We should have stayed longer

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 escapism.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing.

House and grounds were amazing. The host is very friendly and made great breakfast.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

It had beautiful character buildings on a large, lawn and garden setting with some very interesting art & sculptures.

Stayed in June 2025

Good to note the hot water tank is limited. Best to wait a while to take a shower after the bath.

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 antique decor and jazz music playing in the background upon arrival. John took time to show us around the beautiful garden and to the lovely animals. The bed was amazing and the bathroom was nice and cosy with a bathtub and bath salts/bath bombs. The breakfast was stunning and beautifully presented, the host offered to cook us a plate of hot goodies e.g. eggs, bacon, tomato, creamy mushroom. The award winning marmalade was definitely our highlight of the breakfast! Thank you so much John and Lesley!

Stayed in June 2025

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.

Stayed in June 2025

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 you can walk along amidst the birdsong. There is a breakfast is incredible!The smell of homemade croissants wafted in the air as we emerged down the stairs. Wow they are AMAZING. Alongside with a multitude of choices this breaky will fill u up for the day! However the most amazing experience was at the breakfast table where my husband and I were seated with two wonderful wellingtonian guests. Great conversations were had with us all and John entertained us with the most incredible stories, and showed us incredible artworks and props that he has made. Well this certainly spun my wheels🤣Such enriching conversations. Thankyou so much for sharing you and your home it was such a treat!

Stayed in May 2025

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.

Stayed in May 2025

Our mistake - not booking two nights!

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 jams. Oh my gosh - then John prepared us a beautiful cooked breakfast. Simply stunning surroundings. Thank you both so much.

Stayed in April 2025

Lovely

Stayed in April 2025

The rain- but not the hosts' fault!

Beautiful house, views would have been amazing if it had not been raining. Great breakfast to start the day.

Stayed in April 2025

Bed was not firm and shower water pressure was weak.

Amazing character and decor of the house and grounds. Stunning view of the harbor. Pleasant conversation with owners.

Stayed in April 2025

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!

Stayed in April 2025

Wi fi didn’t work for us ( and others )

Breakfast was delicious, loved the beautifully set table and chatting with other guests.

Stayed in March 2025

If you want to stay at a genuine historic property, this is the place for you. Like stepping back in time!

Stayed in March 2025

John made us very welcome and shared the history of the house. Gave great recommendations. Enjoyed the grounds and unique place that it is.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

Beautiful old house with an interesting history in an amazing location.John and Lesley were such welcoming hosts and conjured up a delicious breakfast.

Stayed in February 2025

I guess the water pressure in the shower could be better but it’s an older building to be expected …

Great location and very charming property

Stayed in February 2025

If your stay is in Summer and air-conditioning is important to you, then maybe go elsewhere. Understandably, this house does not feature Air-con! Having said that, with the French doors and windows open, we had a very good nights sleep.

If you like to stay in places which have soul, character and beauty, then this is the place for you. The house and gardens are absolutely gorgeous and our room, with views over the grounds and down to the town and sea, was exceptional. We were made very welcome by John and Lesley. Our room had French doors to our own balcony and a private bathroom which was, literally, a step away from the bedroom door. The bed was very comfortable and the shower was good. Next to our room was a sitting room where you could help yourself to tea, coffee and bottled water which was, thoughtfully, stored in the fridge. There were even biscuits…and a chocolate bar as well. It’s small additions like this which make such a difference! Breakfast….both in terms of the setting, the beauty of the table, and the food …was excellent. It included fresh fruit, home made yoghurts, home made jams , pastries and the hot food included eggs from their own hens! This B&B is just a 5 minute walk from the very attractive, French themed, town and beach.

Stayed in February 2025

The weather was a bit mixed

Loved the personal touches, the comfy bed and the home from home feel. John and Lesley know how to make guests feel welcome

Stayed in February 2025

Bathroom, though private, was not ensuite.

A lovely spot, nestled in greenery. Comfy bed. Fabulous breakfast. Friendly host.

Stayed in February 2025

The breakfast was excellent. The host, John, was superb!

Stayed in February 2025

leaving

Breakfast was excellent

Stayed in February 2025

Beautiful garden with interesting flowers and sculptures . Close to town centre . Awesome breakfast with home made croissants every morning . Lovely , friendly hosts .

Stayed in February 2025

Beautiful location. Amazing breakfast.

Stayed in January 2025