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
B&B $$$
( 03-304 7239;
www.coombefarm.co.nz
;
18 Old Le Bons Track, Takamatua Valley; d $160-180;
)
Choose between staying in the private and romantic Shepherd's Hut - complete with an
outdoor bath - or in the historic farm house, now lovingly restored and dotted with inter-
esting contemporary art and Asian antiques. After breakfast you can negotiate the farm's
private forest and stream walkway.
Eating & Drinking
Barrys Bay Cheese
CHEESE FACTORY $
( 03-304 5809;
www.barrysbaycheese.co.nz
; Christchurch-Akaroa Rd; cheese $7-11;
9am-5pm)
Situated close to where the main road hits Akaroa Harbour (12km from
Akaroa), this enticing cheesery handcrafts and sells fine cheddar, maasdam and gouda.
Crackers and chutney are available for a spontaneous seaside snack.
Akaroa Fish & Chips
FISH & CHIPS $
(59 Beach Rd; mains $6-19; 11am-8pm)
Order takeaways and sit by the ocean, or grab a
table and tuck into blue cod, scallops, oysters and other assorted deep-fried goodness.
Either way, keep a close eye on the local posse of eager cats and seagulls.
Vangionis
ITALIAN $$$
( 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.
Bully Hayes
CAFE $$$
