ELLESMERE HIDEAWAY This lodge styled 3 bedroom cottage with optional (extra) sleepout is uniquely located in a private bay of the famous Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere). The sweeping lawn runs down to the lake itself and the views from the living areas of the house including master bedroom are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll be snug no matter what the weather or season thanks to the ambience of the large log-fire and ample dry wood supply. If you enjoy seeing or photographing rare and shy wetland birds, you’ll be blown away with what can materialize for the patient observer. Bittern, kotuku (white heron), white faced heron, marsh and spotless crake, crested grebe, dabchick, pied stilt, banded dotterel, kingfisher, terns, gulls including passing flocks of black billed gulls, shags, scaup, grey teal, mute and black swans, shoveler ducks, mallards, pukeko, Canada geese, paradise ducks, and more. The location is tucked away for the ultimate privacy, so with large deck, private jetty, expansive lawns, kayaks, and BBQ, complimenting the modern facilities inside, Ellesmere Hideaway is perfect for a relaxing break or quality family time, all less than an hour from downtown Christchurch. Lake Ellesmere is one of the largest lakes in NZ, but with a swampy edge around most of its perimeter getting close to appreciate its special natural features is quite difficult, making the proximity of ‘Ellesmere Hideaway’ that extra bit unique. Leeston, just 5 minutes away, has cafes and restaurants, Fresh Choice grocery store, bottle store, hardware store, gas station and more. Pets are OK subject to prior approval Comfortably sleeps up to 6. An extra double bed is available in a separate self contained sleepout, for $100 per night. Please ask if you would like to use this as well as the house. Ten minutes walk from the house is the Harts Creek Wildlife Reserve and walkway leading to the Harts Creek bird hide. Drive times (approx) are 25 mins from Hornby, 40 mins from the airport, 15 mins from Raikaia, NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave; Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/pillowcases);