Peppers Clearwater Resort

This resort offers a serene and picturesque escape, with its signature feature being a beautiful golf course surrounded by tranquil lakes and lush grounds. It is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts seeking excellent facilities, as well as couples and families looking for a peaceful retreat away from urban hustle. The spacious accommodations and stunning natural scenery contribute to a relaxing atmosphere, making it a good fit for leisure travelers and those needing a quiet base near the airport. Guests consistently highlight the resort's peaceful ambiance and the beauty of its surroundings. To maximize your experience, consider requesting a lake-view room for breathtaking vistas, and be prepared that a car is generally needed to navigate the expansive property and access nearby attractions.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort is set within an impressive golf course featuring a driving range and practice putting green, which are highly praised by guests. Many accommodations are described as spacious apartments or villas, often including a kitchenette or full kitchen, though some guests found the kitchen facilities to be basic or in need of updates. A significant convenience for longer stays is the availability of a washing machine and dryer, typically located in a garage or separate building. While the resort offers free Wi-Fi, its reliability can be inconsistent, with some guests reporting poor connectivity. Rooms often feature multiple televisions, though some are noted as being outdated. Most units boast a balcony or deck offering scenic views, although some guests observed a need for better maintenance and cleaning of these outdoor spaces.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. Many guests praise the comfortable beds, often king or super king size, and the spacious rooms and bathrooms, some featuring large soaking tubs and good water pressure in the showers. However, a recurring concern is the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the accommodations. Issues frequently mentioned include mould in bathrooms, on window frames, and even curtains, along with dirty chairs, stained carpets, and visible dust or cobwebs. Some rooms are described as "tired," "run down," or "outdated," with signs of peeling paint, scuffs on walls, and broken lights. Noise can also be an issue, with some guests reporting disturbances from neighbors or early morning golf course lawn mowers.

Dining & Food Quality
The resort's restaurant generally receives positive remarks for its delicious food and attentive service. Many guests enjoyed the fresh flavors and the overall quality of the meals, with the steak being a particular highlight for some. The breakfast buffet is often described as good, offering a variety of options, though some guests noted that hot food items could be cold and the selection of fruit limited. The bar also serves good food, with options like pork tacos being well-received. However, some guests found the dining experience to be overpriced for the quality, with instances of cold dishes, limited menu choices, and slow service, particularly during busy periods.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's location is highly valued for its peaceful and quiet ambiance, providing a tranquil escape from city life. It is conveniently situated approximately a 10-minute drive to the airport and about a 20-25 minute drive to Christchurch city center, making it accessible while still feeling secluded. Its setting directly on a golf course with beautiful lakes and natural surroundings is a major draw. Most guests agree that a car is essential for navigating the expansive property and exploring the wider area, though staff are noted to offer golf cart rides to rooms. Parking is generally available and free, but some guests experienced issues with limited spaces or unclear signage, leading to inconvenience.

Staff & Service
The staff at the resort generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, often going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. Specific mentions include excellent customer service from reception and restaurant teams. However, feedback is not uniformly positive; some guests encountered unwelcoming or unfriendly staff, particularly at reception, and noted instances of slow service in the restaurant, which some attributed to understaffing. Issues with room servicing, key card deactivation, and communication regarding booking details or room issues were also reported by a number of guests.

Additional Information
A significant point for guests to consider is the presence of stairs to access many rooms, as the resort lacks lifts and is not wheelchair accessible, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Some guests reported issues with non-smoking rooms having a persistent smoke smell. While the resort offers a unique amenity like bread baking in the room, some found the overall value for money to be questionable given the noted maintenance issues. Guests should also be aware that some rooms, particularly those with balconies, may offer limited privacy due to their layout relative to neighboring units.