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Search Results For Akaroa

38 comments found that match your criteria   'All comments in Akaroa'

 
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Date Reviewed   Rating

May 2009 		Paua Bay Farmstay  - Reviewed by Paul Barton
First, Sue and Murray Johns are to be commended for the being the most splendid host's we've ever encountered :) Their farmstay is every bit worth the drive and true to the beautiful photos on their website. My wife and I (26-27 yrs old) only had one autumn night to stay at Paua Bay and had just driven up from Dunedin that morning (7 hr drive). We walked up Baldwin street, played around on the Moeraki boulders, and after driving up and through some clouds, pulled in to Paua Bay Farmstay right around 4pm (GPS got us right to the door! as did the Johns emailed directions). Before reaching the cottage, we got to witness Murray driving the truck while Dan (the most well-trained and agile dog we've ever seen...leaping a good meter+ on and off the truck bed) herded sheep back onto the road. We were warmly greeted with smiles and hot tea, and were shown to the wonderfully decorated guest room. We immediately wished we had had another 2 weeks to relax there. Sitting down next to the sleeping cats on the sofa near the fireplace with a glass of wonderful red wine, we read some articles about the history and successes Sue and Murray had experienced. We learned SO much! Paua Bay was one of the first farmstay's ~25 years ago, and there was every sign that it would remain... the property having stayed in the family for 6 generations. It was intriguing to read about the history of Akaroa Harbour; we even found Murray's name listed 3 times in the index :) Before dark, Murray took us on the 4-wheel down to (near) the beach. My wife and I held on tight as Murray faithfully pushed the 4-wheeler to the very limits for which it was designed; Dan running along side, diving down into valleys and back again as if he knew every inch of the 900 acre property. We followed the steep sheep tracks down to the rocky bay and found several HUGE Paua shells and witnessed 30+ baby seals lounging on higher ground rocks, being guarded below by 5-10 adult seals. We walked the 25 minutes back to the house as the sun dipped down and the moon slowly rose. It was perfect. After dusk, we talked with Sue and Murray about how they met and their children's ambitions as Sue prepared a gorgeous feast: fresh baked bread, scalloped potatoes, tasty beef stew, and a delicious fruit torte. We heard tales of their 6-week trip to the US and got to hear Murray read the eloquent novel-like prose from his trip journal. A few more glasses of wine, and it was off to a heated bed: immensely comfortable. The hot shower the next morning felt luxurious. Although it rained a little the morning of our departure, we still got a personal tour of the sheep shearing facilities and a detailed family and New Zealand history of sheep. After driving 2100 km around the South Island, we had SOOO many questions about the 40,000,000 sheep in NZ :) We learned about how strenuous sheep sheering can be and all about the wool industry. We loved the personal history. Murray then drove us out to one of the paddocks where he let some very hungry cows onto fresh grass and connected an electric fence. We had a lot of interesting conversations about farming since some of my wife's family are farmers in Kansas. Murray recommended a great book to us that detailed the significance of grass farming (The Omnivore's Dilemma (C)2007) We happened upon a copy a couple weeks later in a Denver bookstore and read more interesting tidbits about New Zealand's sustainable approach to farming. We even had a chance to scrub down our shoes so as not to be stopped at customs before our flight later that day. We departed with hugs, dreaming of the day we'd return with our children. We recommend this farmstay to anyone who appreciates a quite place to take in breathtaking views with a good glass of wine, an amazing meal, and fantastic company. Our trip photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/gr8horizon/NewZealand5#
10.0

May 2009 		La Belle Villa  - Reviewed by Morison
Relaxing, beautifully authentic old place, clean, friendly hosts.
8.0

May 2009 		La Belle Villa  - Reviewed by Dan & Bev May
Absolutely wonderful place! A beautifully decorated charming home with lovely gardens and hosts who were over the top in helping us.
10.0

Mar 2008 		La Belle Villa  - Reviewed by Ewa & Kurt Furuskar
Fantastic stay!
10.0

Apr 2007 		Ohoka Meadows B&B / Gatehouse Cottage  - Reviewed by Val and Peter Gerdes
A fantastic place to stay.had a wonderful two weeks here. mary and Graeme are extremely kind.
10.0

Apr 2007 		Ohoka Meadows B&B / Gatehouse Cottage  - Reviewed by George and Kathy Wasley
Lovely '5Star' stay. We'll tell others as we travel on. Hope all goes well with you.
10.0

Mar 2007 		La Belle Villa  - Reviewed by A Burt
A warm welcome, all the help we needed, good company and a lovely land lady. What more could we ask for. We love New Zealand and the Kiwis.
10.0

Dec 2006 		LeLievre Farmstay  - Reviewed by Kirsty Hunter
Outstanding! Despite recovering from food poisening I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here with my Father in November 06. Hanne and Paul were a delight to spend time with and be looked after by. We felt totally relaxed and at home. Their farm is beautiful, and the dinner we shared with the family was delicious. Its good to know where your food comes from and Paul and Hanne could tell us all about the rearing of their animals and their ethics compared to other farmers means of delivering meat. oh and the beds were reeeally comforatble! Beautiful, fun, friendly and relaxing - Thank you!
9.0

Oct 2006 		Linton Of Akaroa  - Reviewed by Michelle Smith
A gorgeous place to relax and unwind. The creative and free flowing atmosphere of the beautiful gardens and art features made us feel like we were in another place and time - just what we needed. The service and value for money is fantastic. We highly recommend it !!
9.0

Oct 2006 		La Belle Villa  - Reviewed by Earl de Blouerille
100 B&B's later on 3 continents, I have finally found perfection. My advise - sell up & move into Belle Villa - comfort & hospitality to die for.
10.0