Annandale | getting there was half the fun!

our helicopter at Annandale (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

You can drive to Annandale, but transferring by helicopter transforms a long car ride into a quick and enthralling scenic flight from Christchurch to the resort.

This map shows what I mean. Annandale is quite close to Christchurch as the crow flies, but getting there by road means going the long way along the coast, then up and over some winding mountain roads until you finally arrive at your destination.

Our flight, on the hand, went by so quickly. The sights were so thrilling, such as this view of Diamond Harbour. We flew high above the white, fluffy clouds framing the cottages that dotted the hillside.

Diamond Harbour from the air (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

And when you get to Annandale, WOW! It's an expansive, 4000 acre working farm with thousands of sheep, five unique villas, and incredible dining. We stayed in The Homestead, a lovingly restored 1880 farmhouse that can accommodate a family of 12. Large groups or families might also choose Scrubby Bay, a contemporary villa on a private bay.

Shepherd's Cottage (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Couples who want their own private cottage can choose between Shepherd's Cottage or Seascape. Shepherd's Cottage is exactly what it sounds like, a rustic but luxurious old cottage set high on a hill overlooking the Pacific. Seascape is an ultra contemporary, ultra luxurious retreat with its own private beach. Each is so different but so delightfully wonderful. The pictures can speak for themselves.

Contact us to plan your own trip to New Zealand and Annandale.

Seascape (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

copyright (c) 2019 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.