Sign of the Takahe

Conservationist and city councillor Harry Ell had a vision of a network of teahouses for travellers on Christchurch's Port Hills.

Four were built. The Sign of the Takahe is one of the them.  Built in the style of an English Manor House, it is the grandest of his four teahouses.  It was begun in 1918 and completed after his death in 1948.

Earthquake repairs are complete and we are waiting for it to re-open as a restaurant, wedding and function centre.

The extra is on the closeby Harry Ell Track, where damage is still evident from the Port Hills fires in February.