Okuti Garden

Nestled in a lush green valley, you’ll find a unique gathering place called Okuti Garden. A bit difficult to define, it can’t be simply described as a bed and breakfast, farm stay, backpackers or even a glamping spot - although it has elements of all of these. In essence, Okuti Garden is just that - a garden … a garden for creating, learning, playing and celebrating. And a garden you can stay in.

Located just five minutes from Little River and under an hour from Christchurch, Okuti strikes the right balance of isolated and accessible. On site you’ll find plum and apple trees, wildflower gardens, raised vegetable beds and several paddocks with donkey and sheep. Amongst the bountiful life you’ll find several yurts, one teepee, and a house truck that you can spend the night (or several) in.

Owners, Jim and Jane, started Okuti Garden 16 years ago. Since then, the accommodation options have expanded but the pair still enjoy doing most things themselves. They tend the gardens and even built the yurts. They’ve put their hearts into the space and it shows.

The outdoor kitchen offers gas elements and running water and is surrounded by live herb plants that can be used to season whatever you’re cooking. The yurts are spacious, comfortable and perfectly tucked into their own secluded spots. The house truck features expert wooden joinery, its own bathroom and kitchen. Solar powered showers and a wifi ‘hut’ add to the list of amenities.

Jim and Jane live on site in the main house and are always close at hand. They love the land they live on and Okuti has developed as organically as its landscape. The two are always dreaming up new ways to activate the space. In their eyes, they provide the venue and the gardens and leave it to guests to make it their own.

Rustic and relaxing, Okuti Garden feels a world away from city life and isn’t far from Tumble Down Bay and other Banks Peninsula marvels. It’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway or even for your next event. Weddings, wellness retreats, hens parties and company gatherings have all taken place here. Whatever your purpose, Jim and Jane are the loveliest of hosts and this is a truly magical spot. Come experience Okuti Garden which one guest described as “the kind of place you look for in a guide book, but never find.”