About this property
Historic Setting: Blythcliffe in Akaroa offers a unique adults-only experience within a historic building. Guests enjoy garden views and a sun terrace, complemented by free WiFi throughout the property. Comfortable Accommodations: Rooms feature private bathrooms with walk-in showers, bathrobes, and garden views. Additional amenities include tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Exceptional Services: The bed and breakfast provides private check-in and check-out, concierge service, and a tour desk. Live music, outdoor seating, and picnic areas enhance the guest experience. Local Attractions: Akaroa Beach is a 4-minute walk away, while Christchurch International Airport lies 85 km from the property. Guests can enjoy hiking and cycling in the surrounding area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular facilities
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
John
New Zealand“We booked the same day,and John was very prepared.Breakfast was quite the occasion with local produce & award winning marmalade. The gardens are full of creativity and sculptural promise.Exactly what we needed for our spontaneous two days of ...”- Warren New Zealand“It had beautiful character buildings on a large, lawn and garden setting with some very interesting art & sculptures.”
- Jayon New Zealand“We spontaneously decided to stay overnight while visiting Akaroa and the place had everything we needed. The hosts were super lovely and friendly, accommodating to our rather surprise arrival. The interior transports you back into time, with its...”
Maureen New Zealand“John was a very welcoming host, and his homemade croissants were the best! The home is situated in lovely grounds close to cafes, museums, etc. Enjoyable stay.”- Paula New Zealand“It was such a privilege to stay in this house full of character and whimsy. The garden surroundings were equally wonderful and full of surprises that give this home its unique appeal. There is a fabulous forest track that John has created that...”
- Nathalie
Switzerland“We had the absolute best time at Blythcliffe with John and Lesley. Our room was spacious, very clean and simply an absolute gem. The garden was breathtaking and the breakfast extraordinary.” 
Sheila New Zealand“A fantastic 'mini' break. Everything about our stay was perfect, enjoyed a little time in the end of day sun on the balcony with a beverage & nibbles. To start the next morning we had the best croissants we've ever tasted with amazing homemade...”
Alihug New Zealand“Beautiful house, views would have been amazing if it had not been raining. Great breakfast to start the day.”- Susan
United Kingdom“John and Lesley were very friendly and welcoming and we loved staying in their beautiful home and enjoying the lovely gardens. We also particularly enjoyed seeing the eels in the river and the delicious breakfast!” - Cathy
Australia“Breakfast was delicious, loved the beautifully set table and chatting with other guests.”
Quality rating
Booking.com rated the quality of this property as 4 out of 5 based on factors such as facilities, size, location and services provided.
Host Information
9.6
Host review score
Built in 1857 in the Colonial Regency style, the gracious Blythcliffe is listed as an Historic Place Category 1 with Heritage New Zealand, Pouhere Taonga.
One of Akaroa's oldest and most loved grand houses; Blythcliffe was built in 1857 and sits within Akaroa's Historic Area.
Blythcliffe has 3 acres of wonderful private gardens and native forest, and remains uniquely a large and private estate right in the heart of Akaroa. Feed our tame eels, marvel at the song and antics of our unique species of NZ birds, or just lie in the sun and enjoy the tranquility of our wonderful gardens.
We have three rooms for you to choose from.
The Stables, a totally private apartment, own kitchen, bath and sunny courtyard
The Willow Room, ensuite with shower and bath, garden view and access to our balcony.
Rose Room, adjacent private bathroom, harbour view and balcony.
Willow and Rose are on the first floor in main house, accessed by an old, steepish staircase with a shared small sitting area. Here are tea and coffee facilities, a guest fridge and access to our wonderful balcony with views across the croquet lawn to the harbour beyond. Breakfast is served in ground floor heritage dining room
John and Lesley live at Blythcliffe, it is their private home that they really enjoy sharing with their B&B guests. They purchased this wonderful old home in 2014 and have been hard at work ever since renovating and restoring the house and grounds, which they really enjoy! They have a very relaxed and welcoming style of hosting and invite you to share and enjoy their very special home.
They'll be very happy to talk about the history of Blythcliffe and the surrounding stunning Banks Peninsular. They're also designers in the NZ film industry, are very well traveled around NZ, and can offer some good stories as well as handy local travel knowledge.
If you are looking to stay in an historic house, right in the centre of Akaroa that is full of character and interesting antiques; if you want a place to relax and to feel at home in, then Blythcliffe is for you. We invite you to come and stay with us.
Blythcliffe is located within the Historic District of the charming and historic French settlement village of Akaroa, registered with Heritage New Zealand and lying along the waterfront of Akaroa Harbour on Canterbury’s spectacular Banks Peninsular.
We are an easy 5 minute stroll to excellent cafes, restaurants, the main swimming beach and the many other attractions Akaroa has to offer.
You will be centrally located for trips further afield on Canterbury’s stunning Banks Peninsular such as the famous Banks Peninsula Track, and the many other truly wonderful locations for walking or cruises on our sparkling harbour.
Languages spoken: English,French
Property surroundings
House rules
Blythcliffe takes special requests - add in the next step!
Check-in
From 15:00 to 20:30
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
From 07:00 to 11:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds
Child policies
Children are not allowed.
Cot and extra bed policies
The number of extra beds allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.
There are no cots available at this property.
All extra beds are subject to availability.
No age restriction
There is no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Parties
Parties/events are not allowed
The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property
Please note that there is a 3% charge when you pay with a credit card.
Please inform Blythcliffe in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.
Legal information
This property is managed by a private host. EU consumer law relating to professional hosts might not apply.
