***Note that Lavericks Bay Camp can only accommodate four guests during the months of June, July and August. During this period the camp is not suitable for children under 7 years***
With the campsite only a 15-minute meander (or 3-minute drive) down to a beautiful secluded beach, glamping at Lavericks Bay on Banks Peninsula is something pretty special.
Rich in history, the scenic bay is set on a 1000 hectare sheep and beef farm, which has been in the same family since the 1850s.
The campsite is set on a sunny spot on the farm. It has two, thoughtfully decorated tents both with wood burners, and a camp kitchen and bathroom. With a dedicated communal area, the campsite is perfectly set up for two families, or a group of friends holidaying together. A four-person hot tub offers the ultimate outdoor soaking-under-the-stars experience.
Enjoy long, warm days swimming and playing in the soft sand on the safe beach. When the tide is low, there are rock pools exposed for young kids, (and kids at heart!) to explore. You may even get a glimpse of a rare Hectors dolphin or seal - frequent visitors to Lavericks Bay.
In the evening, gather at the campsite, or take a picnic basket down to the beach for a glass of wine and toast marshmallows around the campfire.
If you're dying for a chance to escape, relax and really reconnect with family and friends, make it an adventure too, and go glamping at Lavericks Bay!
FROM
$250
p/n
Sleeps
7
Child Friendly
A $50 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.
PLEASE NOTE: Lavericks Bay does not allow check-ins on a Saturday so please do not book for a Saturday arrival.
Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.
Please note, the road into Lavericks Bay is narrow and windy for the last half hour or so. While most Kiwi drivers will be familiar with this kind of road, overseas drivers should be aware and take extra care.
Lavericks Bay is set on Banks Peninsula, 1.75 hours from Christchurch and 35 minutes from Akaroa.
From Christchurch (drive time 1.75 hours):
Take SH75 towards Akaroa.
You will drive through Little River and then up a large hill. At the top of this hill turn left onto the Summit Road.
Follow this to Le Bons Bay and drive into the bay.
Just before you reach the beach you will see a signpost to Lavericks Bay.
Head up the shingle road. At the top turn right and drive over the cattle stop and down into Lavericks Bay.
Once you reach the valley floor drive over the bridge and go straight ahead over the cattlestop.
The road then turns left and you will see the campsite less than 1km ahead on your left.
Either drive over the cattle stop, turn left and park (then walk over the creek to the campsite); or if you have a 4WD and the creek is not too high, drive on a little further and drive over the creek and park at the site. If it has been particullary wet we'll be in touch to get you across safely.
From Akaroa (drive time 35 minutes):
Drive out of Akaroa.
At the top of the hill, before turning into Takamatua, turn off SH75 and head up the Long Bay Road (this will be sign posted to Le Bons Bay).
Follow this to Le Bons Bay and drive into the bay.
Just before you reach the beach you will see a signpost to Lavericks Bay.
Head up the shingle road. At the top turn right and drive over the cattle stop and down into Lavericks Bay.
Once you reach the valley floor drive over the bridge and go straight ahead over the cattlestop.
The road then turns left and you will see the campsite less than 1km ahead on your left.
Either drive over the cattle stop, turn left and park (then walk over the creek to the campsite); or if you have a 4WD and the creek is not too high, drive on a little further and drive over the creek and park at the site. If it has been particularly wet we'll be in touch to get you across safely.
The campsite sleeps up to 7 people across two tents.
Tent one contains a queen-size bed and a single day bed.
Tent two is set up as a cosy living area as well as a sleeping tent. It contains 2 single day beds and a queen futon.
Full linen, towels and bedding are supplied. The queen beds are made up of 100% cotton linen. The linen for the day bed and trundler with be provided. All beds have either wool or feather duvets.
We think the campsite best suits either one to two families, 2 couples or up to 6 adults, depending on your sleeping preferences.
Note that the campsite only has room for one infant with a BYO portacot per booking. There is enough room for a portacot in the tent with a queen-size bed and single day bed. There is not enough room for a portacot in the second tent. You'll also need to bring your own portacot if you are booking with an infant.
Cooking is done on a weber gas BBQ (with hood), and a gas ring is available for cooking in the camp kitchen. There is a covered outdoor space with bench space for preparing food and dishes. Hot water is supplied via LPG gas bottles. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided.
For cool food storage, a heavy-duty chilly bin has been provided for your use, complete with cold icepacks. In addition, a normal chilly bin is also provided for your use. If your stay is more than a few nights, you are welcome to refresh the icepacks with some stored at Harriet and Lloyd’s house, in their garage (just up the road).
The camp bathroom has a flushing toilet, basin, shower and hot water. There is an outdoor bath for the ultimate atmospheric soak and a hot tub for the whole family to enjoy.
The campsite at Lavericks Bay is completely off-the-grid, so there is no electric power source. Energy for hot water and cooking is supplied via LPG gas bottles. LED lanterns provide lighting. Guests are welcome to recharge devices at Harriet and Lloyd's house.
No - Mobile phone reception is not available at the campsite, but Telecom reception is available after a 5 min drive, while Vodafone and 2 Degrees reception is a 20-minute drive away. Harriet and Lloyd are happy to provide their phone number so campers can be reached if necessary. Phones can be charged at Harriet and Lloyd's house.
Lavericks Bay is open for stays during the colder shoulder season, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping!
Lavericks Bay has lots of warm bedding, a wood burner in each tent, and lots of other elements to make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in winter, bring your sense of adventure, brush up on your fire-lighting skills, and be prepared for the elements!
Lavericks Bay is a strictly 'no dog' campsite (with no exceptions) and is not suitable for horses.
If you're looking for dog or horse-friendly glamping, check out some of our other Canopy Camping Escapes sites that welcome dogs and horses - you can select the relevant filter in the search bar to easily find them.
You've got your own little spot at Lavericks Bay, well away from the main house and farm cottages - however, the campsite at Lavericks Bay is set on a working farm, so expect some farm activity depending on the season. The campsite is set about a 15 minute walk from the beach and reasonably close to the farm track that runs up to the woolshed, so you may see some coming and going from time to time.
The campsite can sleep a maximum of 7 people across two tents and is only available to a single group to book at a time, regardless of the number of people, or tents used.
Please note that the road into Lavericks Bay is narrow and windy for the last half hour or so. While most Kiwi drivers will be familiar with this kind of road, overseas drivers should be aware and take extra care.
Once you get there, the campsite is a scenic drive into the property on a metal road and a wee walk over a creek (bring your gumboots!). Or if you have a 4WD you can drive over the creek and park right at the campsite. You are welcome to come and go as much as you please.
Food and drink - make sure you bring all the food and drink you need for your stay, including tea, coffee, cooking oil etc.
An extra chilly bin - especially if you're a large group.
Gumboots or other suitable footwear for crossing the creek to get to the campsite.
Walking shoes or boots - if you'd like to go for a walk on the property.
Warm clothes - it can be very chilly in the mornings and at night. A warm jersey and long pants are a must.
Shower and bath toiletries - don’t forget your eco-friendly bubble bath if you’re partial to froth in your outdoor bath!
Insect repellent and Sunscreen - a must-have!
Extra torches - we supply plenty of lanterns and some solar-powered lights but it pays to bring a few extra torches. Head torches can be particularly handy.
Sleeping bags for children - we supply a bottom sheet, pillowcase and pillow for children or full linen if requested. Extra duvets are available.
Towels for swimming - bring some spare beach towels for taking off the property to swim.
Lavericks Bay is a working sheep and beef farm, so for the safety of all concerned, it’s very important to follow the safety guidelines and terms that you’ll find in our booking terms and in your Tent Information Pack. These terms and guidelines include:
Visitors stay at their own risk, this is a working farm with hazards both farm-related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural.
Leave gates as you find them.
Animals are unpredictable - best to avoid them.
Extreme caution driving in and out of the property - speed limit on the property is 15km p/h.
Supervise young children carefully. There are specific water hazards for young children on the property - for example, water troughs and streams.
For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter the woolshed or other buildings on the property.
Yes. There is a $30 fee to use the hot tub which covers the cost of the gas used to heat it. If you'd like to use the hot tub during your stay, please make sure you select this service during the booking process.
There is also an outdoor bath supplied for those that don't wish to pay this additional fee, but would still like to soak alfresco!
There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.
Single nights are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online with a $50 Single Night Surcharge applicable.
Public Holiday Weekends:
The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies for Lavericks Bay.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Lavericks Bay.
All Year Round:
There is a standard minimum stay period of 2 nights.
Single nights are only allowed where there is a one night gap between bookings. One night gaps between bookings will be made available to book online with a $50 Single Night Surcharge applicable.
Public Holiday Weekends:
The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend, etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights. There are sometimes longer minimum stay periods across Christmas and New Year and these will be specified in the online availability calendar.
Peak Summer: Dec/Jan/Feb:
The rate for the this period is $295 per night for up to two people.
Additional people are $40 per adult, per night and $25 per child (7-16 years). An infant under 12 months with BYO portacot and bedding is free, otherwise per child rate applies. (Note there is only enough room for one portacot).
Shoulder Seasons (March/April and Oct/Nov):
Weekend (Fri/Sat) night rates are $295 per night for up to two people.
A special midweek rate of $280 per night, for up to two people, applies outside public holidays.
Additional people are $40 per adult, per night and $25 per child (7-16 years). An infant under 12 months with BYO portacot and bedding is free, otherwise per child rate applies. (Note there is only enough room for one portacot).
Off-Peak (1 May to 30 September):
The standard nightly rate for winter is $270for up to two people.
There is a special midweek rate of $250 for up to two people.
Additional people are $40 per adult, per night and $25 per child (7-16 years). An infant under 12 months with BYO portacot and bedding is free, otherwise per child rate applies. (Note there is only enough room for one portacot).
***Note that Laverick's Bay Camp can only accommodate four guests during the months of June, July and August. Also during this period the camp is not suitable for children under 7 years***
Single Night Surcharge:
Where single nights are bookable (see Minimum Stay Periods) a Single Night Surcharge of $50 applies. Please apply this during the online booking process.
The Single Night Surcharge applies to all one night stays, even when there is only one night available. By their nature, glamping sites are more remote and time-consuming to service than more standard accommodation types. Therefore, in order to cover the costs and time involved, a Single Night Surcharge is applicable to all one night stays.
There is a $30 fee to use the hot tub which covers the cost of the gas used to heat it. If you'd like to use the hot tub during your stay, please make sure you select this service during the booking process.
There is also an outdoor bath supplied for those that don't wish to pay this additional fee, but would still like to soak alfresco!
Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for use at any of our Canopy Camping Escapes glamping sites. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.
2.1Canopy Camping reserves the right to cancel the booking in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as:
(a) Extreme weather conditions that mean accessing or staying may pose a safety risk for the guest;
(b) Any alteration to the host property which may pose a safety risk for the guest;
(c) Unexpected damage or destruction of the site;
(d) A death in the host families.
Canopy Camping’s liability will be limited to refund of booking cost and under no circumstances shall extend to any other incidental or other costs incurred by the client. In the unlikely event that Canopy Camping must exercise this option it will use its best endeavours to offer either a full refund, or to alter the booking to another date, or site at no additional cost or penalty.
2.2 Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 21 days prior to your arrival.
2.3 Cancellation or date changes by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.
2.4 Date changes made more than 21 days prior to your original arrival date are allowed without penalty.
3.1 Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you enter the property at your own risk to participate in a glamping holiday.
3.2 Participation in activities such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.
3.3 Canopy Camping Escapes accept no liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury whilst on your stay.
No pets are allowed unless otherwise specified on the website listing. Most accommodation is situated on working farms and therefore are not suitable for visiting pets.
GST of 15% (where the accommodation is GST-registered) is included in the daily per night cost. A tax receipt will be supplied by Canopy Camping Escapes if requested.
6.1 Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.
6.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the accommodation.
6.3 Guests shall take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects in or on the property and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period.
6.4 Guests are required to inform the owner of any damage or breakage in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next guests. Guests are bound to reimburse the owners for replacement or repair.
6.5 Where the property has not been left in the same state of condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, the guest will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100.
6.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.
6.7 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consultation with Canopy Camping Escapes.
The person who completes the Booking Form certifies that: he or she is authorised to agree the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; the signatory is over eighteen years of age; they agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property, and to notify Canopy Camping Escapes if they are not a member of the holiday party.
Eating and Drinking
Lavericks Bay is self-catering. Just bring your own food and chilly-bin and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.
If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Akaroa is a 35-minute drive away and filled with delicious places to eat out.
The nearest shop selling food and alcohol is the Akaroa Four Square. Akaroa also has some fantastic alternative food outlets, like the local butcher and deli.
Things To Do
Private. Beach. Need we say more? Swim, fish, go rock hopping at low tide, bring your outdoor equipment and kayak, boogie board, surf or paddleboard. Have a beach campfire and toast marshmallows or sausages on a stick. Go skinny dipping! The options are endless.
Walk over farmland, or bring your bike and head up some of the farm tracks. There are some excellent and challenging mountain bike tracks for enthusiasts! No outdoor equipment is provided by Lavericks Bay at this stage, so if this sounds like fun, make sure you bring your own.
At the campsite, there are board games, cards and books. Relax on your daybed with a blanket and a good book, or soak in the hot tub for a spot of stargazing. Bring a guitar and enjoy a good 'ol sing-song round the fire.
There's plenty to keep you entertained on the property, but if you feel like treating yourself to lunch out, the pretty town of Akaroa is a short but scenic 35-minute drive away. The local area offers plenty of activities too - with kayak and bike rental, the Akaroa Cooking School and dolphin & nature cruises.
Your Hosts
Lavericks Bay is a farm with a rich family history. Harriet's parents were the 5th generation of family to farm there, and Harriet and her siblings have fond memories of the adventurous childhood they had growing up on the stunning property.
Harriet met Lloyd, who also grew up on a south island farm, at Lincoln University and after a few years of study, travel and working overseas, they were married at home at Lavericks Bay. When Harriet's parents retired, they took the opportunity to move back and farm the family property with Joe, their six week old baby. Daughters Scarlett and Willa followed soon after, and now the 7th generation of the family is enjoying the delights of the Lavericks Bay farming lifestyle.
The young family love their piece of Kiwi paradise - living by the sea and enjoying their beautiful soft sand beach. Welcoming and genuine, Harriet and Lloyd have a sincere desire to share their property with others...And they look forward to meeting you!
"
We enjoyed the peace and quiet, it was private and a unique place to stay.
"
- 20 Jan 2022
"
Peace and quiet away from the hustle of town, the views are just stunning and it has everything you need, a fun way to reconnect with your family over board games and beach time. We Loved it.
"
- 07 Dec 2021
"
Friendly hosts, great private location.
"
- 30 Nov 2021
"
Lavericks Bay is a piece of kiwi paradise. The location is stunning, the camp set up is perfect - hello wood fired hot tub AND an outdoor bath! The bed and bedding were luxurious however the absolute best part was no power or mobile phone coverage. Hands down the most relaxing trip away ever. We will definitely be back.
"
- 30 Nov 2021
"
Stunning location and views, peaceful place to really unwind. Amazing host, would def return.
"
- 28 Sep 2021
"
Lavericks Bay is a peaceful piece of paradise just on our back doorstep. Fantastic location - practically a private beach and great facilities (loved the hot tub!), along with the interesting history of the area, made for a wonderful weekend away.
"
Dene Lynch - 11 May 2021
"
Totally off the grid ... and we loved it. Wonderful memories made with the family. Especially time on the PRIVATE beach - such an amazing spot. Cant wait to return.
"
Clarinda Mckechie - 09 Mar 2021
"
Lavericks Bay is a beautiful spot and so peaceful. The only things you share the beach with are a variety of seabirds and a couple of seals. The campsite is well set up and had everything we needed. We had great weather and even managed a swim.
"
Nigel Windelburn - 15 Feb 2021
"
Very family friendly and lots of things to do with our kids. Did body boarding at the private beach, marshmallow bbq and also rode bike at the great farm track. Really relaxing in the hot tub in the evening and enough facilities for cooking. 3 days was bit short for us. One of the best stays ever.
"
Allan Kang - 09 Feb 2021
"
The beds were amazing, hot tub & outdoor bath great, beach was absolutely stunning and cool to see a working farm in operation.
Thanks for having us!
"
Abby Kuyk - 02 Feb 2021
"
Absolutely perfect location for a relaxing weekend
"
Christine Smith - 25 Dec 2020
"
This was such a great getaway. From the minute we arrived, we immediately felt relaxed. Everything about this place is amazing- the woodfired hot tub, the scenic location and the private beach. It is an amazing slice of New Zealand and well worth a visit.
"
Verity Blakemore - 20 Nov 2020
"
The location is ideal. The beach is private and a beaut spot. It’s great being a short drive to akaroa.
The beds are comfortable, tents are lovely and being in the hot tub by the farm is so fun and relaxing.
"
Amy Cholmondeley - 13 Nov 2020
"
We absolutely loved the pure escapism of the location mixed with everything we needed at the site to have a great time. Thank you so much!
"
Loren Heaphy - 09 Nov 2020
"
The campsite was really well set up and the sleeping tents were very comfortable. The kitchen area and bathroom were really nice and having the hot tub just topped off the weekend. Awesome weekend.
"
Chris Bennett - 17 Oct 2020
"
Stunning and remote setting. Really nice to spend some quality time with such peace. Would definitely recommend and will definitely return. If you're a light sleeper and it's windy, take ear plugs.
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