Murrell's Grand View House

Property Description

Murrells Grand View House, is situated in the very heart of the Fiordland region. On the doorstep of the Fiordland National Park, this accommodation in Manapouri can be found close to the lake and is at the gateway to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound- a more stunning location would be hard to find.

Manapouri is situated on the shores of its namesake, Lake Manapouri and when visiting this Manapouri bed and breakfast, you can enjoy the peace and quiet created by a small, friendly community. There are few more mysterious and lovely lakes than Lake Manapouri, which is often referred to as the 'loveliest' of all of New Zealand's lakes. A feature of the lake is the number of coves, bays and islands, set in astonishingly pure water. Thirty five wooded islands dot the lake, and the shoreline extends for 157 km, with dense bush and interspaced with lovely beaches.

Murrells Grand View House is an historic accommodation house built in the colonial style by the Murrell family in 1889 near the shores of Lake Manapouri. Owned and operated by the same family for 120 years, the House is steeped in local history, adding to its unique character. The six acres of spacious lawn and cottage gardens provide peace and quiet from which guests may enjoy the magnificent uninterrupted views of Lake Manapouri and the bush-clad mountains of Fiordland. Your hosts, Robert and Philippa Murrell are the 5th generation of Murrells to run the house continuing a tradition set by Robert's great grandfather, when he settled in Manapouri in 1889. They offer a warm welcome and will ensure you have a memorable stay at Grand View House. Guests are greeted with complimentary refreshments which can be taken on the verandah or in the sitting room. Breakfast is substantial and includes fresh fruit, home baking and a cooked option. Grand View House is the perfect accommodation choice for your visit to Fiordland being ideally situated at the doorstep of Doubtful Sound and just a short drive away from Milford Sound. Scenic flights can be taken by fixed wing or helicopter from Manapouri and these can be booked together with cruises, walks, kayaking trips and much more.

The accommodation at Grand View House reflects the history and tradition within the Murrell family of offering a warm welcome to visitors to Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound and Fiordland from all over New Zealand and the world. Your hosts at Grand View House have revived a tradition of the past and offer a 3 course dinner by prior arrangement, subject to availability. Dinner is served in the dining room with pre dinner drinks at 7.00pm. Reservations for dinner are essential and should be made by 10:00am. Dinner is $60 per person and a selection of wines is available for purchase.

ACCOMMODATION:

Bedrooms:

Four large guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms provide our guests with spacious accommodation. Each room is individually furnished reflecting the history of the property.

Sitting Room:

An informal sitting room is available for guests, complete with a collection of books and magazines. The walls are hung with historic prints and paintings depicting the history of this unique Doubtful Sound accommodation. On chilly days guests can enjoy an open fire.

In the warmer months the verandah is the perfect place from which to enjoy the stunning views.

Dining Room:

Meals are served in the separate dining room which features the original hand-planed match-wood ceiling, Victorian lampshades and antiques.

A croquet and petanque set is available for guests use and plenty of outdoor furniture is provided on the verandahs from which to enjoy the magnificent views. A helipad is situated on the property. Any activity or excursion can be booked at the house and the hosts provide plenty of local insight and knowledge.

Your hosts will ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable experience whilst staying at Grand View House, a Milford Sound accommodation option resonating with history, hospitality and tradition.

Fax Wireless Internet

There is Off-street Parking.

Check-In: 2:00pm

Rates are for 2 adults. Please contact the property for information relating to extra guests.

Cruises

Milford Sound: Located just 2 hours by road from Manapouri, Milford Sound is a ¿must see¿ location. Options for transport to Milford Sound include self-drive, coach, plane or helicopter plus a boat cruise on the Sound. These options can be discussed with your hosts and booked at the house. Top-class diving is available in Milford Sound.

NB: A helipad is located on the property for guests¿ convenience.

Doubtful Sound: Manapouri is the gateway to Doubtful Sound, which can be reached by boat or helicopter. Full-day cruises leave from the wharf just 5 minutes walk from the house and can be booked with your hosts. Sightings of Bottlenose Dolphins and Fur Seals are often a highlight of a day on the Sound.

Scenic Flights

The breathtaking scenery of the Sounds can be enjoyed from helicopter, fixed wing or float plane with flights over Dusky, Doubtful, Milford and the West Coast.

Walking/Hiking/Trekking/Kayaking

Fiordland has some of the best walking in New Zealand. It is home to the Milford and Routeburn tracks. Other popular tracks are the Caples, Greenstone and Kepler and there are many day walks for all levels of fitness. From Manapouri a short walk on the Kepler Track is a perfect introduction to native New Zealand bush and wildlife.

Kayaks, canoes and rowboats are available for hire. Guided lake and Sea Kayaking day and overnight trips are also offered.

Fishing & Hunting

Guides are available for fishing trips to the lakes and streams in the area. The local catch is trout or salmon. Hunting trips for deer and pig can be arranged.

Golf

Grand View House is just 20 minutes from an 18 hole Golf Course.

Lord Of The Rings

Key Lord of the Rings locations can be visited from Manapouri such as the Waiau River which featured as the River Anduin. The Hunter Mountains were clearly seen in the River Anduin scenes can be viewed from Grand View House. Manapouri Hall was used by the crew on days when filming was not possible due to weather.

From Christchurch Airport:

640 km - about 8 hours 28 mins

1. Head northwest on Memorial Ave toward Lothian St

2. Turn left at Greers Rd

3. Turn left at Waimairi Rd

4. Slight right at Peer St

5. Continue on Curletts Rd

6. Turn right at Main South Rd

Go through 1 roundabout

7. Continue on Railway Tce East

8. Continue on SH 1

9. Slight left at Railway Tce West

10. Continue on Main South Rd

11. Continue on Bridge St

12. Continue on Rakaia Hwy

13. Continue on East St

Go through 1 roundabout

14. Continue on Main South Rd

15. Continue on Archibald St

16. Continue on Hinds Hwy

17. Continue on Peters St

18. Continue on Rangitata Hwy

19. Continue on Orari Rangitata Hwy

20. Turn right at Rangitata Orari Bridge Hwy

21. Turn left at Main North Rd

22. Continue on McKenzie St

23. Continue on Waihi Tce

24. Continue on Talbot St

25. Turn right at Kennedy St

26. Continue on Geraldine Fairlie Hwy

27. Turn left to stay on Geraldine Fairlie Hwy

28. Continue on Allandale Rd

29. Turn right at Main St

30. Continue on Mount Cook Rd

31. Continue on Fairlie Tekapo Rd

32. Slight left at SH 8

33. Continue on Tekapo Twizel Rd

34. Continue on Twizel Omarama Rd

35. Continue on Omarama Ave

36. Continue on Omarama Lindis Pass Rd

37. Continue on Lindis Pass Tarras Rd

38. Turn right at Tarras Cromwell Rd

39. Turn left to stay on Tarras Cromwell Rd

40. Turn right at SH 8B

41. Turn left at Kawarau Gorge Rd

42. Continue on Gibbston Hwy

43. Continue on Lake Hayes Arrow Junction Hwy

44. Continue on Frankton Ladies Mile Hwy

45. Turn left at Kawarau Rd

46. Continue on Kingston Rd

47. Continue on Kingston Garston Hwy

48. Continue on Garston Athol Hwy

49. Continue on Athol Five Rivers Hwy

50. Turn right at Mossburn Five Rivers Rd

51. Turn right at Devon St

52. Continue on Te Anau Mossburn Hwy

53. Turn left at Hillside Manapouri Rd

54. Slight left at Waiau St

55. Turn right at Murrell Ave

To Murells Grand