Romancing the olive, Amuri Estate Retreat is striking for its magnificent beauty and luxurious accommodation.

Amuri means land of the shining tussock and it is here in the Hanmer Springs Basin that Chris and Lisa created a place to treat the heart and soul. Park-like grounds feature now maturing olive groves, fruit and nut orchards, native plantings, walking tracks and a spring-fed stream - this romantic landscape is framed by high country sheep stations, Molesworth and St James, with their snow capped mountains and blue skies, star studded at night as the backdrop.

Chris and Lisa provide an intimate level of service in their first-class architecturally designed retreat, crafted from local materials and sensitive to the environment. Our rooms were opulent, elegantly furnished and in keeping with the contemporary lines extending to the guest lounge, dining and kitchen. A glass of wine and canapés later that afternoon proved a wonderful opportunity to get to know our hosts as friends, sharing their local knowledge. Amuri's delicious 'Taste of Italy' olives feature on North Canterbury's famed food and wine trail.

We chose to relax in peaceful solitude, others take advantage of the region's highlights; Hanmer Springs' pools and sophisticated attractions, the accessible proximity to New Zealand's iconic high country stations via car or helicopter, Marble Point vineyard to name a few. A true destination.