Testimonials
Just over one year ago we were extremely fortunate to be the very first couple to have our wedding reception at ‘The Red Barn’. This is a delightfully groovy old style barn, yet recently built so in fine condition, in the glorious sheltered setting of Valley of Peace (Hoon Hay Valley). The lovely countryside drive into the valley (yet so close to town!) leads to a sweeping tree lined drive, complete with alpaca sentries. We knew that we wanted something unique and stylish and this place was just perfect. We arrived to a jazz band entertaining our guests in the sun-drenched courtyard, we then entered an amazing marquee perfectly set up through a huge macrocarpa hedged archway. After dinner we passed along a pathway lined with flares to the party in the barn. The three rooms lent themselves ideally for us to a dancing area, lounging area, and bar area, plus an extra soft lit area with café tables out the back – everyone was happy! We cannot express our thanks enough to Greg and Rachel for their fantastic hospitality in opening up their special place for us to enjoy and their wonderful help to make our dream come true – a truly unique and fabulous night.
Lisa and Richard Sinke, 28/11/08
When we were looking for that exceptionally unique Wedding Venue that would not only make our wedding reception unforgettable and special for both our guests and us, we couldn’t go past the rustic charm of the Valley of Peace Wedding Venue.
We were able to add our own personal touches and mould the venue perfectly for our wedding reception and along the way Greg and Rachael were there for support and advice.
Being on the edge of suburban Christchurch yet in a surrounding that could be mistaken for a somewhere deep in rural New Zealand gave us a very secluded and exclusive wedding reception.
What a fantastic day, what a fantastic venue.
James & Siobhan Marshall 13/02/2010
We were searching for a Venue that was different, that was rustic, could hold at least 100 guests, blank canvas to do what we wanted, somewhere for ceremony and reception to be in one spot, good photo opportunities AND was within budget .....after months of searching we finally found the Valley of Peace which ticked ALL the boxes - I could scarcely believe we had found something that was so perfect for us and from the first visit started dreaming what our wedding day would be like.
On a beautiful February afternoon, without a cloud in the sky, and surrounded by family and friends we had our wedding ceremony on the rustic wooden bridge - followed by our reception inside the Barn. As the sun went down, the effect of the fairylights and the spotlights lighting up the trees was truely magical. There was so many comments from our guests about how spectacular the Valley and the Venue was and what a great time they were having - it was really special to see lots of smiles all day not just from us but also from all our guests.
Special thanks to Rachel and Greg, you guys are superstars, your enthusiasm right from our first visit was outstanding, we really appreciated all your help and assistance - thank you for everything and for your help in making our wedding day so special.
Kind Regards
Brett & Ranae Dodds. 20/02/2010
On the 24th April 2010 we held a very successful 50th Birthday Party. We had 90 guests and there was plenty of room for dancing, chatting and sitting. The functioncentre hosts, Greg & Rachael Graham were extremely helpful with ideas and with the set up of the venue. We have had lots of very positive feedback about both the party in general and the venue. Greg and Rachael were veryaccommodating with our decoration requirements and helped set up extra lighting for our band. I can thoroughly recommend this as a feel good rustic, rural venue.
Thanks again,
Kees & Catherine 24/4/2010
After lots of searching for a Christmas function venue in Christchurch that would be new and unique and within budget, I was lucky enough to stumble across ‘Valley of Peace’. As soon as I drove down the driveway towards the red barn on a lovely clear day I was taken in by the beauty and serenity of the valley. On looking around the refurbished red barn and talking to Greg it became apparent there would be lots of options and flexibility for this venue to suit the function we were looking for. It was great being able to have the day before the function to set up and decorate the barn throughout. Greg and Rachael were so helpful giving me lots of good ideas from functions they have held previously on the best ways for things to be set up, and small finishing touches that really gave the venue that ‘wow’ factor as you walked in. The evening of the event was beautiful, the charming rustic venue gave a very relaxed atmosphere with the lovely outside area looking over the valley. Many of the guests said it was the best Christmas function we have had, in my opinion it was the ‘Valley of Peace’ that made it such a memorable event.
I would recommend this venue to anyone and look forward to hosting more events at the ‘Valley of Peace’ in the future.
Many thanks to Greg and Rachael for all their help and hospitality.
Bremca Ltd, Nov 2010.
It didn’t take much to find the perfect location for our wedding, in fact when we visited Valley of Peace we just fell in love with the beautiful setting this location had to offer we never bothered checking out any other venues. The rustic tranquility of the Red Barn surrounded by rolling hillside which offered shelter from most winds was to be the perfect location for our big day.
Greg and Rachel were brilliant to deal with, nothing was a hassle to them. We loved the fact we could get in and set up a day before and bring it down a day later which took a lot of pressure away from the day itself. They also offered us some great photo locations further up the valley including the old wool shed which made for some great rustic photos.
The venue itself has a great indoor/outdoor flow with separate dance area which worked really well, and there was ample onsite parking for all our guests. The venue gave you the feeling you were miles away from the city yet it is so close and easy to get to.
Mark and Linda Evans
15-01-2011
When we started searching for our Christmas party venue, we wanted somewhere that had a fun and relaxed feel to it, somewhere that stood out to make it a party that our staff would remember… and when we viewed the Valley of Peace Red Barn, there was no need to view anywhere else, it was perfect for just that!
We had a beautiful sunny evening for our party so it was fantastic to have the other end of the barn flow out to the grass field, which also meant we could extend out seating to outside.
Greg and Rach (the owners) were great to deal with and helped with the setting up during the day and ensured everything went smoothly. Highly recommend the venue to anyone; it’s definitely a unique place!
Lydia Tait.
MILES GROUP