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Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem

Photo gallery for Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem

Property grounds
Interior
Living area
Private kitchen
Games room

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Balcony
  • Balcony or patio
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Akaroa, Akaroa
  • Place, Artisans Gallery
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Akaroa Museum
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Akaroa Wharf
    ‪3 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Living Room

1 Double Futon

Master

1 Queen Bed

Rumpus Room

1 Double Futon, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Child Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Balcony

About this property

Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem

An original no frills Kiwi bach with direct access to the sea. Sunny and family friendly with a private boat mooring and suitable for your responsible pets and children. If you are looking for a luxury get away, this property isn't for you - if you like the idea of stepping back into the 1970s and staying in an authentic 'kiwi bach' then you will love it!

Set amongst a forest of native trees and bush the birdsong is prolific and set far back from any public roads to make this spot a haven for relaxation.

The views are absolutely amazing and expansive taking in the harbour and township of Akaroa. Great indoor /outdoor flow to spacious deck from this original and modest property and you are welcome to bring your pets. The two bedrooms, living room and rumpus room, that offers extra accommodation options, all open onto the sunny deck that spans the length of the house.

There is direct access to the ocean down the track at the front of the bach and a private boat mooring available upon request. (BYO) Waterski, kayak and paddle board right from the edge of the property!

The entrance to the property is at the entrance of Akaroa's famous sculpture peninsula walk through the farmlands and around the headland to Takamatua. A winding creek filled with eels and whitebait meanders through to Children's Bay.

All this situated a short stroll into the village yet miles away for peace, relaxation and time out.

Tourist activities include both dolphin watching and swimming with dolphins, guided kayaking, fishing and swimming, hiking, walks and a relaxed village around which you can just stroll and enjoy the views, the people, the atmosphere...

The village boasts a decent sized supermarket, many cafes, tennis courts, skate park, bmx track, bowls club and a host of wonderful restaurants. The safe bay offers great walks and hikes, boutique shopping, galleries, wineries and and the famous Barry Point cheese factory.

This is truly a property where long-lasting memories are made
Special conditions:
Please treat our holiday home with love and respect and remember to have a fantastic stay!

Extras: Cleaning (Required, NZ$50.00 per stay); Linen (Required, NZ$10.00 per person);

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Ocean view
Barbecue

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Akaroa

Located in Akaroa, this holiday home is by the ocean. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and Duvauchelle Showgrounds, while Akaroa Museum and Maori & Colonial Museum are cultural highlights. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and horse riding nearby.
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Map
Akaroa, Akaroa

What's nearby

  • Artisans Gallery - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Akaroa Museum - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Linton The Giant House - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Akaroa Wharf - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Akaroa Lighthouse - 4 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 91 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Akaroa Corner Cafe - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Crater Cafe Akaroa - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Grand Hotel - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪La Thai Restaurant - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem?

As of 21 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem on 15 December 2025 start from NZ$250, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Akaroa's Best Kept Secret, a hidden waterfront gem located?

Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Artisans Gallery and Akaroa Museum. Akaroa Wharf and Akaroa Lighthouse are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

7.8

Good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

Reviews

Verified

6/10 Okay

Sarah H.

Great views, very basic facilities

Very basic bach. Cold, some upgrading of appliances might be safer, furniture very old. On the expensive side for the level of facilities. Excellent views.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Chris S.

Akaroa gem

Had a lovely stay, view amazing. The storm on Monday a bit frightening but next day beautiful and sunny. Will stay again maybe in the summer tho.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rod R.

Great location with magnificent view

Awesome place to stay. Bach a bit rundown
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Sandra P.

Unique Akaroa Holiday Batch

Batch in unique position for sun view privacy beach access Very relaxing Loved it Will be back 😎 Dogs Loved swimming in sea
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chloe M.

Batch booked

Thanks for the overnight stay. The view was beautiful from the deck at night and in the morning sun. We enjoyed our time.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz L.

Fabulous stay

Fabulous family batch
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather O.

A Bach made for a Busy Family!

We had such an excellent time at this wee treasure of a crib.....we are regular guests at my friends' crib at Bull Creek, Otago and we have fallen in love with it for its location and pure charm. This wee bach has the same eclectic charm, beautiful views, and laid back feel. Having 4 teens and a dog means mess and lots of activity, so having a place to hang out that is designed for a proper holiday, and not "style" makes all the difference. We loved the "homey" comfort, the indoor/outdoor flow, the pool table, the BBQ, and the easy access to the water (we hung out with stingrays and were a stones throw from a couple of dolphins). Thanks for the wonderful stay.....hope to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Ali M.

Described as retro but somewhat more -

In a lovely spot, and definitely a kiwi bach, but generally much about the property was in disrepair and not so clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Faye C.

A special place in Akaroa!

This Bach is away from it all with beautiful views of the harbor, bird song and bush surround, very peaceful and special property in need of some ‘TLC’.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula H.

Amazing spot. Our first time in Akaroa. It was great to be able to bring our dogs also.

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful bach with us
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Franmarie S.

A fantastic Bach, awesome views, very clean, great location, everything you need to have an amazing

A fantastic Bach, awesome views, very clean, great location, everything you need to have an amazing holiday, thank you Ben :-)
From a partner site

8/10 Good

James N.

Brilliant summer bach.

Brilliant summer bach. Comfortable basics and million dollar views
Archival

6/10 Okay

gordon h.

A blast from the past.

A blast from the past. Pretty well locked into the 1960,s. Overall this was rather quaint, but some aspects were rather tired. The main bedroom mattress has become sunken in the middle making comfortable sleep for 2 rather difficult. We ended up in different rooms. Not our ideal holiday. The location was idyllic and the views of the town beautiful.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

We loved the Bach, it was a true Kiwi holiday experience in a stunning location.

We loved the Bach, it was a true Kiwi holiday experience in a stunning location. The directions given to find it were clear and easy to follow. We will be back!
Archival

6/10 Okay

Property seemed great and were very disappointed that we were not able to stay.

Property seemed great and were very disappointed that we were not able to stay. Was a frustrating set of circumstances would love to be able to stay another time.
Archival

6/10 Okay

Bach is in a very nice private quiet location, with an outstanding view!

Bach is in a very nice private quiet location, with an outstanding view! The kids loved exploring down at the beach. It was also a definite bonus being able to bring our dog. The main problem was that there is no internal access between any of the rooms, with all rooms opening on to the deck or back porch. Having 3 small children, we felt this was not appropriate. This should really be mentioned on the listing.
Archival

8/10 Good

The bach is a real Kiwi Bach, and it brought back childhood memories for all of us.

The bach is a real Kiwi Bach, and it brought back childhood memories for all of us. The views are breathtaking, especially at night with the lights of Akaroa across the harbour. We were thrilled to find the beds freshly made and towels provided! The bach has everything you need, is lovely, cosy and comfortable and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thanks to Ben for making us feel so welcome!
Archival

8/10 Good

Really enjoyed our stay at this classic kiwi bach, loved the views and location looking over town, g

Really enjoyed our stay at this classic kiwi bach, loved the views and location looking over town, great place to relax and watch the world go by. The kids loved the whole experience, and the rocky beach at the bottom of the property was a great place for them to explore - heaps of little fish and crabs under the rocks!
Archival

8/10 Good

Bach old school but cool , views are fab especially at night and v peaceful ????

Bach old school but cool , views are fab especially at night and v peaceful ????
Archival

8/10 Good

Good location, good space, calm, walkable distance to Akaroa.

Good location, good space, calm, walkable distance to Akaroa. Clean and comfortable.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Traditional Bach with stunning views and easy access to the beach

Traditional Bach with stunning views and easy access to the beach
Archival

6/10 Okay

A quaint bach , very much an old school kiwi bach with its own individuality .

A quaint bach , very much an old school kiwi bach with its own individuality . Great view .
Response from VrboOwner on 21 March 2020
Thank you Les, we're glad you enjoyed your visit!
Archival

4/10 Poor

Amazing location, dog and boat friendly and a proper kiwi bach - this was everything we were lookin

Amazing location, dog and boat friendly and a proper kiwi bach - this was everything we were looking for. Loved it.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 March 2020
Thanks Suzannah, please feel free to come back and visit anytime!

About the host

Hosted by Akaroas_Best_Bach

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Situated on Children's Bay Road, it is one of only two bachs in this location.

Languages:

English
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