turned on for me and the place was super-cosy.
