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Lavericks Bay - Camp

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Lavericks Bay - Camp

Banks Peninsula, Canterbury


Lavericks Bay Camp on Banks Peninsula is something pretty special – just a leisurely 15-minute walk (or quick 3-minute drive) down to a beautiful secluded beach. And just under two hours from Christchurch and 35 minutes from Akaroa.

Rich in history, the scenic bay is set on a 1,000-hectare sheep and beef farm that has been in the same family since the 1850s. On the same property, you will also find Lavericks Bay Retreat & Beach Cabin.

The escape is nestled in a sun-drenched corner of the farm. Two beautifully appointed tents await. One features a queen bed, sofa, and wood burner, while the other features twin single beds, a sofa, and a wood burner. A well-equipped camp kitchen and bathroom are conveniently located nearby. For the ultimate indulgence, a hot tub invites you to soak beneath the stars. Best of all, the campsite and all its amenities are exclusively yours for the duration of your stay. No shared spaces, no unexpected company. Couples and solo travellers are allocated one tent, while groups of three or four have both tents to spread out in.

Enjoy long, warm days, swimming and playing on the soft sandy beach in this safe, sheltered bay. When the tide recedes, the rock pools are revealed—perfect for those who are young at heart and love to explore. You may even get a glimpse of a rare Hector dolphin or seal, as they're frequent visitors to Lavericks Bay.

In the evening, take a picnic basket down to the beach for a glass of wine and toast marshmallows around the campfire.

Looking for the perfect escape to recharge and reconnect? This is the spot where you can combine relaxation with adventure and discover glamping at Lavericks Bay.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Lavericks Bay is self-catering. Just bring your own food and chilly-bin and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Akaroa is a 35-minute drive away and filled with delicious places to eat out.

The nearest shop selling food and alcohol is the Akaroa Four Square. Akaroa also has some fantastic alternative food outlets, like the local butcher and deli.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Secluded beach. Need we say more? Swim, fish, go rock hopping at low tide, bring your outdoor equipment and kayak, boogie board, surf or paddleboard. Go skinny dipping! Have a beach campfire and toast marshmallows or sausages on a stick (at certain times of the year, fires will be unavailable due to higher fire risk). The options are endless.

Walk over farmland, or bring your bike and head up some of the farm tracks. There are some excellent and challenging mountain bike tracks for enthusiasts! No outdoor equipment is provided by Lavericks Bay at this stage, so if this sounds like fun, make sure you bring your own.

Looking to cosy up in the tents? Board games, cards and books are provided for your entertainment. Relax on your sofa with a blanket and a good book, or soak in the hot tub for a spot of stargazing.

There's plenty to keep you entertained on the property, but if you feel like treating yourself to lunch out, the pretty town of Akaroa is a short but scenic 35-minute drive away. The local area offers plenty of activities too - with kayak and bike rental, the Akaroa Cooking School and dolphin & nature cruises.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Lavericks Bay is a farm with a rich family history. Harriet's parents were the 5th generation of family to farm there, and Harriet and her siblings have fond memories of the adventurous childhood they had growing up on the stunning property.

Harriet met Lloyd, who also grew up on a South Island farm, at Lincoln University, and after a few years of study, travel and working overseas, they were married at home at Lavericks Bay. When Harriet's parents retired, they took the opportunity to move back and farm the family property with Joe, six weeks old at the time. Daughters Scarlett and Willa followed soon after, and now the 7th generation of the family is enjoying the delights of the Lavericks Bay farming lifestyle.

The family love their piece of Kiwi paradise - living by the sea and enjoying their beautiful soft sand beach. Welcoming and genuine, Harriet and Lloyd have a sincere desire to share their property with others...And they look forward to meeting you!

TESTIMONIALS

“ I 110% recommend Lavericks Bay with Canopy Camping. It was amazing to feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, yet only 30 minutes from somewhere. ”

Melissa Brown- 2024-09-16

20 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our stay here! Amazing views and a nice private location with great views. It has everything you need in terms of cooking. It's a great getaway location. ”

Charlotte Oneill- 2026-05-20

1 / 20

“ An amazing place providing a very "New Zealand" experience with the sheep and cows at your doorstep! You're camping in a beautiful spot. We loved it. ”

Hannah Duder- 2026-05-07

2 / 20

“ Lovely and peaceful place in a wonderful landscape, with facilities for a nice stay and camping! Great welcome and assistance from Harriet. ”

Gilles Perbost- 2026-03-07

3 / 20

“ Fabulous location, such a treasure of a place. I can't wait to come again. ”

Tracy Scott- 2026-01-15

4 / 20

“ We both had an awesome break at this location. Well set up, clean, and tidy with everything we needed. Even though we were technically off grid, having a proper bathroom with hot water was a bonus. For a non-camping couple like us, it was the perfect mix. Harriet and Lloyd were great hosts and provided everything we needed. Very relaxing location. ”

Philip Read- 2026-01-13

5 / 20

“ Lavericks Bays Camp is truly incredible. The setting is stunning, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the camp is designed with so much care. It was the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshing, memorable getaway. ”

Mani Mandalika- 2025-12-09

6 / 20

“ Beautiful setting and a great set up! It was magical. ”

Elizabeth Coman- 2025-11-24

7 / 20

“ It was the perfect no-fuss location to decompress away from the kids. ”

Lauren Merritt- 2025-11-20

8 / 20

“ Amazing place to stay, very comfortable atmosphere and property, super helpful hosts. Would definitely recommend to anyone. ”

Shaun McGahey- 2025-10-29

9 / 20

“ Amazing location, fantastic facilities; it was so nice to have the place to ourselves. Highly recommended. ”

Esther Boyd- 2025-03-31

10 / 20

“ Was a beautiful night with my fiancé! The only problem was we didn’t stay longer. ”

Caitlyn Robertson- 2025-03-08

11 / 20

“ Such a lovely experience for us older girls who are not campers. A real treat to take an overseas visitor with us. ”

Susan Fey- 2025-03-07

12 / 20

“ We loved our stay at Lavericks Bay. You felt like you were away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The setting is just beautiful. Thank you. ”

Jude & Neil Walker- 2025-01-26

13 / 20

“ Such a beautiful spot, feels like you've stepped back in time. ”

Lyndsay Greiving- 2025-01-16

14 / 20

“ This was totally off-grid and amazing to just be, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Harriet’s communication was brilliant. The outdoor kiwi bath was delicious. If you’re looking for a place that is very different but comfortable, then we highly recommend Lavericks Bay. ”

Hayley Law- 2025-01-13

15 / 20

“ Such a beautiful place to stay, amazing views, and nice and secluded. Enjoyed every minute. ”

Nadia Wineti- 2024-12-16

16 / 20

“ We loved every bit of our stay. The ambience, greenery, silence, and animal sounds were very healing. The hosts are super friendly. The kiwi hot tub was our highlight, but it was so nice that we could enjoy a private beach at our fingertips. We will definitely be going back again! ”

Payal Diwadkar- 2024-10-13

17 / 20

“ A fabulous place to unplug, get away, and just be together. Our children loved the animals, creek, beach, and hot tub! ”

Aine Elliott- 2024-09-29

18 / 20

“ Amazing spot, lovely to be on a farm and near a beach. Super impressed with how well the woodburners heated the tents. Beautiful birdsong. Great to chat as a family in the hot tub. ”

Shelley Washington- 2024-09-20

19 / 20

“ I 110% recommend Lavericks Bay with Canopy Camping. It was amazing to feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, yet only 30 minutes from somewhere. ”

Melissa Brown- 2024-09-16

20 / 20

“ Absolutely loved our stay here! Amazing views and a nice private location with great views. It has everything you need in terms of cooking. It's a great getaway location. ”

Charlotte Oneill- 2026-05-20

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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