Merivale Manor is boutique accommodation for the discerning traveller, pairing five-star hospitality with a beautifully restored piece of Christchurch history. Set in manicured grounds at 122 Papanui Road in the heart of Merivale — one of the city's premier locations — it is surrounded by leafy streets and lanes, only a short stroll from the quaint Merivale village and minutes from the vibrant downtown city centre. Guests consistently rate it as one of the best places to stay in Christchurch.
At the heart of the property is the heritage-listed Manor House, designed by Samuel Farr and built in 1882 as 'Te Wepu', the home of prominent businessman Henry Richard Webb, his wife Augusta Ann Peacock and their family. After Webb's death in 1901 the property was subdivided, became a boarding house in 1911 and was hidden away behind a brick house in the 1950s, before extensive restoration work in 2004 brought the grand residence back to life as the focus of Merivale Manor's boutique accommodation.
Guests choose between the Manor House and The Studios. Inside the Manor, high studded ceilings and generously proportioned rooms offer substantial space to relax and unwind, while Persian carpets and other artefacts from the owners' personal collection and period artwork give a real sense of the life and times of the building. Luxury linens, plush comfortable bedding and a pillow menu soften the hardships of the day, and stylish modern kitchenettes make an in-house light bite and cool beverage easy. Towards the front of the property, The Studios nestle beside the magnolia tree-lined driveway — everything you need, beautifully refined, with easy access and relaxing spa baths.
Hosted by owners Wayne and Karen Peat, the manor goes above and beyond: the team can arrange pampering day spas, transfers and tours, plus recommendations and reservations for the many great dining venues within walking distance or in the nearby city centre. The historic Manor House also hosts weddings, special occasions and business events. As the owners put it, this is a place designed by travellers, for travellers.
Turn onto Papanui Road in Merivale and you'll find one of Christchurch's most loved boutique stays. Merivale Manor is a place of affordable luxury — expansive accommodation with modern amenities set in manicured grounds, surrounded by leafy streets and lanes, a short stroll from the quaint Merivale village and only minutes from the vibrant downtown city centre. Merivale is one of the city's premier locations, and the Manor sits in prime position for everything you need. It is consistently rated as one of the best places to stay in Christchurch, and it wears that reputation lightly.
The invitation here is simple: you, your family and friends are warmly invited. As the owners put it, the Manor is 'designed by travellers, for travellers' — and it shows in the details guests notice first, from spotless rooms and beautiful furnishings to the inviting aromatic diffuser scent that greets you at the door.
At the heart of the property is the heritage-listed Manor House, designed by architect Samuel Farr and built in 1882 as 'Te Wepu', the family home of prominent businessman Henry Richard Webb, his wife Augusta Ann Peacock and their family. After Webb's death in 1901 the large property was continually subdivided; the house became a boarding house in 1911 and was even hidden away behind a brick house in the 1950s. Extensive restoration work in 2004 brought the grand residence back to life, and today — well into its second century — it stands proudly as the focus of Merivale Manor's boutique accommodation.
Step inside and the house does the talking. High studded ceilings and generously proportioned rooms provide substantial space to relax and unwind, while Persian carpets and other artefacts from the owners' personal collection, along with period artwork on the walls, give travellers a real sense of the life and times of the building. Luxury linens, plush comfortable bedding and a pillow menu soften the hardships of the day, and stylish modern kitchenettes make it easy to enjoy an in-house light bite and cool beverage.
Guests choose between two styles of accommodation. The Manor House offers stunning heritage suites — the Peacock Suite is a one-bedroom retreat with its own living area, while the Webb Suite pairs a dedicated sitting area with thoughtful fine interior touches. Towards the front of the property, The Studios nestle beside the magnolia tree-lined driveway: everything you need, beautifully refined, with easy access — including the Spa Studios with their five-star relaxation spa baths.
What turns a good stay into a memorable one is the hosting. Owners Wayne and Karen Peat are frequently singled out in guest reviews as charming, delightful and attentive to detail. Looking for a pampering day spa? Need help arranging transfers to your appointments? Wanting to book a tour? Share your hopes and needs and the team will take care of the rest — including recommendations and reservations at the many great dining venues within walking distance of the Manor, or in the nearby city centre. Christchurch is renowned for its fabulous culinary experiences, and the team's local knowledge helps guests find the right table.
The historic Manor House also opens its doors for occasions. When loved ones gather for special events, or a team needs a unique venue for a business function, the professional, friendly hosts — experts at curating memorable experiences for every occasion — look after all the details. Weddings, too, have a home here.
Recognition has followed: the Manor displays TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice honours and Hall of Fame badges. But guests tend to sum it up more personally — a true oasis in the travelling sands of one's journey, and a home away from home. Stay in a piece of beautifully restored New Zealand history: that invitation, extended to every guest, is exactly what Merivale Manor is all about.