Splendour along the coast

• Published date: 10 May 2022

As I gazed across the cinematic good looks of Hurunui’s Gore Bay, a shape-shifting spiritual force was seemingly stamping its mark on the coastline. A humdinger blanket of sea fog was unfurling its ethereal beauty at dawn, as the sun assertively poked its head through the ruffled duvet

The headland was soon consumed by plumped-up pillows of cloud, while long and slender fingers of mist coiled around the curves of the cliffs, like more delicate, artful phantom.

It was a spellbinding spectacle to start the day from the pampered surrounds of Cathedral Cliffs Bed & Breakfast.

Standing atop the towering sedimentary rock cliffs at the south end of Gore Bay, this enchanting accommodation experience should top your check-list in these parts. The hosts are Colin and Lynne Harrison. This charismatic couple took possession of the property more than a decade ago and will treat you royally, with a laid-back, charming and easy manner.

Super-boutique, it has two spacious suites to choose from — the queen suite and the bedroom suite — and a sumptuous fully cooked breakfast is available too. Much of the fruit and jams are sourced from the orchard. Plump for the larger queen suite, loaded with creature comforts and accentuated with a large private deck overlooking the orchard and the sweeping ocean.

I felt like I was on the edge of the world, wrapped in botanical splendour. As the sun steadily burnt off the lingering morning mist, I gazed down at the deep blue ocean wondering if I had magically transported myself to the Amalfi.

The verdant setting and steep-sloped coastal outlook is uncannily similar — complete with citrus trees bursting with fruit.

Crowning the cliffs above Gore Bay and Port Robinson, the property’s 2ha garden thrives in its unique and undulating microclimate. First developed in the mid-1990s by the previous owner, Murray Elliot, the garden is a showcase of rhododendrons, including rare unnamed varieties that he bred.

It is fully protected from southerly and easterly winds, and the frost-free microclimate has enabled some plants to reach 7m high. Sprinkled around the garden, roses flower almost year round, while the perennial beds add to the pageantry.

The array of plant varieties is astonishing, from bulbs to camellias and graceful magnolias. Sun-loving and drought-tolerant succulents, agaves and proteas are in seventh heaven here. ‘‘Flourishing’’ doesn’t even begin to the describe the resplendent size of the cliff-hugging proteas.

Autumn’s mellow...