"The Cottage" our spacious cosy colonial self catering motel unit, has welcomed many satisfied guests. It sits on our large manicured grounds in the full sun. Its fully equipped kitchen, includes fridge and microwave. One bedroom with comfortable twin singles also becomes a Queen sized double. Free WiFi, tea/coffee,quality toiletries, hair dryer and TV. Additional roll out bed and a child’s cot available. Equipped with Laundry facilities. Car port/ample free parking on site. Watch the sun set with a glass of wine or beer on the deck. Breakfast and Dinner available, by prior arrangement.

Golf course/Cafe opposite as well as walking tracks.The perfect place to unwind from City life or for travellers looking for comfortable affordable accommodation.

Tariff:

Two persons $135 per evening, additional adult $40 (roll out bed). Children under 12 free.

Please inquire for multiple evening charges.

Golf

A challenging all year round and picturesque 18 hole course is opposite and but a pitching iron away. Club competition days are Tuesday starting at 9.30 am and Saturday 12.30 pm. (Both days multiple tee off starts.) Visiting golfers (ladies and men) are welcome to join the daily competition. Casual rounds available any day subject to bookings. Use “The Glens” golf cart, clubs available (a fee may apply).

Terrace Downs, an international resort course, in the Rakaia Gorge is 25 minutes away. As well there are five club courses that welcome visitors, within 35 mins drive.

Ski-ing

Internationally known Mount Hutt Ski Field is some 30 minutes away to the base of the mountain access road. As well there five other ski fields all within an hours drive, that includes the commercial field Porter Heights in the Porter Valley (40min drive).

Salmon Fishing

Again the internationally known Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers are less than 25 minutes drive from Glentunnel. The Rangitata River another famous New Zealand salmon river is about an hour's drive away. 

Trout Fishing

While not as productive as in early years the Selwyn River is a short 10min walk away. However there are many well stocked high country lakes and feeder streams nearby that still hide those big Browns and battling Rainbows. These are all within a range of 90mins away and allow an angler to fish one area and if not productive, move to the next water. A New Zealand fishing licence is a necessity.

Jet Boating

Thrilling Jet Boat Tours travelling through the braided river gorges of the Rakaia or the Waimakariri Rivers into the Canterbury High is a must. These generally operate all year round.

Kayaking/River Rafting

For those looking for great excitement and to test their own skills the opportunities abound to do this nearby. Assistance can be provided to link in with commercial adventure companies

Back Packing/Walks

Whether an hour or one day, the many walks in the adjacent foothills that are on offer are unbelievable. You'll enjoy the views of the mountain peaks, the native bush, the bubbling crystal clear mountain streams and the bird song. For the person looking for extended tramps of several days utilising back country huts, there are a number within easy reach. Two larger conservation parks, the Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands and Arthurs Pass National Park are in the nearby Porter Valley.

Hot Air Ballooning/Gliding

Several ballooning companies offer daily opportunities (weather dependant) for those that wish to experience an impressive experience drifting high above the Canterbury Plains.

Want to renew or experience soaring above the rolling hills and valleys of the Southern Alps? The Canterbury Gliding Club operates from a base 15mins away.

Photography

For the purist, mountain peaks, the beech forest and its birdlife, the lakes or braided river scenes abound. Don't forget the stark tussock lands and the moody rock outcrops that skirt the Inland Highway. Take the loop trip (and a picnic lunch) by car from Glentunnel over Porters Pass, through the Coleridge Valley, overlooking magnificent views of Lake Coleridge, returning to Glentunnel alongside the Rakaia River road with extensive views of the real Canterbury high country and the upper Rakaia River. You won't be disappointed.

Horse Trekking

For those looking for an equine adventure High Country Horse Trekking opportunities are available. Bookings must be made for either half or one day or extended trips.

Trans Alpine Rail

The Trans Alpine Rail trip has been said to be one of the world's notable alpine rail journey's. Magnificent in winter and stunning in summer. Take the return day trip from nearby Darfield Station to Greymouth. Leave the Canterbury Plains and its sheep filled or grain paddocks, pass over high river viaducts, skirt under mountain peaks, watch in awe as you pass through mountain forests and river valleys. On arrival spend several hours shopping , or complete a short tour. Consider staying overnight in Greymouth and experience true West Coast hospitality, then return looking at those sights you didn't have time to see on the way there. Assistance with drop off and pick up to/from Darfield available for guests.

The small historic and quaint village of Glentunnel, was settled around 1870. As you enter the village a row of fine Douglas Fir trees that are nearing 90 years old, provide a majestic border between the local golf course and the main street.  The golf club and several other sports clubs occupy Glentunnel Domain which is 71 hectares in size. For the enthusiast the river contain a small population of trout. During summer the camping ground in the Domain is very popular with City families, particularly those with young children because of the adjacent slow flowing river. The name Glentunnel was derived from the "tunnel in the Glen" that was formed through a hill to avoid local miner's horse drawn coal carts paying a toll over a run holder's land in the late 1800's.

Malvern Hills coal and the Homebush Works Brick and Pottery (now demolished) were in great demand in developing early Christchurch. While one open cast mine still operates in nearby Bush Gully, the Homebush Coal and Pottery works closed around 1984. The nearby township of Coalgate prior to the 1960's, was the staging post for coal prior to being transported by rail to Christchurch. Before the the rail was established, coal was carted by horse and dray on a track to the City which is now known as Coaltrack Road.

A paved 3 km walkway now links Glentunnel to Coalgate. An easy walk through the Douglas Firs past the Community Centre heads down to the Riverwalk ending at the Selwyn River bridge this leaves an easy walk back through the village. For the more adventurous the challenging Bluff Walk allows great views of the Selwyn River, the golf course and at several points, out over the Canterbury Plains towards Christchurch and the Port Hills.

Next door to the Museum is the unique shaped octagonal Glentunnel Library and Post Office which is acknowledged as one of the oldest surviving Post Offices in New Zealand. The Post Office and its Library services are operated by local volunteers, opening Monday to Friday from 9 to 11 am.

Glentunnel in elevation is just under 1000 feet (approx. 280m) above sea level. With Glentunnel sheltering in the foothills of the Southern Alps temperatures can be very high in summer. Obviously with much snow on the Alps in winter it can also be cool with good frosts.. However the bonus is beautiful clear and sunny days. Canterbury's famous Nor Wester can have two effects. Should the Nor Wester blow from Windwhistle (aptly named) situated due west of Glentunnel conditions are a bit breezy. But if the Nor Wester is more to the north then it is very hot and still in "The Glen". Being on the edge of the Canterbury Plains and adjacent to the Southern Alps the area tends to have its own micro-climate and rarely suffers from passing fronts that pass up the sea coast..