Akaroa and the Bays

19/11/2024

Nestled in the heart of an extinct volcano, French Peak Vineyard is the oldest on the Peninsula, with a rich winemaking legacy dating back to 1989. Just 700 meters from the sea, this unique vineyard enjoys cool maritime breezes and long, sunny days – perfect for producing exceptional wines.

🌱 Organic & Biodynamic Practices
Since 2016, French Peak has followed organic and biodynamic methods and is currently working toward BioGro certification to ensure the organic integrity of every bottle.

🍷 Award-Winning, Limited-Edition Wines
French Peak’s small-batch Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Rosé are highly sought-after, with each vintage often selling out.

🌄 Unique accommodation experience
Barn
Spacious and modern, the Barn sleeps four and features a lounge, dining area, and a modern shower room with a toilet. Amenities include a fridge, microwave, heating, Wi-Fi, utensils, and essentials for a comfortable stay. On fine days, enjoy outdoor dining and a barbecue area.

Wagon
A unique, modern, and spacious retreat, the Wagon offers indoor and outdoor seating, a shower, heating, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor bath with stunning views of the sea, hills, and the vineyard — perfect for enjoying award-winning wine under the stars.

Book a tasting today and experience the beauty of French Peak!

10/11/2024

Looking for a romantic, private escape in Akaroa? Look no further than Heights and their new Takahe apartment. Cosy, comforting and with views of the harbour - the perfect base camp to explore the area or have a weekend staycation.

09/11/2024

Experience a seasonal one-hour guided tour of the lavender fields at Akaroa Lavender from late November to mid-February. The story of their lavender farm is shared as you walk amongst 5,000 plus lavender plants.

The opportunity to purchase lavender products is available, as is the chance to enjoy their famous Lavender Lemonade. At the end of the tour, you are free to wander through the lavender fields and on a short track to a picnic area amongst the forest. Facilities include an outdoor composting toilet.

The income from farm tours goes directly back into their conservation and regeneration programme.

Booking is essential, no walk-ins are accepted.

08/11/2024

Discover the Inside Out House & Garden Tour of Akaroa and the Bays 23rd & 24th November!

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful and unique properties on Banks Peninsula with all their wonderful character, situated in stunning locations. This year it’s bigger than ever with a fabulous range of 16 properties, some never open to the public before. The tour takes place over two days allowing you to explore at your own pace on a flexible self-drive programme.

Inside Out 2024 features the captivating beauty of Fishermans Bay Garden, nestled along the rugged coastline. It features more than 100 hectares of protected native bush, winding paths, and a landscape that blends New Zealand’s unique native plants with exotic species, creating a garden like no other.
Stroll through vibrant flower borders, shaded fern valleys, and serene herb gardens as you immerse yourself in the tranquil, year-round charm of Fishermans Bay. This is your chance to enjoy the garden at its seasonal peak, surrounded by the sights and scents of late spring blooms.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th November, 10 AM - 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $55 for an unforgettable two day event
🚌 Free shuttle service in Le Bons Bay (from Le Bons Bay Church area to the Dawbers Road properties)

Plan a weekend in Akaroa and take time to enjoy local cafés, shops, and accommodations while you soak up the breathtaking beauty of the Inside Out Garden Tour.

Book now through this link (http://bit.ly/4fhizdz) and be part of this not-to-be-missed event! Tag a friend below you want to explore with!

🎥 credit to Jill from

07/11/2024

Just a short 75km drive from Christchurch, your adventure begins with a scenic journey through the charming township of Little River, the gateway to Banks Peninsula. Known for its vibrant community of artists, farmers, and writers, this quirky village invites you to explore the famous Little River Café & Gallery.

Continue your drive to the hilltop for breathtaking panoramic views of Akaroa Harbour and choose your route—either the direct SH75 to Akaroa or the unforgettable 'Tourist Drive' around the rim of the extinct volcano for spectacular vistas.
Along the way, indulge in local delights like wines from the region's vineyards or artisanal cheeses from Barry's Bay, made from fresh milk from grass-fed cows.

04/11/2024

Summer is just around the corner, and there is so much adventure to be had in Akaroa and The Bays.

If you're looking for help to craft your dream itinerary, follow along Akaroa and the Bays for our favourite places, eateries, accommodation, experiences and tips and tricks for the area!

03/11/2024

Nestled in the heart of Akaroa village and only a block from the beach, A La Villa offers a unique boutique experience with self-contained accommodation that’s perfect for any occasion. With five luxurious en-suite bedrooms, a spacious, fully-equipped kitchen, and large dining and lounge areas, it’s designed to make family gatherings and group stays unforgettable.

The sunny patio and private garden add a touch of charm, creating a sought-after spot for mini-conferences or special events. Discover the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location at A La Villa!

31/10/2024

Founded in 1872 by Portuguese immigrant Antonio Rodriguez, the Madeira Hotel preserves Akaroa’s colonial charm at its heart. This lively spot offers a contemporary gastro pub with a dining room, bar, and sunlit beer garden, along with comfortable, affordable accommodations perfect for backpackers and tradies. Guests can savor the chef’s signature lamb rump, classic steak and burgers, or locally sourced bangers & mash and steamed mussels. The Madeira is also Akaroa’s late-night hub, featuring live music and a vibrant nightlife—all within one historic setting!"

26/10/2024

Whether you love camping under the stars with family or would rather snuggle up in a cozy cabin at night, Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park has you covered this spring! Kick back and unwind in the beautiful surroundings while enjoying all the fun activities the park has to offer. It's the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and create some unforgettable memories. Come see for yourself and enjoy the best of both worlds in this amazing setting!

25/10/2024

Just a reminder that the farmers market has been postponed until Monday due to the terrible weather! Add popping over to see the bays to your long weekend to do list - hopefully we get some sunshine! ☀️

23/10/2024

Looking for something to do this long weekend? Take advantage of some epic deals from the team at Black Cat Cruises 🐬

20/10/2024

Potentially the cutest cinema you'll find! Ethel's Cinema is a fully licensed local cafe, bar and twin-cinema - the perfect place for a date night or friend get-together.

Whether it's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice or the latest Joker movie, you're sure to find something to suit your viewing tastes. They also offer private hiring if you want to host something extra special!

15/10/2024

Experience the ultimate seaside retreat at Akaroa Waterfront Motels, the only motel perfectly situated right on the stunning waterfront. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Akaroa while enjoying a range of exciting activities, from kayaking in the pristine harbour to exploring charming local shops and cafes.

Their self-contained units are designed for comfort and convenience, making them ideal for family getaways or trips with friends. Each unit features modern amenities, spacious living areas, and breathtaking views, ensuring you feel right at home while soaking up the sun.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, embark on a scenic hike, or discover the rich history of Akaroa, Akaroa Waterfront Motel's location puts you in the heart of it all.

12/10/2024

The team at Blue Pearls Gallery have some really exciting news to share with you all.

They have recently had a new collection of Waterdrop Blue Pearls harvested - which are even rarer than typical round blue pearls!

They are currently crafting a new collection with these incredible pieces, so be sure to pop your head into the gallery next time you're in Akaroa.

11/10/2024

Come on over to the bay today! ☀️

There will be a lovely buzz around Rue Lavaud today! ✨
Our friends at Akaroa Farmers Market return, our neighbours at The Common - Cafe & Garden Bar - Akaroa turn TWO 🤩, it’s also Aotearoa Bookshop Day and we celebrate the best little bookshop around The Good Story ❤️ (a place that my gardening books live from my previous life as a stay-at-home garden writer 😝).

So take your time to browse and eat and enjoy the community good vibes on a gorgeous spring day 🌞. Probably no better place to be NZ!

We are loaded up and ready for your food needs too - still some cheeky pizzas, T is about to butterfly some lamb legs and the full meat fleet is ready for bbq zone!

Open 9-4 pm today. Closed Sun/Mon

Ju, T, Flo xo

11/10/2024

Inside Out Garden Tour Property Showcase:
This charming architectural garden has been thoughtfully curated over 30 years, showcasing a delightful series of contrasting spaces defined by elegant hedges, trellising, gravel paths, and beautiful pots.

A standout feature is the intimate courtyard garden at the back, centered around a lovely veranda that stretches the length of the house. A picturesque summerhouse, adorned with Marseille tiles, is embraced by the romantic blooms of a rambling rose, Souvenir de Madame Léonie Viennot.

The garden bursts with life, featuring an array of roses, hydrangeas, and hostas, along with standout trees like the graceful clerodendrum, a stunning Cornus controversa that provides shade to the woodland area, and a breathtaking Mt. Fuji flowering cherry.

Come and check out the Inside Out Garden Tour this November!

30/09/2024

Looking for a group of friendly, encouraging and dynamic locals to indulge in some creativity with? The Akaroa Community Arts Council is a group of Peninsula Volunteers who promote and encourage creativity in the communities of Akaroa and The Bays.

They aim to enable and provide subsidised opportunities for participation in arts activities across a wide range of disciplines through workshops, art exhibitions, classes, creative events and more. 🖌️ 🎨

Click (https://bit.ly/3Bf5geo) to join the mailing list or join the membership! Share with someone who may be looking for a creative outlet like this.

27/09/2024

Sail a few kilometers into the stunning Akaroa Harbour and you'll discover Lucas Bay - where deep waters cradle unique crop circles, round pens that house thriving salmon. This aquaculture farm was established in the mid 1980's by the Bates family, nestled perfectly along the eastern South Island coastline, an area where the wild salmon prowl at sea.

The team at Akaroa Salmon maintain a low stocking density and provide a carefully balanced, low-energy diet which allows the salmon to grow at a natural pace and remain as lean as they would be in the wild.

Akaroa Salmon takes pride in providing salmon from farm to plate - so next time you see Akaroa Salmon on the menu be sure to give it a taste!

Photos from Life & Leisure - Kirsty Middleton 📷