Escape to a peaceful hillside retreat overlooking Akaroa Harbour. Set on 5.5 hectares of private land on French Peak, the property features a small vineyard (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), one of the first olive groves planted on Banks Peninsula, a large veggie garden, and walking trails. Pockets of bush are regenerating among stands of wattle, blackwood, poplar, and blue gum. I forage edible native plants like mint, kawakawa, and watercress from a spring above the property to make herbal teas. Just 1 hour from Christchurch and 15 minutes from Akaroa, it’s a perfect base for exploring Banks Peninsula—or simply relaxing in nature.
Your Stay:
You’ll have a private guest room with a new queen bed, plush linens, and garden views. A second guest room is available for up to two additional guests in your group. You’ll have exclusive use of a private bathroom with shower and bathtub. The rest of the house is shared with me, including the open-plan kitchen and lounge, which opens onto a large deck with a hot tub and seating for morning coffee or sunset wine. Inside, there’s a cozy fireplace nook and a grand piano. I provide a welcome drink on arrival and a daily continental breakfast—free-range eggs, homemade jam, and seasonal fruit (figs, plums, apples) when available.
On-Site Experiences:
• Gin Seat Sunset: A 10-minute walk up a farm track leads to a panoramic lookout we call the gin seat. A bench, picnic mat, and cushions are provided. Bring your drink of choice and enjoy a spectacular sunset with 360° views. (Note: not suitable for limited mobility.)
• Vineyard & Olive Grove: Stroll among rows of grapevines and olive trees planted in the early 1990s.
• Farm Life & Foraging: Meet the chooks and collect fresh eggs. Explore the gardens and orchard—ripe figs, plums, and apples in season. I’m happy to show you edible native plants and how to use them.
• Stargazing: Clear night skies make for excellent stargazing. Slip into the hot tub or relax on the deck and enjoy the Milky Way.
• Hiking: On-site trails and nearby tracks offer options for all levels. For the summit of French Peak, drive 5 minutes to Hilltop and take the Okuti Valley track (30-minute uphill walk). I can recommend other local hikes too.
Location:
The house sits at 300m elevation on French Peak, surrounded by nature but close to attractions. Akaroa village is 15 minutes away for cafes, shops, and dolphin cruises. Christchurch is about 1 hour by car. We’re just off State Highway 75—easy access, though the entrance is modest, so I provide clear directions and photos. Nearby: Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory (5 min), French Peak Winery (15 min), and Wainui swimming beach (10 min).
Your Host:
I worked in France and the USA before moving to New Zealand in 2015. During the 2020 lockdown, I discovered this property ******** of living here. In 2023, I stumbled upon an open home while driving to the Akaroa French Festival—and made the leap. I now live on-site in the master bedroom and share the house with guests. I speak English, French, and Spanish, and I’m happy to offer local tips or a drink on the deck. I aim to provide a safe, welcoming space for all guests. Clothing optional is available if you’re comfortable with it—no pressure either way.
Escape to a peaceful hillside retreat overlooking Akaroa Harbour. Set on 5.5 hectares of private land on French Peak, the property features a small vineyard (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), one of the first olive groves planted on Banks Peninsula, a large veggie garden, and walking trails. Pockets of bush are regenerating among stands of wattle, blackwood, poplar, and blue gum. I forage edible native plants like mint, kawakawa, and watercress from a spring above the property to make herbal teas. Just 1 hour from Christchurch and 15 minutes from Akaroa, it’s a perfect base for exploring Banks Peninsula—or simply relaxing in nature.
Your Stay:
You’ll have a private guest room with a new queen bed, plush linens, and garden views. A second guest room is available for up to two additional guests in your group. You’ll have exclusive use of a private bathroom with shower and bathtub. The rest of the house is shared with me, including the open-plan kitchen and lounge, which opens onto a large deck with a hot tub and seating for morning coffee or sunset wine. Inside, there’s a cozy fireplace nook and a grand piano. I provide a welcome drink on arrival and a daily continental breakfast—free-range eggs, homemade jam, and seasonal fruit (figs, plums, apples) when available.
On-Site Experiences:
• Gin Seat Sunset: A 10-minute walk up a farm track leads to a panoramic lookout we call the gin seat. A bench, picnic mat, and cushions are provided. Bring your drink of choice and enjoy a spectacular sunset with 360° views. (Note: not suitable for limited mobility.)
• Vineyard & Olive Grove: Stroll among rows of grapevines and olive trees planted in the early 1990s.
• Farm Life & Foraging: Meet the chooks and collect fresh eggs. Explore the gardens and orchard—ripe figs, plums, and apples in season. I’m happy to show you edible native plants and how to use them.
• Stargazing: Clear night skies make for excellent stargazing. Slip into the hot tub or relax on the deck and enjoy the Milky Way.
• Hiking: On-site trails and nearby tracks offer options for all levels. For the summit of French Peak, drive 5 minutes to Hilltop and take the Okuti Valley track (30-minute uphill walk). I can recommend other local hikes too.
Location:
The house sits at 300m elevation on French Peak, surrounded by nature but close to attractions. Akaroa village is 15 minutes away for cafes, shops, and dolphin cruises. Christchurch is about 1 hour by car. We’re just off State Highway 75—easy access, though the entrance is modest, so I provide clear directions and photos. Nearby: Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory (5 min), French Peak Winery (15 min), and Wainui swimming beach (10 min).
Your Host:
I worked in France and the USA before moving to New Zealand in 2015. During the 2020 lockdown, I discovered this property ******** of living here. In 2023, I stumbled upon an open home while driving to the Akaroa French Festival—and made the leap. I now live on-site in the master bedroom and share the house with guests. I speak English, French, and Spanish, and I’m happy to offer local tips or a drink on the deck. I aim to provide a safe, welcoming space for all guests. Clothing optional is available if you’re comfortable with it—no pressure either way.
Banks Peninsula offers a wealth of experiences and attractions to explore during your stay. While there aren’t specific LGBTQ+ bars or clubs in our rural area, you’ll find the region is very welcoming to everyone and full of inclusive, fun things to do.
Outdoor Adventures: Hikers will love the nearby trails. The Okuti Valley Track up to French Peak’s summit is a favorite for panoramic views (about a 30-minute trek from the hilltop once you reach the trailhead). The renowned Hinewai Reserve offers enchanting native forest walks and waterfalls – a true eco-paradise. For something leisurely, try the Children’s Bay clifftop walk in Akaroa, which combines harbor views with charming art sculptures along the way.
Food & Wine: Just a short drive away, the French Peak Winery invites you to sip local wines in a relaxed rural setting (with splendid views as a bonus). Back in French Farm, the historic French Farm Estate has a garden bar known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas – perfect for a casual lunch or dinner under the trees. On Sunday mornings, take a trip to the Little River Market (on the road to Christchurch) to mingle with locals and browse stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and crafts – it’s a quaint Kiwi country experience not to be missed.
Unique Local Experiences: Animal lovers can visit the nearby alpaca farm to meet and feed friendly alpacas or swim with the dolphins in Akaroa harbour. Garden enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the spectacular Fisherman’s Bay Garden (open by appointment) – a hillside botanical garden with stunning ocean views that will delight photographers and nature lovers alike. And if you have a 4WD and a spirit of adventure, consider a scenic drive along Bossu Road, the ridge-line route above the bay. This off-the-beaten-path drive offers jaw-dropping views of both Akaroa Harbour and the Pacific Ocean on the other side – a truly memorable journey on a sunny day.
No matter where you go, you’ll find people warm and welcoming. I’m always happy to recommend my favorite spots or hidden gems to ensure you experience the best of our beautiful peninsula!
Banks Peninsula offers a wealth of experiences and attractions to explore during your stay. While there aren’t specific LGBTQ+ bars or clubs in our rural area, you’ll find the region is very welcoming to everyone and full of inclusive, fun things to do.
Outdoor Adventures: Hikers will love the nearby trails. The Okuti Valley Track up to French Peak’s summit is a favorite for panoramic views (about a 30-minute trek from the hilltop once you reach the trailhead). The renowned Hinewai Reserve offers enchanting native forest walks and waterfalls – a true eco-paradise. For something leisurely, try the Children’s Bay clifftop walk in Akaroa, which combines harbor views with charming art sculptures along the way.
Food & Wine: Just a short drive away, the French Peak Winery invites you to sip local wines in a relaxed rural setting (with splendid views as a bonus). Back in French Farm, the historic French Farm Estate has a garden bar known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas – perfect for a casual lunch or dinner under the trees. On Sunday mornings, take a trip to the Little River Market (on the road to Christchurch) to mingle with locals and browse stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and crafts – it’s a quaint Kiwi country experience not to be missed.
Unique Local Experiences: Animal lovers can visit the nearby alpaca farm to meet and feed friendly alpacas or swim with the dolphins in Akaroa harbour. Garden enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the spectacular Fisherman’s Bay Garden (open by appointment) – a hillside botanical garden with stunning ocean views that will delight photographers and nature lovers alike. And if you have a 4WD and a spirit of adventure, consider a scenic drive along Bossu Road, the ridge-line route above the bay. This off-the-beaten-path drive offers jaw-dropping views of both Akaroa Harbour and the Pacific Ocean on the other side – a truly memorable journey on a sunny day.
No matter where you go, you’ll find people warm and welcoming. I’m always happy to recommend my favorite spots or hidden gems to ensure you experience the best of our beautiful peninsula!
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The hosts took the time to best showcase their accommodation. Their home is now ready for your stay and they look forward to welcoming you as their first misterb&b guest!• No smoking indoors. You may smoke outside on the deck or garden, away from open doors/windows.
• No parties or unregistered overnight guests. This is a peaceful home stay. Small gatherings or a visitor are okay with approval, but please keep it low-key.
• Pets by prior arrangement only. We have farm animals (sheep, chickens) on the property, so visiting pets must be well-behaved and not disturb wildlife. Let me know in advance if you’d like to bring a pet.
• Shared Space Respect. Since we share common areas, please maintain courtesy (e.g., tidy up after cooking, and keep noise reasonable, especially at night). Quiet hours are 11pm – 7am so we can all rest well.
• Clothing Optional –The property is clothing-optional for guests who enjoy a naturist experience.
• Check-in/out: Check-in from 3:00 PM (flexible if arranged in advance), and check-out by 11:00 AM. I’m happy to accommodate different times when possible – just ask
• No smoking indoors. You may smoke outside on the deck or garden, away from open doors/windows.
• No parties or unregistered overnight guests. This is a peaceful home stay. Small gatherings or a visitor are okay with approval, but please keep it low-key.
• Pets by prior arrangement only. We have farm animals (sheep, chickens) on the property, so visiting pets must be well-behaved and not disturb wildlife. Let me know in advance if you’d like to bring a pet.
• Shared Space Respect. Since we share common areas, please maintain courtesy (e.g., tidy up after cooking, and keep noise reasonable, especially at night). Quiet hours are 11pm – 7am so we can all rest well.
• Clothing Optional –The property is clothing-optional for guests who enjoy a naturist experience.
• Check-in/out: Check-in from 3:00 PM (flexible if arranged in advance), and check-out by 11:00 AM. I’m happy to accommodate different times when possible – just ask
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To protect our hosts' privacy, the exact address is only shared once your booking with Brett is confirmed. However, to help you plan your trip, Modern Belle Vue Retreat w/ Spa, Vineyard & Hiking Trails is located near Christchurch Akaroa Road, putting you in a great spot to explore the best of Akaroa.