Gingerbread castle creation
A fairytale castle in Bavaria was the inspiration for Oamaru's Pen-y-Bryn Lodge owners to craft their annual Christmas gingerbread creation.
Every year, Pen-y-bryn lodge owners James Glucksman and James Boussy create a gingerbread marvel in the lead up to Christmas.
This year, they have recreated Neuschwanstein Castle, also the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
Mr Glucksman said they had been creating gingerbread masterpieces since 1997.
Included in their repertoire has been the Royal Palace Temples in Thailand, Potala Palace in Tibet, the Moscow Cathedral of the Saviour, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and their own home.
Last year their replica of Christchurch Cathedral, created as a tribute to the 130-year-old icon following the devastating February 2011 earthquake, proved a huge drawcard for locals and visitors to the property.
"It's always the anticipated part of our Christmas parties," he said.
This year, following a business and holiday trip to Germany in July, they were overwhelmed by the beauty of the castle.
"We thought it suited gingerbread very well," he said.
To be unveiled on December 1, Neuschwanstein Gingerbread Castle, which took about two weeks to construct, can be viewed by guests either staying or enjoying a meal at the lodge.
The Gingerbread castle, however, will not be for consumption, but because the aroma of the gingerbread is so enticing, they also prepare gingerbread cookies that guests are welcome to enjoy to their hearts' content.
