Stayed at Meychelle Manor when visiting New Zealand's stunning South Island to attend the wedding of friends.

Although this was a B&B the standard was way above what you would expect of a B&B in the UK. Meychelle is an award winning, purpose built B&B situated on a small farm in Darfield with rooms overlooking a beautiful man made lake populated by swans and other wildlife. The farm also had cows, pigs and ostriches, who you were allowed to feed under the supervision of the owners. The bedrooms and living areas at Meychelle were way above average in standard, as were the externally landscaped areas. Meychelle also has an indoor swimming pool and boasts water from its own spring. The breakfasts were excellent, accompanied by home made, still warm from the oven bread (OK, it was from a breadmaker but still fantastic). Although this was a B&B, at the time I stayed there the owners arranged for a home delivery of food from a local restaurant for an evening meal.

Meychelle Manor was at the time owned by the very hospitable Walkers, who lived there with their two young but well behaved daughters. The family have since sold the business, so I have no idea what the hotel is like in the hands of the new owners. If it is anything like it was during my stay I would highly recommend it.

At less than 30 minutes drive from Christchurch, Darfield is a stop on the Transalpine route, so Meychelle is worth a visit if you are planning to take the train ride.

Dawn, London