Book a midweek (Sunday - Thursday) stay between now and the 20th of December and get $40 off the standard rate!
Lavericks Bay - Camp
Banks Peninsula
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
Children welcome
Specials
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 or check-outs on a Saturday so please do not book for a Saturday arrival/departure.
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.
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 minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night) and during the main summer holiday period (20 December - 31 January).
Please note that during this period 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.
Weeknights:
Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) outside the periods specified above with a Single Night Surcharge of $50 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 Laverick's Bay Camp.
Our minimum night policies are strictly adhered to. Please note that there are no exceptions to the policies outlined below for Lavericks Bay Camp.
Weekends, Summer and School Holidays:
There is a minimum stay period of two nights on all weekends (Friday and Saturday night), during the summer period (20 December - 28 Feb) and during the school holidays.
Please note that during this period 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.
Weeknights:
Single nights can be booked during the week (Sunday - Thursday nights) outside the periods specified above with a Single Night Surcharge of $50 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 Laverick's Bay Camp.
Peak Summer: Dec/Jan/Feb:
The nightly rate during this period is $305 per night for up to two people.
Additional people are $40 per adult, per night and $25 per child (under 16 years).
Shoulder Seasons (March/April and Oct/Nov):
Weekend (Fri/Sat) night rates are $305 per night for up to two people.
A special midweek rate of $290 per night, for up to two people, applies outside public holidays.
Additional people are $40 per adult, per night and $25 per child (under 16 years).
Off-Peak (1 May to 30 September):
The standard nightly rate for winter is $280for 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).
Infants under 12 months with their own portacot and bedding are free of charge (note there is only enough room for one portacot).
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 escapes 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.
1.1 If you book within 28 days of your stay, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 days prior to your stay a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments.
1.2 Once you have made the online booking and payment, you will receive an email confirming both the payment and your booking details.
1.3 If you book more than 28 days prior to your stay, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 days prior to your arrival date. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your internet banking payment has not been received within 24 - 48 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment.
1.4 If you are unable to pay the balance before the stated due date, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.
1.5 Bookings made online within 48 hours of arrival will not be confirmed immediately. Once the campsite has agreed that the booking can be honoured, the guest will be informed by Canopy Camping Escapes and the credit card used for the online booking will be charged the full balance of the stay. Note that there is a 2.5% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) fee.
2.1 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.
2.2 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.
2.3 Date changes made more than 21 days prior to your original arrival date are allowed without penalty.
2.4 Force Majeure
Under our Force Majeure policy, you will be entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons:
Road closure. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by Waka Kotahi as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.
Metservice RED Weather Warning. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the Metservice has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure.
Natural disasters in New Zealand. Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.
Canopy Camping hosts reserve the right to cancel a 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) Any alteration to the host property which may pose a safety risk for the guest;
(b) Unexpected damage or destruction of the site;
(c) A death in the host family.
Canopy Camping’s liability will be limited to the 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.
4.1 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.
4.2 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.
4.3 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.
7.1 Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.
7.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the accommodation.
7.3 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.
7.4 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.
7.5 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.
7.6 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.
7.7 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!
"
Gorgeous location and setting, and the tent was super cosy and comfortable.
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- 28 Nov 2023
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Unique in every way and everything I wanted it to be for a chilled weekend with friends. I’ve never stayed at a better place than this. Simply stunning.
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- 28 Nov 2023
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Great place to stay. Loved the camp setup and its surroundings. We will hopefully be back!
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- 17 Oct 2023
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Lovely spot for a couple of nights catching up with friends!
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- 14 Oct 2023
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Phenomenal atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
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- 21 Sep 2023
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Unreal. Just unreal. We loved our stay, even in winter. We drove six hours and through snow to stay in a tent and we had the time of our lives. Cooked a feast, drunk great wine, and watched the stars from the tub. Perfect romantic escape. Can't wait to go back.
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- 23 Aug 2023
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This was the best family holiday ever in NZ. I was totally unaware of this little gem until now and we are so glad that we did this. Soaking in a hot tub under the stars, enjoying a private beach and having a great set-up in nature is just a few highlights. Must have this experience.
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- 22 Mar 2023
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Great spot with great facilities. Highly recommend.
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- 09 Mar 2023
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Lavericks Bay was well worth the visit. It rained for the majority of our stay but we still made the most of it using the outdoor bath and hot tub!! We also enjoyed a spot of fishing and looking for treasures and baby seals in the bay! Will definitely be returning when the sun is shining.
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- 04 Mar 2023
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Lavericks Bay Camp provides a lovely private setting on farmland with close beach access. The facilities were great with very comfortable bedding and a hot tub to relax in. We'd definitely return again for another stay. Thank you Harriet and family for providing such an amazing place for our weekend to remember.
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- 01 Mar 2023
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What an amazing and special location! We loved having the beach to ourselves and creating special family memories.
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- 08 Feb 2023
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We loved our time at Lavericks Bay! Super quick communication and lovely hosts. The whole place was gorgeous and we loved the hot tub and outdoor bath. Would recommend to anyone and would stay again!
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