Glenwood Akaroa Bush Retreat
is nestled in the hillside above the French settlement of Akaroa in expansive native bush with abundant animal and bird life.
Totara Hut opened in August 2022 and is a cozy self-contained hut with amazing views of Akaroa Harbour. Kanuka Hut is currently under construction and will be completely off grid.
Passionate about protecting and regenerating the surrounding native bush we placed a large portion of Glenwood under QEII Trust Covenant in 2018 – a lifetime covenant is our way of protecting this beautiful land.
We take many steps to be sustainable and gentler on our environment. Our toilets are composting, reducing our water consumption, and keeping pollutants out of the waterways.
Recycling, reducing the use of plastics, utilising ecofriendly products, and carrying out our native planting program outside of the QEII Trust area around the property are other ways in which we enhance and protect this special place.
Akaroa township is a 5-minute drive down Grehan Valley and you can enjoy the many cafes, eateries, and boutique shops it has to offer.
Explore the magic of the area right here at Glenwood. Fabulous private walks take you across flowing creeks, through the ‘Enchanted Forest’, down to our very own waterfall (take a picnic) and right up to the highest point of Glenwood for wonderful views of Akaroa Harbour.
Glenwood History
We purchased Glenwood late in 2015 as a retirement project with the intention of restoring the old homestead, whare and school building, to retain the properties rich history.
The original farmhouse was built in the early 1870’s by the Curry family and was occupied up until the September 2010/ February 2011 earthquakes when the sole resident at that time, Mrs. May Curry in her nineties, left the family home due to damage caused.
The main farm income was derived from producing butter and cheese. A room in the house was designated for the cheese. The cow yard is believed to be the first cobbled yard on the Peninsula, with rocks brought in with draft horse and sledge.
Our proximity to the Hinewai Reserve, and Purple Peak Curry Tracks are to be appreciated. Dr Hugh Wilson has been instrumental in his passion for conservation of the flora and fauna on Banks Peninsula.
An assortment of animals on the property both wild and tame, include a wide variety of birds, many hidden faunae in the bush and undergrowth. Wiltshire sheep manage the grass. Inherited Grey Lag geese and ducks. Our much-loved Labrador dogs and ginger cat (a most efficient rat catcher). Glenwood is not to be missed for its stunning views and seclusion. The ambiance which attracted us here, we welcome you to share during your stay at Totara and soon, Kanuka Hut.
We look forward to you staying with us soon, Ken & Jenny.
Huts
A cozy self-contained studio unit with ensuite. Water and power are connected to this site, with a composting toilet in the ensuite.
Our off-grid hut nestled in the native bush, 5 minutes’ walk from the car park.
FAQ's
Travelling to Glenwood
75km from Christchurch, your retreat awaits. Once you arrive at Akaroa turn left at Rue Grehan and travel 2.5 km (which continues into Grehan Valley Road) until you get to our gate at the very end. Once at the gate come through, remembering to shut the gate behind you.
Client Reviews
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★★★★★
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Connor Ardill
★★★★★
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Linda Collins
★★★★★
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Aaron Lynas
★★★★★
"Donec luctus tincidunt turpis, eu gravida ligula et tristique sed. Donec finibus ex eget tortor placerat tristique. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing."
Connor Ardill
★★★★★
"Donec luctus tincidunt turpis, eu gravida ligula et tristique sed. Donec finibus ex eget tortor placerat tristique. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing."
Linda Collins
★★★★★
"Donec luctus tincidunt turpis, eu gravida ligula et tristique sed. Donec finibus ex eget tortor placerat tristique. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing."
Aaron Lynas