Lavericks Bay - Retreat

Banks Peninsula, Canterbury

Lavericks Bay is on Banks Peninsula, just under two hours from Christchurch and 35 minutes from Akaroa.

Rich in history, the scenic bay is set on a 1000-hectare sheep and beef farm, which has been in the same family since the 1850s. The property also features Lavericks Bay Camp and the Beach Cabin for families.

The Retreat at Lavericks Bay is a striking, beautifully designed cabin perched high above the turquoise waters of the bay in an unbeatable location. With sweeping views of rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean, the cabin is the perfect balance of modern luxury and natural beauty.

Warm timber tones and floor-to-ceiling windows create a light-filled space inside that feels both stylish and inviting. A floating fireplace keeps the cabin toasty, whether you're in the king bed, sipping a hot cuppa on the couch, or cooking in the kitchen.

Step out onto the deck to take in the breathtaking views – best enjoyed from the outdoor bubble bath, with the bay stretching out below, sheep baa-ing in the background, and stars twinkling above.

The Retreat is truly out of this world.

ADDRESS

Lavericks Road, Akaroa 7583

DIRECTIONS

Lavericks Bay Retreat is on Banks Peninsula, just under two hours from Christchurch and 35 minutes from Akaroa.

From Christchurch (drive time 1.75 hours):

From Akaroa (drive time 35 minutes):

Please note that the Google Maps directions to the address are not fully accurate so it's important to follow the instructions in your pre-arrival email.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

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The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

Lavericks Bay Retreat is fully off-grid a solar system providing electricity. If it’s sunny, the system will be generating power. If it’s not sunny, you’ll be using power from the bank of batteries. While there should be plenty of electricity for your stay, you will need to conserve to avoid running out. Some small appliances, especially hairdryers and straighteners, have a large power draw so use should be avoided.

Electric car charging is strictly prohibited.

Devices can be charged via the wall power points. If you use a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for sleep apnoea, there’s a convenient power outlet located beside the bed.

Please note, the road into Lavericks Bay is narrow and windy for the last 10 minutes or so. While most Kiwi drivers will be familiar with this kind of road, overseas drivers should be aware and take extra care. Once you get there, it's a scenic drive into the property on a metal road.

You can drive and park your vehicle right next to the accommodation. There is plenty of space for your vehicle, though the area isn’t suitable for campervans, boats, or trailers.

You're welcome to come and go from the property as often as you please.

Lavericks Bay is a working sheep and beef farm, so for everyone’s safety, it’s important to follow the guidelines outlined in our booking terms and in the welcome guide inside the cabin. These include:

Visitors stay at their own risk, this is a working farm with hazards both farm-related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural.
Leave gates as you find them.
Animals are unpredictable - best to avoid them.
Extreme caution driving in and out of the property - the speed limit on the property is 15km p/h.
For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter the woolshed or other buildings on the property.

The welcome guide will also outline other cautions strictly around the cabin, including steep hills, rocks, and uneven terrain.

The Lavericks Bay Larder - $195

Keep things simple and order a thoughtfully curated Lavericks Bay Larder, featuring a selection of fresh, local produce and artisan treats. This generous spread includes hot smoked Akaroa salmon, a trio of cheeses (Barry’s Bay Marsadam, Whitestone Windsor Blue, and a creamy brie), Akaroa butcher salami, and a fresh baguette, paired with antipasto, cherry tomatoes, a bottle of Cloudy Bay bubbles and a small block of chocolate to finish. You’ll also find breakfast essentials like free-range eggs, bacon, avocado, organic milk, butter, and juice—everything you need for a relaxed platter dinner and an easy breakfast at Lavericks Bay.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

Keep things simple and order a thoughtfully curated Lavericks Bay Larder, featuring a selection of fresh, local produce and artisan treats. This generous spread includes 130gms hot smoked Akaroa salmon, a trio of cheeses (Barry’s Bay Marsadam, Whitestone Windsor Blue, and a creamy brie), 90gms of Akaroa butcher salami, and a fresh baguette, paired with antipasto, cherry tomatoes, a bottle of Cloudy Bay bubbles and a small block of chocolate to finish. You’ll also find breakfast essentials such as four free-range eggs, 6 slices of bacon, one avocado, a small bottle of organic milk, butter, and 2 glass bottles of juice—everything you need for a relaxed platter dinner and an easy breakfast at Lavericks Bay.

**1.1** Canopy Camping Limited (**Canopy Camping Escapes**, also referred to as **we**, **our** and **us**) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (**Hosts**). **1.2** By making a booking through our website ([here](https://www.canopycamping.co.nz/)) (**Website**), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (**Booking Conditions**). **1.3** Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host. That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host. **1.4** In these terms: - “Day” means a period of 24 hours; and - “check-in time” means the check-in time specified [in the booking confirmation email we send you / specified on the Website for the property you have booked]

**2.1** If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.1% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments. **2.2** Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process. **2.3** If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your payment has not been received within 24 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.1% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment. **2.4** If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.

**3.1** Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time. **3.2** Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged. **3.3** Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid. **3.4** Force Majeure You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons: - **Road closure**. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by [Waka Kotahi](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/) as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner. - **Metservice RED Weather Warning.** If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the [Metservice](https://www.metservice.com/) has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure. - **Natural disasters in New Zealand.** Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.

**4.1** Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as: (a) Any alteration to the property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest. (b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property. (c) A death in the Host family. (d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason. In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled. **4.2** Cancellation for breach Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.

**5.1** Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk. 5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk. **5.3** To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during your stay.

**9.1** Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website. **9.2** You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property: - Specified on the Website. - Contained in the information folder provided at the property. **9.3** You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking. **9.4** You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. **9.5** You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person. **9.6** Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties. **9.7**The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with. **9.8**The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted. **9.9**You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.

If you encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken. If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early. If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) with details of the complaint. As an agent, we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues.

To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise: - for the acts or omissions of the Hosts; or - under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay, Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes. If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking. Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.

As the person who completes the Booking Form, you certify that all information provided is true, accurate and correct and that you: are authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; are over eighteen years of age; agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property and shall ensure that they (and any approved visitors) comply with these Booking Conditions; and will notify us if you are not present at the property for the rental period.

EATING AND DRINKING

Lavericks Bay Retreat is self-catering. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the two burner gas hob and Weber gas BBQ provided. 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 is 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

There’s no shortage of ways to relax and explore during your stay at Lavericks Bay Retreat. You will find simple pleasures to keep you entertained, such as a collection of hand-picked books, classic board games, and a beautiful outdoor bath where you can soak under the open sky. A 20 minute walk down the hill and you'll arrive at Lavericks Bay beach - perfect for a summer swim.

If you feel like venturing further, the charming French-inspired town of Akaroa is just a short but scenic 35-minute drive away. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of its cafés or explore the many experiences on offer. Spend the day kayaking or cycling, take a class at the Akaroa Cooking School, or head out on a dolphin or nature cruise. You can also join an Akaroa Dolphins tour, visit local beaches and boutique wineries, meet the friendly alpacas at Shamarra Alpaca Farm, or take a regenerative eco-tour with Pōhatu Penguins.

YOUR HOSTS

Lavericks Bay is a farm with a rich family history. Harriet's parents were the 5th generation of the 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

“ It was an incredible place, location and view. We had a lovely two night stay. ”

Jessica Cole- 2025-10-13

20 / 20

“ Amazing views. The calm and relaxing atmosphere was just what I needed. Would highly recommend and definitely go again. ”

Michelle Marais- 2026-05-09

1 / 20

“ Wow, what a place and the setting is superb. The retreat is so well made up for a very chilled stay. Our only problem that we had was we didn’t stay another night! ”

Dai Johns- 2026-05-04

2 / 20

“ The most beautiful retreat with stunning and extraordinary views. Great communication! Harriet was very friendly and responsive. Highly recommend, would definitely come back! ”

Ethan Hills- 2026-04-17

3 / 20

“ Stunning location with amazing views. The retreat was very well designed and beautifully furnished. Highly recommend. ”

Rachel Shaw- 2026-03-26

4 / 20

“ Magic spot. ”

Sarah Hutchison- 2026-03-02

5 / 20

“ Magical relaxing spot. ”

Rochelle Gorman- 2026-02-25

6 / 20

“ Lavericks Bay was truly unbelievable. The sunrise was something out of a dream! ”

Matthew Perlow- 2026-02-24

7 / 20

“ This is an amazing place to escape. Gorgeous views and well-appointed accommodation. We can't wait for our next stay. ”

Matthew Cook- 2026-02-11

8 / 20

“ Wonderful stay, fabulous setting and amazing property. Will be back again. Thank you. ”

Jeanie Cochrane- 2026-01-08

9 / 20

“ Epic setting, epic stay! Loved every minute spent in this special place. Could not recommend highly enough. Perfect place to propose. We will be back! ”

Sheldon McGuire- 2025-12-09

10 / 20

“ This is such a gorgeous spot, and we had the most lovely weekend here, relaxing, enjoying the bath, the views, beautiful interiors, delicious smelling soaps, and some yummy steaks on the BBQ. ”

Sophie Penwarden- 2025-12-03

11 / 20

“ Beautiful scenery and great accommodation!! ”

Ven Muscolino- 2025-11-25

12 / 20

“ Stunning isolated location, amazing architecture and beautiful interior styling and design. Wish we could have stayed for longer. I think it’s the best place I have ever stayed. Definitely will be back. Loved waking up to see the sheep looking in the window. The view was out of this world. Thank you for sharing your little piece of paradise. ”

Beccy Brown- 2025-11-25

13 / 20

“ The best cabin we have stayed in. The view was unbelievable and it's an epic design too! ”

Matt Dickie- 2025-11-16

14 / 20

“ Wow, what a stunning place! The views are breathtaking and the design and decor are perfect. A very special spot to celebrate my birthday! ”

Jane Harrison- 2025-11-14

15 / 20

“ I stayed at The Retreat at Lavericks Bay, it was an amazing experience. The place is stunning. Such a great location to relax, unwind and recharge. The view, setting, facilities and atmosphere were great. Love it. ”

Larissa Cancado- 2025-11-14

16 / 20

“ What a great place to relax and unwind! We loved the spectacular view, the friendly sheep and the instant fireplace. We would highly recommend and we hope to stay there again. ”

Matthew Lindeman- 2025-11-07

17 / 20

“ Stunning getaway with incredible scenes and facilities. We gazed our eyeballs out. ”

Bridget Simpson- 2025-10-20

18 / 20

“ We had a wonderful, relaxing stay at the Retreat. What a beautiful spot and the facilities were top notch. Communication was excellent. We have recommended Lavericks Bay to all of our friends. Thank you so much. ”

Andrea Kirwan- 2025-10-18

19 / 20

“ It was an incredible place, location and view. We had a lovely two night stay. ”

Jessica Cole- 2025-10-13

20 / 20

“ Amazing views. The calm and relaxing atmosphere was just what I needed. Would highly recommend and definitely go again. ”

Michelle Marais- 2026-05-09

1 / 20

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