New Zealand Tourism Online

Akaroa Farmstay, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand

Paua Bay Farmstay Introduction

Your hosts, Sue and Murray Johns welcome you to Paua Bay Farmstay, their Akaroa farmstay.

Paua Bay is a working hill country farm which has been home to five generations of the Johns family. Here guests have the unique opportunity to experience rural life amidst some of the most stunning scenery on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand.

Akaroa Farmstay Homestead

Paua Bay homestead is a charming character house nestled amongst extensive gardens where 600 year-old kahikatea and totara trees teem with native birdlife.

The guest room at our Akaroa farmstay is a queen-size double with en suite bathroom and private entry through French doors from the rose covered verandah. The room is elegantly decorated in modern country tones of yellow and blue and this elegance flows through to the traditional style bathroom complete with wooden dresser and clawfoot bath.

Many thoughtful extras are included to make your stay even more memorable including masses of white fluffy towels, locally made soaps, fresh flowers, crisp cotton robes and a selection of the latest magazines at your bedside.

Add these to the delight of being able to view one of the first sunrises in the southern hemisphere from the comfort of your bed and it's easy to see why so many guests return again and again.

Other facilities include a swimming pool with a view of the Pacific and an outdoor bath, perfect for relaxing under the stars.

Akaroa Farmstay Activities

The key word for activities at Paua Bay is 'choice'. Whether your visit is to experience Kiwi farm life firsthand, a romantic getaway for two or just some quiet time to relax, Paua Bay has activities to suit.

As a working farm there is always work that needs to be done and Murray welcomes any guests that would like to lend a hand. The farm runs sheep, cattle and deer so on any given day you could find yourself mustering sheep, working with the dogs, helping shearers or feeding the deer.

If your time here is limited you might consider joining one of the Akaroa Farm Tours which take place daily and offer an insight into the life of the farm including a shearing demonstration and working sheep dogs.

Other options for the day could include taking the 30-minute walk to the wild unspoilt beauty of the Paua Bay foreshore where you can observe seabirds and seals and if you are very lucky, the occasional penguin.

Take the short (20-minute) drive to explore the French influenced harbour village of Akaroa or go just over the hill for a walk in the nearby Hinewai Native Reserve.

For those wanting some quiet time the Homestead's extensive gardens offer the ideal place for painting, photography or just relaxing in the hammock with a good book.

Akaroa Farmstay Location and Price

Sue creates all meals from fresh Banks Peninsula produce and seasonal veges taken from the farm's organic gardens.

For further information about our Akaroa farmstay please contact us.

About Akaroa

Akaroa is an historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. It is built inside the eroded crater of one of the extinct volcanoes.

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.

Explore the village with its quaint colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés. Many of Akaroa's historic features, (buildings, artefacts, bridges, wharves and reserves) have survived.

Akaroa has been known as the Riviera of Canterbury for many years. Its bays and cobalt blue waters offer a superb sight. Akaroa is a major vacation and weekend retreat. Sailing and kayaking are popular activities on the blue waters of the bay.

For further information about our Akaroa farmstay please contact us.

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