New Zealand Tourism Online

Banks Peninsula Farmstay, New Zealand

Kawatea Farmstay Introduction

Escape to the beauty and tranquillity of the country at Kawatea Farmstay. Enjoy a unique holiday experience in an historic homestead set in beautiful mature gardens, and surrounded by land, farmed by our family for five generations.

Kawatea is an elegant, carefully renovated home, built in 1900 from native timbers; it features handcrafted furniture, stained glass windows and much olde world charm.

Enjoy a relaxing day with a book on the verandah, or participate in seasonal farm activities and feed the pet sheep. Wander our hillside farm enjoying the panoramic views of Banks Peninsula, or walk along the scenic coastline to secluded swimming beaches and a seal colony.

Learn about Maori culture and the life of early settlers at the acclaimed Okain's Bay Museum or visit Akaroa with its French influence, cafés and craft shops.

Join us for dinner savouring seafood from the bay and creative country fare from our garden, whilst sharing experiences with fellow travellers. We have been hosting since 1988 and pride ourselves on thoughtful, personal attention and friendly hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere.

Kawatea Farmstay Accommodation

We have been providing farmstays since 1988, and pride ourselves on thoughtful personal service.

Romantic weekends and special occasion dinners are also catered for. We hope you come as a visitor but leave as a friend.

The Loft Room - One queen bed and one single bed. One extra single bed can be provided, en suite and breakfast is provided.

The Garden Room - One queen bed. Guests share large bathroom/shower, separate toilet and breakfast is provided.

The No. Three Room - One queen sized double bed and one single bed. Breakfast is provided. Guests share large bathroom/shower with separate toilet.

For further information about staying at our farmstay in New Zealand please contact us, or visit our Banks Peninsula farmstay Web site.

Highlights of the Canterbury Region

New Zealand's awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.

The Canterbury Region includes a large central portion of the East Coast of the South Island, centred around the city of Christchurch.

From the silvery beaches of the East Coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury landscape is impossible to ignore.

Two hours north of Christchurch is Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea. Fur seals lounge on rocks just metres from the shore, dusky and Hector's dolphins frolic in the sea within sight of town, while only a few kilometres further out, giant sperm whales haunt the depths.

Not far from Kaikoura is the scenic alpine and thermal village of Hanmer Springs. Since 1859 this spa town has attracted visitors seeking to relax, unwind and ease their aches and pains in the soothing mineral waters.

Inland from Christchurch on the Great Alpine Highway, SH73, lie the magnificent Southern Alps—only an hour from the Christchurch. You can also experience the TranzAlpine—one of the world's most spectacular train journeys that takes you from Christchurch to Greymouth.

Step back into New Zealand's past in Akaroa, Canterbury's oldest village. You'll hear about Maori, whaling, French and British history. Natural history is another topic to explore - in summer you might even get the chance to swim with the world's rarest dolphin, the Hector's dolphin.

Scenic Lyttelton Harbour is located right beside the city of Christchurch. It offers the visitor spectacular scenery, made even more interesting with fascinating Maori and European history.

You can experience Lyttelton Harbour by driving the short distance through the Lyttelton Road Tunnel or over the Port Hills. Lyttelton was the port of entry for English settlers coming to the new settlement of Canterbury.

Around the Port Hills you'll find a choice of adventure sports, including mountain biking. There are many walks around the hills and beach areas, as well as safe swimming and picnic areas.

About Banks Peninsula

Banks Peninsula is just one and a half hour drive south-east of Christchurch, and is the result of violent eruptions from three ancient volcanoes. The spectacular coastline of Akaroa Harbour and the surrounding bays are the remaining legacy of earth's fury.

The Ngai Tahu Maori tribe had already discovered the charm of the location well before Captain Cook sighted Akaroa Harbour in 1770s. Akaroa is the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Their influence is still evident in this vibrant tourist town - look for French street names, quaint historical buildings and inspired cuisine.

Banks Peninsula Attractions and Activities

Enjoy warm summer evenings on the expansive verandah at Kawatea Farmstay, savouring the fresh seafood from the bay and produce from our farm and garden.

Gather around the dining table by the fire on cooler nights, sharing thoughts and experiences with our family and fellow travellers.

Relax or swim at Okains Bay, observe the birdlife on the estuary, or walk along the scenic coastline to secluded beaches and a seal colony with excellent photographic opportunities. Wander our hillside farm, feed the pet sheep or climb to enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view of Banks Peninsula.

Learn about Maori Culture and the life of early New Zealand settlers at the acclaimed Okains Bay Museum. Explore Akaroa, with its strong French influence, visit art galleries and craft shops.

Play golf, go horse riding, sample local wines and watch traditional cheeses being made. Take a harbour cruise or swim with the rare Hector's dolphin.

Other activities include:

• Craft trails
• Scenic walks
• Tennis and golf
• Sea fishing
• Pentanque and badminton
• Safe swimming
• Sea kayaking
• Boutique cheese factories and wineries
• Dolphins, seals and penguins
• Akaroa township — 20mins away

For further information about staying at our farmstay in New Zealand please contact us, or visit our Banks Peninsula farmstay Web site.

Affiliations

The following features, memberships and organisations are associated with this business:

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