Diamonds need polishing -
This property is a jewel which needs to be polished. The views are spectacular. The house is spacious, rooms are clean, kitchen is equipped, living space comfortable, with a great second level porch with views and breezes. Kayaks are available. Charteris Bay is a sleepy place with good hiking trails nearby and no nightlife. Restaurants can be found in Lyttelton, a short ferry ride away.
A little attention is needed though. All the windows, and there are many, were dirty, diminishing the view from inside the house, the barbeque grill was covered in bird droppings, the grill was dirty with food, and the rubbish/recycling bins were full, one overflowing, when we arrived. A gardener was scheduled but we did not expect he would stay all day until 5:30 with loud machine noise. (Best to schedule that before guests arrive) On the positive side, the host supplied, on request, fishing poles and bait. The hosts were very welcoming and responsive.