Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 03-304 7066;
www.onuku.co.nz
;
Hamiltons Rd, Onuku; sites from $15, dm/d from $28/66; Oct-Apr; )
Set on a working sheep farm 6km south of Akaroa, this blissfully isolated backpackers has
a grassy camping area and simple, tidy rooms in a farmhouse. For more privacy and
breathtaking sea views, opt for one of the two rooms in newly built Tonga Hut ($80). The
owners also run swimming-with-dolphins tours ($100) and kayaking trips ($50).
Coombe Farm
( 03-304 7239;
www.coombefarm.co.nz
;
18 Old Le Bons Track, Takamatua Valley; d $160-180; )
Choose
between staying in the private and romantic Shepherd's Hut - complete with an outdoor
bath - or in the historic farm house, now lovingly restored and dotted with interesting
contemporary art and Asian antiques. After breakfast you can negotiate the farm's private
forest and stream walkway.
B&B
$$
Eating & Drinking
Barrys Bay Cheese
( 03-304 5809;
www.barrysbaycheese.co.nz
;
Christchurch-Akaroa Rd; cheese $7-11; 9am-5pm)
Situated
close to where the main road hits Akaroa Harbour (12km from Akaroa), this enticing
cheesery handcrafts and sells fine cheddar, maasdam and gouda. Crackers and chutney are
available for a spontaneous seaside snack.
CHEESE FACTORY
$
Akaroa Fish & Chips
(59 Beach Rd; mains $6-19; 11am-8pm)
Order takeaways and sit by the ocean, or grab a table
and tuck into blue cod, scallops, oysters and other assorted deep-fried goodness. Either
way, keep a close eye on the local posse of eager cats and seagulls.
FISH & CHIPS
$
Vangionis
( 03-304 7714;
www.vangionis.co.nz
;
40f Rue Lavaud; tapas $7-19, mains $25-39; 5-10pm Wed-Sun)
Thin-
crust pizzas, tapas, pasta and Canterbury beers and wines all feature at this Tuscan-style
trattoria. Try to secure a table in the lovely olive tree and lavender-lined courtyard.
Takeaway pizzas are also available.
ITALIAN
$$
