Akaroa is a charming harbour village with a distinctive French flavour. Along the journey - Banks Peninsula offers stunning scenery. On the edge of an ancient volcano and only an easy 90 minutes from the city of Christchurch, Akaroa is an historic Maori, French and British settlement. Every bay is a delight, and the harbour village of Akaroa, with it's colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés, is a delightful place for your next holiday. Relax in the sun at French Bay, or explore one of the neighbouring bays. Charter a boat out onto the harbour, where scenic tours, fishing, and wildlife encounter cruises are available.

The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and is home to a variety of sea and bird life including the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin.

There are activities for everyone including wildlife cruises, swimming with the dolphins, boat hire and sea kayaking. Or enjoy the quaint village life offering a delightful mix of boutique shopping, craft and art galleries, and exquisite dining experiences. Akaroa delight's so many visitors every year, and Akaroa House is providing a lovely base to savour such a delightful area.

Enjoy the many restaurants or cafes that Akaroa has to offer. Exquisite food accompanied by unique New Zealand wines. Whatever your taste and budget, one of the local restaurants will provide a meal to remember.

Banks Peninsula has a vibrant art scene and is home to many artists - the galleries and gardens around town are well worth a visit. From the changing exhibitions at local galleries to the vibrant gardens, an afternoon uncovering the hidden treasures of Akaroa is a joy. Akaroa House is ideally located to leave the car parked, and stroll around the village, happily enjoying the slow-paced bustle that is Akaroa.

The perfect place for a getaway weekend. Relaxing and so close to town. We really enjoyed the luxurious retreat of Akaroa House for our weekend away. Tastefully renovated and decorated; the bathrooms in particular were divine. The kitchen and its placement in the open plan dining area made it fantastic for all to continue to socialise, even if you were looking after the cooking. The beds were very comfortable. It is a nice touch to have the house serviced daily; we had all the privileges of staying at a hotel, with all the advantages of private, cosy accommodation! We stayed while it was a cold winter weekend, and it was perfect home for that. But we look forward to having it for a summer spot too. This was by far our nicest place to stay in our 8 years of our annual winter girls trip. The quality of organisation and hospitality made it pleasure to stay at Akaroa House!
Thank you. GOT (Girls on Tour)

We just adored our few days in your beautiful "Akaroa House"!!! There it sat - on the hill - majestically overlooking the stunning harbour and township. We immediately felt so comfortable and relaxed in our superb surroundings. The house exudes such a homely feeling and is so beautifully appointed. We enjoyed such a lovely family celebration!!! We loved cooking in the enormous kitchen and dining at your gracious table. Breakfast was taken on the deck outside the kitchen - relaxing in the morning sun. The verandah's enveloped us as we shared cocktails - taking in the wonderful scenery and sunsets.
Alison - thank you again for our glorious few days in Paradise - we look forward to returning to your beautiful home!!!
Greg and Gillian Copeland
Queensland, Australia
Celebrated a 60th birthday with family from Townsville - April 2008

Hi Alison -
Akaroa House was perfect for the wedding weekend - thank you so much for your hospitality! All of my guests loved being there and it was the perfect location to get ready before our wedding ceremony. I look forward to the time when Deane and I can come back
Best Regards
Sarah and Deane,
California USA

Hi Guys,
Just a quick email to say absolutely fabulous weekend! Akaroa House blew everyone away, Full credit to you both for providing such a wonderful experience for guests. We will definitely be booking to return sometime in the near future. Thanks once again, Talk soon. Marc Coulthard, Christchurch