Escape from the city and step back to a simpler time. This authentic rustic accommodation in beautiful Port Levy is just one hours drive from Christchurch but you will feel like you are a million miles away.
Whether you are relaxing on the deck with a glass of wine and watching the goings on of an authentic working cattle and sheep farm, listening to some old vinyl on the record player, or soaking your aches away in the outdoor bath under the stars this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
The space
Note: the shearers quarters is now serviced by Starlink high speed internet.
Rustic charm in the old shearer’s quarters suitable for a couple but can sleep up to two couples (or a couple and 2 children).
Beds
Downstairs bed - on departure no need to make up. Please just strip sheets and pillow cases, leave the duvet (it gets changed regularly).
Sofa bed, bedding in wardrobe.
Additional single mattress - can be lifted down from mezzanine, bedding in wardrobe.
Thank you in advance!
Access
Port Levy is an easy hours easy scenic drive (45 km) from Christchurch via a sealed road. When you get to Port Levy head past the church at the foot of the hill, then Wharf Road is the first left, 200 m along is the Overleigh sign, head up here 200 m past the homestead on the left and the shearers quarters is further on also on the left.
It is a private sunny and secluded spot!
There is a fast EV charger for electric vehicles in our garage, guests welcome to use for a small fee to cover electricity cost, let us know after you book if you want to use this.
Other things to note
Overleigh shearers quarters was originally used by shearers but has been renovated recently to improve the amenities with further changes aiming to retain the rustic charm.
The sea is about 200 m away and there are a lot of great places to walk. The marae is on the other side of the bay where there are places to go swimming or you could fish from the wharf.
The deck receives morning and afternoon sun - enjoy a drink in the afternoon or a meal on the bbq. There are also cooking facilities and a small oven inside.
Diamond Harbour is a 15 minutes drive and you go through here before you get to Port Levy. Diamond Harbour has a well equiped four square where you can obtain provisions and also Two Thumb Harbourside offers fine craft beer and food.
Port Levy is not on a main road and it is possible to drive to Akaroa or Little River through the back roads. Akaroa is less than an hour away and Little River around 35 minutes.
We hope you enjoy your stay.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 25 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Since a working farm any dog will need to have been wormed and/or received a pill for hydatids 48 hours before arrival, costs circa $6 from a vet.
Only people who have booked allowed after 9 pm - no parties.
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
About the area
Port Levy
Port Levy is home to this cabin. Lyttelton Farmers Market and The Tannery are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and Church Bay. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Wilding Park Tennis Center or One New Zealand Stadium.
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 87 min drive
Restaurants
Lyttelton Sea Foods - 44 min drive
Coffee Culture - 44 min drive
Nom Nom Restuarant - 43 min drive
Fisherman's Wharf Lyttelton - 44 min drive
Armadillos - 44 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Overleigh Shearers Quarters pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at The Overleigh Shearers Quarters?
As of 5 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Overleigh Shearers Quarters on 20 April 2026 start from NZ$97, 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 The Overleigh Shearers Quarters?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Overleigh Shearers Quarters?
Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Overleigh Shearers Quarters?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Overleigh Shearers Quarters located?
Situated in Port Levy, this cabin is 9.5 mi (15.2 km) from Church Bay and within 20 miles (32 km) of Lake Forsyth and Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve. Banks Peninsula and Duvauchelle Showgrounds are also within 25 miles (40 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great little stay for our wee family, simple but had all we needed. Plus some extra little touches from the host made this feel like our farm holidays as kids.
John's place has all you need for a weekend getaway on the Banks Peninsula. Things we enjoyed:Beautiful location. Beautiful scenery. Beautiful touches in the cabin.Things to do:Walks. Water. Wildlife. Watching time slide by in the valley.
Fantastic location with amazing hospitality! It was the perfect weekend getaway from the city. Such a cozy little spot with everything we needed, and the best part was being able to bring our fur baby along. Highly recommend! "
Lovely place to spend the night after some enjoyable walks in Hinewai and around the peninsular area. Cute cabin had everything we needed. Beautiful spot
Enjoyed the rustic country charm. Outdoor bath was clean and inviting. Very private and full of birdsong. The cookies for us were very thoughtful and tasty. We loved the old record player and albums. Just superb. Thanks guys. P&M.
Lovely wee place, great location for us and just what we needed.
rebecca h.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Penelope
2 January 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Had everything we needed, and more. Home-made biscuits, milk, and eggs on arrival were a lovely touch.
The low ceilings, particularly above the bed were a problem and the bed itself was definitely only a double size.
Loved sitting out on the deck and enjoying the rural calm and the birdsong. Thanks for the getaway :)
We loved the property. So peaceful and quiet. Beautiful views. Great walks. Didn't miss tv or internet. Such a fun place to visit. Next time we want to go back for a couple of nights so we can explore the area.
Gillian C.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 September 2025
That's great, would love to see you again. Just for information of other guests there is starlink internet but great that you enjoyed some downtime without it!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Sabine
29 January 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Communicating with the owner was very easy and we loved the style and the position of the property. It is a lovely spot.
We had a beautiful stay at this bach, relaxing in the sunshine, listening to the birds. It was a lovely touch to have tea, coffee, milk, eggs and cookies left for us complimentary. Will definitely be back
We had 3 nights here and absolutely loved the accommodation. It has a lovely energy and was just what we needed for a break from work and the business of life. Came away feeling relaxed and happy.Thank you so much
Very cute bach tucked away from the outside world. We loved the old record player and the outside bath especially
Harriet E.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
About the host
Hosted by John Craw
I was born on Banks Peninsula and have lived her most of my life (apart from 10 years in Melbourne and some time in the UK). I own the 400 hectare farm where the shearers quarters are located. I did farm for 10 years but nowadays it is leased to my neighbour. I have returned to working as a lawyer in Christchurch.
Why they chose this property
Banks Peninsula is a fantastic place and Port Levy is a hidden gem! It is not on the road to anywhere so nice and quiet, but still under an hour to Christchurch.
What makes this property unique
The cabin is unique in that it was originally shearers quarters but has been renovated to update whilst still retaining rustic charm. There is a great deck which gets the sun. Also, since on a working farm you are likely to see the rural goings on in action!
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests