The Bearded Poet

The Bearded Poet

Lyttelton Harbour, Canterbury

The Bearded Poet (formerly The Fisherman's Hut) is set on Banks Peninsula, just under an hour from Christchurch City.

The hut is nestled along the rugged, wild coastline of Lyttelton Harbour within a unique volcanic landscape. Positioned only 20 metres from the rocky shoreline, you’re graced with front-row ocean views.

Steeped in history, this hut was originally built during the Depression in the early 1930s. It is still clad in the original flattened kerosene tins.

Now beautifully restored, in keeping with its era, the hut is filled with old worldly charm. It features two bedrooms - ‘The Captain’s Room’ with an oceanside view. The cosy lounging space is thoughtfully embellished to complement the surroundings and history. Winter days call for the glow of the fireplace, a wool rug, and hot tea as you snuggle in with your favourite novel. The deck overlooks the water, allowing you to relax to the soothing sounds of the waves, and watch the boats as they come and go, as do the tides. If you’re lucky, the Hector Dolphins and Orcas may just grace you. The bathroom is in a separate privy, and a lovely outdoor clawfoot bath is nearby for a hot soak overlooking the Ocean after salty swims.

Forage mussels right outside the hut for a fisherman’s feast, cast a fishing line and test your luck. The private Historic Pack Track hike is a must-do, taking in the breathtaking views of Godley Head and the Southern end of the harbour. You may just find your version of Wonder here.

FROM $340

  • Sleeps 4
ADDRESS
 

440 Camp Bay Road, Port Levy 8972

LOCATION
 

The Bearded Poet is set on Lyttelton Harbour on Banks Peninsula, just under an hour from Christchurch City.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address.

Access to The Bearded Poet is a short five-minute drive down the track. You'll need to be transported by your hosts in a Farm Buggy and once you've been dropped off - you'll be there until your hosts arrive to collect you on the day of departure. However, if you wish to return to your car during your stay, you can walk back along the track, approximately 10 minutes each way.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

For safety reasons, guests are temporarily unable to drive their own vehicles up to the hut until the driveway has been repaired.

The Bearded Poet

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1. Introduction

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  • eating and drinking

    The Bearded Poet is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the two-burner cooktop. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    Looking for a break from cooking? Why not try some fantastic dining options nearby. Two Thumb Brewing Co is a quick 15-minute drive and is known for its use of high-quality, locally sourced beers and tasty food. Orton Bradley Cafe, 15 minutes away, opens its doors every Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:30pm and also accepts takeaway orders every Friday night for delicious pizzas (must order before 1pm). Governor's Bay Pub at Ōtoromiro Hotel is a 25-minute drive, available for lunch and dinner.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is the Four Square supermarket in Diamond Harbour, 15 minutes away.

  • things to do

    At the property, you can explore and swim by the rocky shores just outside the hut, or have some fun with the board games, or cards.

    Gather your mussels on the rocky shoreline at low tide for a delicious treat later in the evening. There's also a private track up the hill to a gorgeous lookout point, taking around 20 minutes each way. And if you feel like doing nothing, simply listening to the crashing waves is a lovely way to relax.

    Camp Bay Beach is only a 10-minute scenic walk across the farm from the hut. It's a beautiful sandy wave beach, with safe swimming, boogie boarding, and sunbathing areas.

    Hike the private Historic Pack Track to the other Bay at Little Port Copper - a 1.5 hour walk each way. Please note this track is closed from August until November during lambing season. The track leads to a picturesque beach, where a settlement was built in 1883, with only the Old School House remaining. More info is provided in your welcome guide in the cabin.

    Book your ticket with Black Cat Ferry Cruises and travel to the town of Lyttelton, a mere 10-minute trip. from the ferry jetty brings you to the heart of Lyttelton, a town filled with walking tracks, picnic spots, island escapes, quirky cafes, farmers' markets (every Saturday morning until 1pm), playgrounds, and many historical gems. With ferry departures every hour, the journey is both convenient and scenic.' 

    After your day of adventure, unwind with a long, hot soak in the outdoor bath. With a glass of your favourite drink in hand, let the soothing warmth wash away any lingering tension, leaving you feeling utterly relaxed.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at The Bearded Poet are Wendy, Alex, and their two young daughters - Indie and Heidi.

    Having lived on the property for three years, the family were looking for a change that would ignite their creativity and purpose. Alex, who is a Farmer and Builder by trade, found his perfect match in the historic hut nestled on their land. Meanwhile, Wendy, a Graphic Designer, envisioned a business that incorporated design, marketing, and a purposeful mission.

    The Bearded Poet is steeped in history, having been built during the 1930s Depression era. Alex has renovated the hut, turning it into a testament to their journey and a unique charming space for others to enjoy.

Testimonials

  • "

    Peaceful, clean and loved the authentic feeling.

    "

    Helen Harris - 08 May 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    We had a beautiful stay! Such a perfect getaway, just a short drive from Christchurch. Wendy and Alex were lovely hosts, very responsive, and they have put so much work into making their place immaculate, which we really appreciated! We didn't want to leave. 10/10 would recommend, and hopefully we can come back again soon.

    "

    Holly McIntosh - 07 May 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Absolutely stunning cabin, exquisitely restored with great care and love, in a picture book setting. Perfectly kitted out, and with the amazing view from every window and front deck it was so hard to want to leave the cabin! Wonderful hosts with great recommendations. Very much hope to return!

    "

    Allison Lindell - 28 Apr 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    We had the most relaxing time at The Bearded Poet, it was perfect and just what we needed. Everything was so thought out and we enjoyed just looking through all the books and bits and pieces. The outdoor bath was divine and perfect on a cooler autumn day. The bed was so comfy and the fireplace kept us toasty warm. 10/10 experience – we didn’t want to leave. Thank you.

    "

    Rebecca Duncan - 21 Apr 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    The Bearded Poet is such a magical stay. The love and thought that has been poured into the renovation and interior decoration in this hut is nothing short of incredible. The serene landscape and foraging for mussels topped off our stay, along with our most gracious hosts, Wendy and Alex!

    "

    Teresa Wong - 13 Apr 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    An unforgettable two nights at The Bearded Poet. Like stepping back in time but with all the amenities! Swimming, relaxing, hiking, sitting by the fire, whale watching. A very special place.

    "

    George Tatham - 10 Apr 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    Amazing location. Perfect accommodation, very clean and comfortable. Fantastic and very helpful hosts.

    "

    Emma Sammon - 18 Mar 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    My partner and I have stayed at many Canopy Camping escapes, and The Bearded Poet is by far the best escape we have stayed at. Best setting and atmosphere. Best hosts. Best facilities and extremely clean. Staying at The Bearded Poet, the perception is that you are hours away from anything. The reality is, you are only 50 minutes away from the Christchurch CBD. You don’t have to travel hours to get to a Marlborough-type setting and atmosphere. You get The Bearded Poet on the back doorstep of Christchurch. We will be back. 10 out of 10. Thank you Wendy and Alex.

    "

    Nathan Dargan - 09 Mar 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    This little cabin, right on the shoreline, was a dream. It was charming, comfortable and so secluded. We swam in the ocean, walked the hills and relaxed on the deck with the most beautiful view. The host is lovely and very welcoming. We would highly recommend this little escape.

    "

    Emma Finlay - 07 Mar 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    We had the most incredible stay at this lovely little slice of paradise. We had so much fun diving for mussels and swimming in the bay. We even did some fishing and caught a snapper! Can't wait to come back again someday.

    "

    Maggie Jorgensen - 28 Feb 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    We’ve stayed in many getaways across New Zealand, but this was by far the best. An unmatched experience staying steps away from the waterfront, completely isolated in your own little private bay – it was magical! The cabin was unbelievably gorgeous, with details in every single corner. It was clean, comfortable, and cosy. The most incredible experience we’ve ever had!

    "

    Yasmin Alsagoff - 22 Jan 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    Enjoyed our stay very much and was taken with the excellent work done in reinstating the hut to its original condition, but with modern touches. It felt like we’d stepped back into the era. The location was awesome; it felt very private. Thanks to Wendy for being a great host.

    "

    Peter Plaskett - 19 Jan 2025

    12 / 12

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