History

  The house was built and named "The Wilderness" in 1878 by George and Mariane Nalder who had emigrated some 10 years before from England. George Nalder was a Barrister and Solicitor who practised in Akaroa having moved from Christchurch due to Mariane's health. They were keen gardeners and ornithologists and saw great potential in situating their home on a five-acre block on the sunny side of the Grehan Valley. The site was chosen very carefully to provide all year round sun, protection from the southerly winds and is above the frost zone.   

They created a beautiful garden with many roses, camellias and magnolias which still exist today and a magnificent Bunya Bunya tree (monkey puzzle family) which has been protected as a notable Akaroa landmark. The house itself was built from totara, rimu, and matai, with kauri doors that are still in place and enhance the magnificent formal entrance hall and stairway.  The house is also protected by the local Council as another notable historic Akaroa building.

The property became well known after the turn of the century when in 1902 Constable and Mrs Shepherd purchased the home and it became a private boarding establishment. The Fyfe sisters carried on with the tradition of operating it as a boarding house until the 1940's.

The property changed little over the following years except that it was reduced in size to just under an acre. In 1996 previous owners started extensive restoration of the house and grounds in keeping with its wonderful history. It included the establishment of a small private vineyard containing 120 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

In November 2000, Jim and Liz established Wilderness House as a Boutique Bed and Breakfast. The four upstairs bathrooms were installed along with the fire sprinkler system. To finish it off, the entire house was redecorated and the garden was planted with many new roses and perennials.