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Blythcliffe is a superb, 160 yr old grand house, set in 3 acres of extensive, private grounds - right in the heart of the historic French settlement village of Akaroa. We are Akaroa's oldest and most loved grand, heritage house and have a Category 1 listing with Heritage New Zealand,Pouhere Tahonga. We are an easy, flat stroll to all of our excellent cafes, restaurants and swimming beach and centrally located for trips further afield on the stunning Banks Peninsula. Three guest accommodations are available: The Stables, a very spacious, extremely comfortable and completely private apartment, is adjacent to the main house with its own grape lined sunny courtyard. The Willow Room with ensuite and Rose Room with private bathroom are both in the main house with access to our first floor balcony and views across the croquet lawn to the harbour beyond. Included in all rates is the famous Blythcliffe Breakfast, served in our heritage dining room. Fresh fruits, organic yoghurt, cereal, freshly baked croissants, great, real coffee and cooked food to order, including eggs freshly laid by our chickens in the garden and our delicious Akaroa smoked salmon omelette.
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Great hospitality very welcoming. Nice clean rooms and comfy bed. Balcony to sit out on looking over the lovely garden, and forest area to explore. Great breakfast left feeling rejuvenated. Thanks John and Lesley.
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling with a toddler, we were a little nervous staying at a B&B, but John and Lesley made us feel welcome right from our arrival through our 3 night stay. From showing our little one around the property (doves, chickens, and eels... so exciting!), to provide extra blankets and towels for her to sleep on the couch, to friendly questions and suggestions each day, they made it a great experience. The accommodations in the stables were comfortable and it was easy to feel "at home" with amenities and kitchen set-up. The breakfast was amazing... beautiful and delicious and locally sourced. It's been months and I am still remembering the scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, and thick toast. Really can't ask for more! We loved the Akaroa area as well, and this location was a perfect jumping off point for other adventures and exploration nearby. Thank you for the lovely hospitality Lesley and John! Grateful that our journey brought us your way. We look forward to returning in coming years!…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The weather wasn’t great but staying at Blythcliffe made up for that. Set in stunning grounds that now has a real autumn feel. Lots of pieces of art scattered around the grounds just adds to the atmosphere. We were upgraded to the best room as we were the only guests. Beautiful with kitchen and dining table - we could have had a dinner party! The breakfast was excellent with homemade crossiants. Cannot recommend this highly enough.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The most delightful experience to complete the ambience of Akaroa. John and Lesley were 19/19 hosts and were very pleasant to make everything beautiful. Excellent beds, excellent food excellent comfort.
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Date of stay: April 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Take 2+ nights for the experience, book in advance. MAY JUNE is awesome
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazing location, beautiful setting, excellent breakfast. Comfortable room, a bit small, but adequate. Very hot weekend, proved difficult as no air con in the room (not a surprise for a heritage building). Stunning grounds, access to balcony and sitting room.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is the bed and breakfast that everyone fantasizes about: charming gardens, gracious and helpful hosts, beautiful trails on the three acre property. John and Leslie are extremely accommodating and eager to share their love of the Banks peninsula. They served freshly baked croissants, fruit salad and cereals along with eggs cooked to order and local smoked salmon and local bacon for breakfast. Blythecliff is one block from the Main Street of Akaroa shops, kayaking and 1/2 mile from dolphin cruise boats. We stayed in The Stables room which was totally renovated 9 years ago. Brand new bathroom and full kitchen, king bed with lovely linens. Breakfast on the dining room with beautiful red and white China. Leslie irons the linen napkins for each day. I hated to leave.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Avoid days when cruise ships arrive; check online for cruise ship dates.
Parking is easy.
Ma...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This historic homestead is set in a delightful garden with native bush. The house is furnished with quaint period pieces with flair for design evident. The hosts are very knowledgeable on the area and places to see. The bed was comfy with quality linen. The breakfast was amazing with all needs catered for and more with delightful crockery and napkins. Easy walk to town shops eating places and the sea. The stay of two nights met all expectations and was great value.
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Date of stay: April 2022
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Service
Room Tip:one room has ensuite
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A beautiful historic house, set in beautiful grounds, with lots of gorgeous antiques and art throughout. A short walk to shops and eateries. We stayed in the Rose room inside the house, upstairs. Beautiful view. You had to go outside the bedroom, past another bedroom to get to our bathroom, so take a dressing gown or used those kindly provided to use while there. The small lounge area next to the bedroom, which opens out to the balcony, is shared with the other guests in the house, so you have to keep the curtains shut during the day for privacy. The breakfast was amazing, and catered easily for my dairy free needs. The hosts Lesley and John were friendly and welcoming. No TV or wifi, but ok for a couple of days. Highly recommend this place. Thanks John and Lesley for your kind hospitality 😊…
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I stayed just for 1 night. The B&B is a lovely very old homestead on a large garden site that is within walking distance of most restaurants. The breakfast was fabulous with a wide range of options.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We popped in on the day of our stay and the hosts were very accommodating. They had a room available and showed us around. The place was fabulous, room very comfortable and cosy and had all the little extras. Loved the tea room, it was especially quaint. Breakfast was delicious, both continental and cooked options. Couldn't ask for anything more. Great value for money. Would definitely be back when in the area.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.