ABOUT JACQUI & TIM

Jacqui and Tim are a young couple who have recently returned to Akaroa after a busy few years travelling the world. When she wasn't travelling, Jacqui worked in London and Hong Kong in finance and then in offshore law. She also ran a chalet in Courchevel 1850 in the French Alps, completed a diploma with Distinction at The Edinburgh School of Food and Wine and worked in a hotel on the west coast of Scotland, The Torridon Hotel. Tim worked as an expedition leader for the luxury Canadian travel company, Butterfield and Robinson. This position took him to all corners of the globe on camel, Land Rover, bike and foot.

With Jacqui's flair in the kitchen and Tim's background in luxury hospitality they make a great team to help you have an enjoyable and unforgettable stay in one of New Zealand's greatest treasures.

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OUR SERVICES

Breakfast

A delicious breakfast is served daily with a choice of either cooked or continental. Jacqui is passionate about the food she prepares and uses fresh local produce. We are more than happy to cater for special dietary requests.

Free Wifi

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We have unlimited Wifi throughout the house which is available for all guests to use. If you have forgotten batteries or chargers don't worry, we have plenty on hand to provide what you need.

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Garden

Relax and enjoy a glass of wine in our beautiful gardens either with your feet in the stream, in the shade of a tree or on the verandah - or even with your feet in the stream - and listen to the many native New Zealand birds nesting in the branches. 

Gourmet Picnic Basket

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Want to enjoy the whole day away with a picnic adventure? We are happy to pack a gourmet selection of treats complete with local wine and cheeses for a truly special lunch, complete with Kiwi wool blankets and binoculars.

Maps & Info

You will find complimentary maps and information for all your travel needs in the local area and around New Zealand provided for you. The Akaroa Map is the best source of information on our little town. Please feel free to ask if you would like any assistance with bookings or reservations.

High Tea

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Upon request, a gourmet selection of sandwiches, scones & French pastries are available served on the verandah or in your room with a selection of local Kiwi preserves.

GALLERY

AKAROA  ACTIVITIES

Nature Cruises

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Enjoy an award winning two hour cruise out on the harbour viewing the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin, the Hector's dolphin, visiting a New Zealand fur seal colony and exploring caves and natural blowholes with a commentary on the history of the early settlement, the Marae and all the wildlife you see.

Akaroa Cooking School

Join one of the many classes offered at the Akaroa Cooking School, named in the Lonely Planet guide as one of the top 10 places to learn to cook local cuisine in the WORLD! In a relaxed and fun environment prepare and then savour every dish from the class with matching NZ wines. All participants need to bring are their culinary interest and an appetite.

Scenic Tours

Choose from many scenic tours offered on the Peninsula, from sheep shearing exhibitions to visiting a llama and alpaca farm. Bus tours leave daily from Akaroa.

French Bay House is also only ninety minutes scenic drive from the city of Christchurch: Buses depart twice daily from Akaroa.

Swimming with Dolphins

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Experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the Hector's dolphin with everything you need provided. Bookings can be made here.

Hiking & Walking Tours

From short one hour walks, to the classic four day Banks Peninsula Trek, there is something for everyone in this spectacular crater rim. For all the walks to do in and around Akaroa, see the detailed map here!

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Jet Boating

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Need we say more? Don't say we didn't warn you....

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Just click on Critter's website for more info...

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Night StandUp Paddleboarding

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Try something unique: cruise Akaroa Harbour by night on a Stand Up Paddleboard, with a certified Surf Life Saving New Zealand Instructor. Using only the best boards and the latest in LED lighting technology, this is one evening that is guaranteed to be fun!! Check out their Facebook page Night SUP Akaroa.

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 The Giant's House

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The Giant's House is just a few minutes' walk from French Bay house - and its garden is one of the crown jewels in Akaroa - voted as one of the top 100 things to knock off on a bucket list in New Zealand. It has a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor, was featured in Lonely Planet and was  awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a garden of national significance.

Meander through the breathtaking garden and admire the decades of work in creating gigantic mosaics and sculptures. A photographer's paradise, this is truly a living work of art not to be missed!

ALSO DON'T FORGET :

• Sea Kayaking

• Sailing Tours

• Paddle Boats

• Fishing Charters

• Wining & Dining

• Shopping

• Museum Trail

• Art Galleries

• Wine Tours

• Barry's Bay Cheese Factory 

• Vintage Car Rides

• Golf Links & Mini Golf

• Penguin Tours

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Click on the map for a downloadable pdf map

with all activities listed