10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Akaroa 💎 [2024]

Where to Find Premium Accommodation in Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula

Just 90 minutes away from Christchurch, the charming French-influenced town of Akaroa nestled in the volcanic-formed bays of the Banks Peninsula provides an endearing retreat for the discerning traveller. Find your own quiet corner of the bays by staying in one of its premium accommodations or base yourself in one of the charming bed and breakfasts in town. Select your choice from this list of the best luxury accommodations in Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula.

For more advice on planning your luxury getaway, see The Luxury Guide to Akaroa and the 6 Best Luxury Experiences in Akaroa.

1. Annandale Coastal Farm Escape & Luxury Villa Collection

Experience “gumboot luxury” on a secluded coastal farm at the Annandale Coastal Farm Escape & Luxury Villa Collection. There are five unique five-star villas to choose from, with some of our favourites including the ultra-modern architecture of “Seascape” nestled into the hills of a remote bay with multi-floor windows to see it all, and the historical “Shepherd’s Cottage” offering charming isolation with endless farm and ocean views. Part of the experience is the farm-to-table cuisine which you can enjoy through a private in-villa chef or meals delivered straight to your door.

Check Annandale Coastal Farm Escape & Luxury Villa Collection out:

2. Newton Heights

Perched on the hillside of Akaroa yet only a five-minute walk from the town centre, the location of Newton Heights is only part of the luxurious parcel this B&B has to offer. With eclectic architecture and interiors, this ultra-contemporary accommodation certainly provides a memorable stay across its three sumptuous guest rooms with lavish shared spaces. In winter, keep cosy with the central heating and both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, while summer is best sprawled across the tiered terrace with its own spa pool. What’s more, a cooked or continental breakfast is also included in your stay.

Check Newton Heights out:

Newton Heights on Booking.com

5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Akaroa 💎 [2023]

3. Beaufort House

Built in 1878 and conveniently located on the outskirts of Akaroa town, Beaufort House basks in historical ambience and French flair complemented by tasteful French antique furniture. There are five gorgeous rooms to choose from at this boutique bed and breakfast, each wrapped in luxury from Egyptian cotton sheets and NZ woollen blankets to the bone china tea-making accessories with chocolates and cookies to enjoy at leisure, perhaps on your private balcony. Or you may want to sit in the vineyard and sip on wines with grapes grown on-site. A highlight, of course, is a breakfast of freshly-baked croissants, seasonal cooked breakfasts and much more. Discover more alternative stays like this in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Akaroa.

Check Beaufort House out:

4. Mumfords

Perched on a hillside overlooking the bays, Mumfords is an idyllic couples’ retreat where you’re exclusively the only guests. The luxury accommodation is just a short drive from Akaroa, set in 20 acres of gardens, native bush and inner-harbour coastline. The interior is stylishly decorated with a farm cottage feel, from its open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with a log burner to the bedroom opening out through the French doors onto an extensive elevated deck.

Check Mumfords out:

5. Banks House Akaroa

More heritage and charm can be experienced at the Banks House Akaroa – the sister property of Beaufort House (see point #2). This four-room bed and breakfast offers ensuite rooms with modern bathrooms. Ask to stay in the “Banksia Room” for its French doors leading out to a large private balcony with breathtaking views of the Akaroa Harbour. Enjoy an extensive breakfast menu each morning. The manicured gardens are also a joy to explore. For more boutique stays, be sure to take a look at the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations & B&Bs in Akaroa.

Check Banks House Akaroa out:

6. Kaituna Valley Homestead

Tucked away in the Kaituna Valley of the Banks Peninsula is a marvellous mansion well worth considering for a special occasion. Your abode is the “Executive Suite”, a spacious apartment complete with a bedroom featuring a California King four-poster bed, a sunroom overlooking the valley, and an ensuite bathroom with a full-size bath and separate shower. Enjoy breakfast in the downstairs dining room, hit the Little River Rail Trail with the bikes provided or relax in the library with an open fire and comfortable sofas.

Check Kaituna Valley Homestead out:

7. Bellbird Bach

If your idea of luxury is your piece of paradise, then check out some of the breathtaking holiday homes of Akaroa such as Bellbird Bach. Wake up to a chorus of birdsong at this two-bedroom holiday home perched on the Akaroa back hills. If the innovative architecture is not enough to wow you, then perhaps the secluded wood-fired hot tub on the property will! In summer, relax on the deck with a barbecue and your tunes on the Bluetooth sound system, while in winter you can snuggle by the fire. What’s more, this property is managed by Bachcare, ensuring higher quality service than your average holiday home stay. Discover more stays ideal for families in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Akaroa.

Check Bellbird Bach out:

8. Love Akaroa Retreat

A no-brainer for couples looking for a romantic escape, Love Akaroa Retreat is another extraordinary holiday home boasting upscale features. The one-bedroom abode is located on the hillside overlooking native bush and the ocean. Each room is tastefully furnished and thought out, such as the large open-plan kitchen and lounge spilling onto a private terrace with an outdoor bathtub. See more couple-centric stays like this in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Akaroa.

Check Love Akaroa Retreat out:

Love Akaroa Retreat on Booking.com

9. The Boathouse

A holiday home with a difference, The Boathouse not only boasts contemporary interiors with a magnificent circular window but has the harbour views worthy of this design choice. This couples’ retreat is only a short walk from the town centre, yet offers plenty of reasons to want to relax in its easy living design. Enjoy tasteful artwork and furnishings tidily displayed throughout the open-plan studio complete with a kitchen, a lounge with a TV featuring streaming services, and a sunny deck to soak in more of those marvellous views. This is another holiday home managed by Bachcare. For more holiday homes to inspire, head to the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Akaroa.

Check The Boathouse out:

10. SiloStay

One of the most unique accommodations on this list, and in New Zealand as featured in the 10 Unique Accommodations in the South Island, SiloStay offers self-contained accommodation in your own individual silo! The silos sleep up to two guests and boast an innovative eco-friendly design in the heart of Little River – a small village on the way to Akaroa. Make use of your own kitchenette facilities for a quiet night in and enjoy drinks on your private balcony. The accommodation has a Tesla charging station and bike hire too. See more like this in the 10 Best Motels in Akaroa.

Check SiloStay out:

More About Luxury Accommodations in Akaroa

That’s it for our list of the best luxury accommodations in Akaroa. For more advice on planning an awesome trip to Akaroa, check out the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Luxury Guide to Akaroa.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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