Dry Paddocks Country Retreat Guest Reviews
Andrew Ivory, New Zealand

Amazing retreat, and fantastic value for money. Incredibly generous and gracious hosts, idyllic holiday house and gardens, everything we were expecting and a whole lot more laid on for us. Would return again without hesitation - in fact we can't wait!

Marcus Heitger, New Zealand

A fantastic luxury cottage with all the details thought of, and delicious provisions for breakfast. Lots of extra special touches like outdoor lighting on the sculptures. A perfect romantic escape.

Graham and Denise Baker, New Zealand

We highly recommend staying at Dry Paddocks Country Retreat. We cannot speak highly enough of the quality of service and concern for our enjoyment of this experience. The facilities are top class and this matched by beautiful food carefully and creatively prepared by Gillian. This is a unique experience in one of NZ's quality wine districts. A must do!!

Katrina Stidham, United States

A wonderful luxury cottage that really is every bit as great as the website makes it appear! We loved the accommodations, everything from the beautiful bathroom with the Japanese soaking tub, to the living room with fireplace and DVD collection. The outdoor space is peaceful and private. The hosts have provided for guests' every need without being intrusive. It was the high point of stay in New Zealand and we didn't want to leave.

Lee Suckling, New Zealand

Dry Paddocks is a B&B like no other, the interior design of the 2-bedroom, self contained cottage is exquisite and would not go awry amongst the pages of Home & Garden. The fabulous homepage breakfast provisions and treats, and top quality linens and bath products make your stay here all the more luxurious. Recommended to all in need of a secluded weekend away.

Lisa Reidy, New Zealand

Dry Paddocks was fantastic - Gillian & Neil have made sure that everything you need is there - lots of wonderful touches that really make the difference - a true luxury experience!

Matthew Dadley, Australia

The find of our honeymoon! I doubt that exclusive retreats and lodges double the price could match Dry Paddocks for tranquility, hospitality and overall quality. A very pleasurable stay. Matt and Amanda, Wellington

Bella Miller, United Kingdom

Nothing has been left out of this extraordinary property. The attention to detail is amazing as is the hospitality. We needed for nothing and the little extras were greatly appreciated. We wish we could have stayed longer and will definately be back....we are already planning it!! Spreading the word about Dry Ppaddocks is easy, Gill and Neil deserve every success, we wish them that and more. Bella and Charlie, Scotland

Marie Blatch, New Zealand

Absolutely outstanding. The cottage is beautifully appointed and the setting, amongst recently planted formal gardens, has a lovely quiet outlook. There are little treats of homemade biscuits, cake and preserves, along with locally sourced eggs and artisan bread. The icing on the cake is its proximity to Pegasus Bay; the best restaurant in the district. This place is really special and quite difficult to leave!

Alexander Fikar, Australia

An idyllic secluded country retreat with sumptuous fresh breakfast provisions, delicious homemade jams and ready to heat gourmet meals, luxury at its best amidst beautifully landscaped grounds.

David Lee, United States

Incredible!!!! After a great day wine tasting we did not leave the relaxing property. Could have stayed for days. Great hospitality. Top of the line everything - from the bathrooms to the kitchen. Well stocked with food, coffee, wine, etc. Stay here and enjoy Waipara.

Tara Fox, New Zealand

We had a wonderful stay, very relaxing!! Perfect for a short break away from Christchurch. No need to bring anything, the owners have thought of everything to make your stay enjoyable and effortless. We will be returning .... hopefully soon!

Gail & Maurice Trapp, New Zealand

Even the particularly inclement weather did not detract from the wonderful atmosphere of the cottage and grounds. We loved the provisions - the quality and the care with which they had been assembled. (We left 2 cakes - how silly!) The attention to detail at Dry Paddocks is at the very highest level and I would recommend it unreservedly.

Caroline Cole, New Zealand

Re Dry Paddocks: Obliging hosts, tastefully decorated, thoughtfully provisioned, quiet and comfortable - who could ask for more? This is by far and away my favourite B&B in Australasia. The only drawback is having to leave...but at least one can look forward to the next visit. Caroline

Marilyn Loken, New Zealand

What a wonderful and relaxing accommodation. Your attention to detail with all the comforts of home-- and more--made our stay truly special. Thanks for the wonderful, yet unobtrusive hospitality. Rod & Marilyn Mapua NZ

shlomo weitz, Israel

A real Masterpiece Every detal is design and implemented to the highest standarts and quality It gives you the feeling of warmness ,comfortable and harmony A compehansive adventure

Suzy Watson, Australia

Superbly well done. Dry Paddocks is a perfect getaway environment - one of the few that we've experienced that delivers so much more than advertising can adequately convey. Dry Paddocks showcases Gillian and Neil's commitment to (and love of) their piece of New Zealand. In short, Dry Paddocks is unbelievably good - a beautiful place in a sublime location.

Helen Perring, New Zealand

This place is truly amazing. It is one of the few places that you get more than what you expect from viewing online. Whether you want a romantice weekend away from all the hussles and bussles or a weekend with friends but with all the luxeries. Dry Paddocks has it all. We chose Dry Paddocks as we were attending a concert at Mud House Winery with friends. I can assure you we will be returning.

Robyn Waugh, Australia

Surpasses expectations. Gillian and Neil have thought of everything when setting up the cottage. Superb breakfast box and treats. Great information supplied to assist visitors to gain maximum enjoyment of the cottage and surrounding area.

Mary de Leijer, New Zealand

Our stay was total bliss. From the moment we arrive with a warm welcome, I knew I had made a good choose. The cottage was a haven away from the outside world. It's decor lends itself to the words "country retreat" The finest of everything. The food that was provided was lovely. The wonderful big bath was so lovely to soak in. Beautiful linen and very comfortable beds. It's a place we will defintely be returned too.

Angela Beynon-Lee, New Zealand

My husband and I were so impressed with our stay at Dry Paddocks. The hosts were most friendly and the attention to detail was second to none. It was more than a night away, it was a mini-retreat and all the little extras made it something truely special. We will be recommending this accommodation to our friends and families and would love to come back again one day. Many Thanks.

Claire Boshier,

This is a wonderful place to stay and our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer. Amazing location and privacy, gorgeous cottage with everything you could want for a relaxing weekend. The provisions for breakfast were the best! Thanks Gillian and Neil, we'll definately be back.

Christine & David Stiles-Pickard, New Zealand

Gill and Neil have put a great deal of thought into every need their guests might have during their stay. IT WAS REALLY TOTALLY DELGHTFUL. We have already recommended Dry Paddocks to friends and colleagues as it is proof of our maxim " detail is all important!"

Darren & Tiffany Tait, New Zealand

Dry Paddocks exceeded our expectations tenfold! The attention to detail in all areas was exceptional - nothing hadn't been thought of. Dry Paddocks is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy un-interrupted time with your special person.

Sharon & Steve Chang, New Zealand

Thank you for a wonderful stay at Dry Paddocks. After 30 years in the travel industry I have been fortunate to stay at some extremely lovely and upmarket properties as part of my work but can honestly say that Dry Paddocks is as good if not better than the very best I have stayed in.... The decor and attention to detail is truely amazing and a treat at every turn but at the same time comfortable and unpretentious We will return... Kind regards Sharon and Steve

Kathrin Callahan, United States

Dry Paddocks was an exceptional value. Beautiful, private grounds, tastefully furnished and fitted out new cottage -- airy, bright, fun. So many luxury touches from gourmet welcome basket, heated beds, petanque and swimming pool. Hosts were gracious, kind people who live in the big, main house but we found our stay completely private. Everything easy and well-thought out. Gillian even brought over fresh salad greens and herbs from her kitchen garden and surprised us with a homemade dessert.

Michael & Angela Timbers, Canada

It was a wonderful pleasure to return to Dry Paddocks! Gillian and Neil have captured everything anyone could ever need for a restful stay at Dry Paddocks!

Matthew Withers, Australia

Absolutely phenomenal service and facilities. Will definitely be going back and will definitely recommend it to others!! Thankyou so much!