Amberley accommodation

63 km north of Christchurch and one hours drive from Christchurch airport 100 year old Karetu Downs Homestead offers luxury accommodation for guests to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the country side while staying on a real New Zealand sheep and beef farm.

The Louisa Suite has a comfortable queen size bed with warm cosy bedding and modern ensuite. The charming private lounge attached to the suite is an added bonus for guests to relax and compliments the room beautifully.

The Musterers studio has a comfortable super King bed with stylish bedding, warm duvets and cuddly throws. The welcoming fire place and cosy furnishings provide extra charm. The kitchenette allows flexibility to prepare your own meals if you wish.
Free wifi available in both rooms.

Karetu Cottage is a wonderful 4 bedroom fully furnished farm house ideally suited for families and larger groups.

Karetu Downs is a 2,000 hectare property situated in the Waipara Gorge North Canterbury. The hill country farm rises to just on 3 thousand feet above sea level. A climb to the top of the farm through tussock tracks provide outstanding views over the countryside looking back to the Southern Alps, the east coast and Christchurch the surrounding areas are breath taking.

Easy drive to Hanmer Springs hot pools, Kaikoura whale watch, Waipara vineyards/cafes and restaurants.

We offer bed and breakfast accommodation on a small farm in a beautiful, peaceful setting adjoining Mount Grey and Ashley Forest. Awen means the spirit of inspiration and few people remain unmoved by the awe-inspiring beauty of our surroundings. Guests come here to paint, take photographs, to walk and sometimes, just to be still and find peace and quiet in the tranquility of the setting. Many choose to stay overnight and break a long journey because our reputation for caring for our guests and 'going the extra mile' has preceded us. We provide a substantial breakfast and cater for people with food allergies at no extra cost.



Amberley is a fifteen minute drive away; it has restaurants, a weekly farmers’ market, a real ale brewery and bar, shops, supermarkets and an 18 hole country golf course with stunning views of Amberley Beach. From Awen Lodge it is just a fifteen minute drive to the Waipara Valley with its profusion of vineyards that produce the world famous range of Waipara wines.

Our guests say nice things about their stay with us (check us out on TripAdvisor) and many have become friends, sharing news and jokes from around the world on a regular basis.