Cottage in Canterbury
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Well priced for this locationPriced under area average
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this cottage rental
Flaxmere Cottage is a place to enjoy at any time of the year. Those who stay in the cottage will have free access to the beautiful and well renowned Flaxmere garden. The garden lies at a latitude of 43 degrees south and 330 meters above sea level.
As much as possible Penny Zino has tried to make Flaxmere garden part of the natural landscape. Stone walls have been built by Penny over many years, and all have survived the earthquakes. The stone walls in the rose garden repeat the lines of the riverbed. Bridge timbers come from the Waitohi road bridge when it was dismantled. Vistas incorporating the peak of Mt The Koa which is part of the Southern alps are a predominant feature, and are what this garden is known for. Water had had a huge part to play in the peace and bird life which is generated here. The are various areas of planting which lead from one to the next, each area has its own style, and Penny's latest ideas have been incorporating Native NZ grasses with perennials. A new dry garden is the latest project, which will have no water over the summer apart from rain falls. It is covered with 7cm of gravel. The importance to of gardens to Penny is to create an empathy with the land and feed the soul.
The South Island in New Zealand falls into the oscillating trade winds of the southern oceans. Temperatures in the summer can range between 25-40 degrees, and very hard frost up to -15 degrees, in the winter. For Penny, the change of seasons are very important. Plants that give wonderful spring flowers and then magnificent autumn colour are always given top priority. The change of seasons is a huge part of the joy off living, and it is one of the things that Canterbury does best.
Just one hour from Christchurch international airport the surroundings of this magical place offers lots of outdoor opportunities as listed above. The cottage is situated on the road which is the gateway to the Lake Sumner and National Park. Hanmer Springs with its magnificent hot springs is about 45 minutes’ drive. The cottage has Wifi and a log burner available.
Special conditions:
The cottage is no smoking inside. Guests are expected to respect the ambiance of the garden and soundings. The swimming pool is available for guests to use.
Extras: Linen (included); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave;
As much as possible Penny Zino has tried to make Flaxmere garden part of the natural landscape. Stone walls have been built by Penny over many years, and all have survived the earthquakes. The stone walls in the rose garden repeat the lines of the riverbed. Bridge timbers come from the Waitohi road bridge when it was dismantled. Vistas incorporating the peak of Mt The Koa which is part of the Southern alps are a predominant feature, and are what this garden is known for. Water had had a huge part to play in the peace and bird life which is generated here. The are various areas of planting which lead from one to the next, each area has its own style, and Penny's latest ideas have been incorporating Native NZ grasses with perennials. A new dry garden is the latest project, which will have no water over the summer apart from rain falls. It is covered with 7cm of gravel. The importance to of gardens to Penny is to create an empathy with the land and feed the soul.
The South Island in New Zealand falls into the oscillating trade winds of the southern oceans. Temperatures in the summer can range between 25-40 degrees, and very hard frost up to -15 degrees, in the winter. For Penny, the change of seasons are very important. Plants that give wonderful spring flowers and then magnificent autumn colour are always given top priority. The change of seasons is a huge part of the joy off living, and it is one of the things that Canterbury does best.
Just one hour from Christchurch international airport the surroundings of this magical place offers lots of outdoor opportunities as listed above. The cottage is situated on the road which is the gateway to the Lake Sumner and National Park. Hanmer Springs with its magnificent hot springs is about 45 minutes’ drive. The cottage has Wifi and a log burner available.
Special conditions:
The cottage is no smoking inside. Guests are expected to respect the ambiance of the garden and soundings. The swimming pool is available for guests to use.
Extras: Linen (included); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave;
Amenities at Cottage within the magical gardens of Flaxmere
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Canterbury
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·May 2026
Penny had kindly lit the fire so the property was lovely and warm. We were blessed with 3 beautiful warm sunny Autumn days to enjoy the magic of Flaxmere gardens, a trip to the Hanmer hot pools and a drive around the local area.
10 / 10Outstanding·Mar 2026
Penny is a gracious and welcoming host and the property is lovely - I've stayed before and I look forward to returning.
10 / 10Outstanding·Feb 2026
Two nights in this lovely cottage. We were warmly welcomed by our host, who allowed us to roam the gardens, which she has created over the past sixty years.
6 / 10Average·Jan 2025
Host was exiting pool we tnought was with cottage naked, shower was filthy and had to be cleaned, she ran paid tours through property when she said she wasnt, lovely area but not what we were e expecting with no privacy
$$$$
Top rated by guests
9.8Outstanding
(135 Ratings)
"Penny had kindly lit the fire so the property was lovely and warm. We were blessed with 3 beautiful warm sunny Autumn days to enjoy the magic of Flaxmere gardens, a trip to the Hanmer hot pools and a ..."
Karen A.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
