The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower has a lovely hillside position overlooking Dog Point Vineyard, in the heart of wine country near Blenheim. The town is just a ten-minute drive away, and there are dozens of excellent wineries on your doorstep to explore. This country-style guesthouse has just five guest rooms, three in the main building and two in the French Barn, ideal for families.

There are plenty of spaces inside and out to relax and unwind with a good book or glass of local wine, from the pretty courtyard with fruit trees, to the terrace overlooking the vineyards and Richmond Mountains in the distance, and two lounges as well as a bright breakfast room. The setting is tranquil and you can enjoy some lovely walks in the area, including to nearby vineyards. Pre-dinner drinks are served each evening, and the owners will gladly drop you off at a local restaurant if you wish. An impressive breakfast spread is put on each morning, including freshly baked breads, homemade muesli, juices and cooked breakfasts to order.

The Bell Tower is a friendly and welcoming base for your stay in the wine region, offering superb views and cosy corners to relax.

There are three rooms in the main house, and the French Barn which is a separate cottage. All are bright and airy with soft colors and Laura Ashley-style fabrics which fit the country style of the guesthouse. The main house rooms have tea and coffee making facilities and ensuite bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower.

Richmond is by the main entrance and has lovely views over the Richmond Mountain Range and has a little terrace with seats to the front. Highfield is similarly appointed and has views over the Highfield wine estate. The master room is upstairs and was the original master bedroom when the property was a family home. It has an enormous bathroom with clawfooted bathtub and is upstairs from the second lounge which guests staying in this room often use.

The French Barn is a separate cottage with its own lounge and kitchen area, two bedrooms and a shared family bathroom with shower only. You can choose to cook your own breakfast here – they will stock your fridge with juice, milk, eggs, bacon, cereals and more, or go to the main house for breakfast with other guests if you prefer. There is a small terrace area with barbecue to the side of the French Barn, too.

The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.

Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.