French Bay House is a historic home dating back to 1874, set in the heart of Akaroa. As you walk through the white swing gate, you're greeted with leafy gardens and a beautiful, traditionally styled white clapboard building with a gabled roof and bay window.
The owners, Jacqui and Tim, provide a warm welcome, and they have a small, friendly dog who might wander over to say hello. They have a wealth of knowledge about Akaroa and can help suggest activities to fill your time in the town.
OUR OPINION:
This is a quaint, historic property that is full of character, and we find the owners are very welcoming and helpful. Staying here, you're well-placed for exploring Akaroa and the surrounding areas.
Speak to someone
who's been there
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists
-
617-223-4521617-223-4580
- Make an inquiry
Photos of French Bay House
-
![French Bay House]()
French Bay House -
![Onawe Room at French Bay House]()
Onawe Room at French Bay House -
![Onuku Room at French Bay House]()
Onuku Room at French Bay House
Rooms
Inside, the four rooms are individually decorated and vary in size. The smallest, Tikao, is up in the eaves of the house and looks out over the garden. Two rooms, Onawe and Mt Bossu, have large windows that create a light, airy space enjoying views over the distant mountains or the harbor. The spacious Onuku room is on the ground floor and has a large bay window with a table facing the front garden. All are tastefully decorated in neutral tones and have en suite bathrooms, as well as amenities such as a heater, fan, hair dryer and radio. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property. In the evening you can relax in the common lounge to meet fellow travelers or relax and watch TV.
Location
The house is just a two-minute walk from the main pier, where many of the harbor cruises depart from. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants and cafés within a 10-15 walk of the house. From French Bay House you can access some of the walking tracks in the area including other bays and beaches and a local Māori village.
Food and drink
Jacqui and Tim are excellent cooks and breakfast is always homemade using fresh local produce. All guests dine together in their communal dining area and the whole property feels like a home away from home. They can also provide gourmet picnic baskets for your days out exploring on the Banks Peninsula.
Tour ideas in Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at French Bay House as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
-
![Beaufort House, Akaroa & Banks Peninsula]()
Beaufort House
Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
-
Harbor Wildlife Cruise ![Akaroa & Banks Peninsula, New Zealand]()
Harbor Wildlife Cruise
Harbor Wildlife Cruise
This harbor cruise is one of the most picturesque in New Zealand and gives you the chance to experience the Banks Peninsula's most majestic scenery.
View details -
Swimming with Hector's Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour ![A pair of Hector's dolphins]()
Swimming with Hector's Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour
Swimming with Hector's Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour
The sheltered harbor of Akaroa is an ideal place for a unique encounter with the world's smallest, rarest and friendliest dolphins, the Hector's dolphins.
View details
Akaroa & Banks Peninsula and nearby places
- Christchurch 26 miles away
- Hanmer Springs 90 miles away
- Arthur's Pass National Park 93 miles away
- Kaikoura 104 miles away
- Lake Tekapo 125 miles away
- Hokitika 126 miles away
- South Island 130 miles away
- Mount Cook National Park 144 miles away
- Punakaiki 144 miles away
- Twizel 146 miles away