Terrace Downs all go again

Caption: The Southern Alps provide a spectacular backdrop to Terrace Downs, west of Christchurch.

Terrace Downs all go again

By Neville Idour.

It is hard to know where to start with the various golf projects and happenings in the South Island.

But starting from the Canterbury region it is great news that the luxury Terrace Downs Resort reopened recently.

When the owner died early last year without leaving a will, the resort went into limbo for months awaiting probate resolution. So the golf course went off limits for all but the very small membership who could use it with their own resources.

The resort was bought at auction late last year by the New Zealand-owned CPG Hotels for $6.6 million. It did not reopen until last month. The owners have purchased a significant number of the luxury villas and intend renovating these to eventually fit the template of the five star Fable brand.

The Pandey family, which owns CPG, has several hotels in New Zealand, Fiji and the United States. With all facilities operating again, including the restaurant and other activities, Terrace Downs will once again be the superb destination of former years.

A major plus is that the internationally recognised golf course has been maintained in excellent condition throughout the lengthy hiatus and now is welcoming all golfers again.

It will be great to again enjoy this fun course with the mountain backdrop. The iconic 10th dropdown par three hole and the short but perilous (for golf balls) par three 16th perched on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Rakaia River far below are two of New Zealand’s standout par threes. It will be great to again be able play them. Golf is certainly in for a shake up according to general manager Andrew Bell.

“There are great deals to be had with over 65-year-old golfers enjoying a special rate on Mondays and Tuesdays,’’ Bell said. ``Also there will be great rates for advance bookings.”

Stay, play and eat packages will also be available.