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Akaroa Criterion Motel

Motel Information

Contact Details

75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa

0800 AKAROA (0800 252 762)

www.holidayakaroa.com

Fire Safety

In the unlikely event of a fire, please leave your room and exit the building using the closest stairs and assemble in the car park.

Beach Towels

We provide complimentary beach towels for your water adventures. These can be borrowed from reception or find them in the canvas bag hanging in your room. We ask that you please do NOT take any towels from your room to the beach.

Car Parks

The car park can be accessed off Rue Jolie. There are plenty of car parks, but the undercover parks are a first in first served basis.

Checkout

We would appreciate it if you could vacate your room by 11 am.

Energy Switch

To conserve energy, the key to enter your room has a card that needs to be inserted into the switch block inside the door of your unit. This provides power to the lights and air conditioning unit.

Grocery Store

The Four Square is located at 72 Rue Lavaud and has all your grocery needs. This is only a short walk around the corner.

Summer hours: 8 am-8 pm Monday-Sunday

Winter hours: Sunday – Friday 8 am – 6.30 pm, Saturday 8 am – 7 pm

Wifi

Wifi is available in each room – an access code will be provided on arrival.

Laundry

The guest laundry is available daily from 1 pm until 6 pm on the ground floor behind the office.

There is a washing machine (please use the washing machine on the left-hand side) and a small dryer available. Please ask at reception before using.

  • Washing machine - $2 per wash
  • Dryer - $2 per wash
  • Washing Powder - $1
Alternatively, there are drying racks that you can take up to your room.

 

Maintenance

If you find any faults, please report them to the reception, and we will endeavour to amend them immediately.

Pets

With the exception of assistive dogs, we do not allow pets in our rooms.

Room Service

Your room will be serviced every second day. In appreciation for not servicing your room, we will donate $5 to the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust on your behalf. Complimentary milk is supplied at check-in. Extra milk can be purchased from our office or the grocery store just around the corner.

Smoking

All of our units are strictly smoke-free. Please do NOT smoke in the units or on the outside balconies.

Equipment for Children

If you need we can provide a portacot and high chair. Just contact us at reception.

Akaroa Information

Emergency

For any emergency, please dial 111.

Local services contacts are:

  • Police - (03)304-1030
  • Fire - (03)304-7201

Local Doctor

Akaroa Health Centre, 110 Rue Jolie, Akaroa

(03)304 7004

Bank Services

The Bank of New Zealand provides a safe and secure ATM service beside the 4 Square and is available 24 hours.

Menu

Continental Breakfast

Our continental breakfast gets rave reviews!

It includes;

  • Toast and spreads (including butter)
  • Yoghurt
  • Fresh fruit
  • Cereal
  • Tinned fruit
  • Milk
  • Orange juice

$16.00 per person

To order, please fill out the form on the desk before 6 pm the night you would like to receive it, or contact us at reception on 0800 AKAROA.

Akaroa Socials (2) (1)

Cheese Platter

Barrys Bay cheeses, crackers/baguette and Barkers Chutney.

Best enjoyed on the balcony during sunset.

$35.00

Places To Eat

Ma Maison

It's one of Akaroa's hidden gems that just so happens to be our neighbour. With an open fire, bi-fold doors, and breathtaking waterfront views overlooking Daly's wharf, Ma Maison is a dream location serving local produce that is less than a minute from our location. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and a la carte Dining from 11.00 am.

  • 2 Rue Jolie, Banks Peninsula 7520
  • Phone 03 304 7668 - www.mamaison.co.nz

Little Bistro

The Little Bistro focuses on providing sustainable, local, and seasonal bistro cuisine, which highlights our connection to Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula. It is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. Out of respect for other diners, they don't take children under 10 years old.

  • 33a Rue Lavaud, Akaroa
  • Phone 03 304 7314 

The Medeira Pub

These guys take pride in having the best burgers in Akaroa. Enjoy fresh, locally caught fish and steaks cooked to perfection—a delicious take on pub meals at great prices.

Peninsula General Store

Organic, international and gourmet foods can be found here at your lunch stop. Cabinets are stocked with freshly made sandwiches and baking daily, with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

40E Rue Lavaud, Akaroa

Fish & Chips

Well, this one is tricky! We'd love your opinion.

You can try:

  • Kai moana Takeaways, 7 Church Street
  • Akaroa Fish & Chips, 55 Beach Road

Crater Rim Cafe

For the best breakfast, lunch and morning coffee, pop next door to the Crater Rim Cafe. Seasonal and served with attitude cuisine plus freshly made rolled ice cream.

Things To Do

Swim with the dolphins

Our rare and endangered Hector Dolphins are an important part of our environment.

If you'd like to enjoy an up-close and personal encounter with them, you have many options. We recommend Ecoseaker, a family-owned local business that departs from Dalys Wharf, just a minute's walk from where we are.

Akaroa Cooking School

A definite highlight. If you'd like to learn how to prepare a full menu using beautiful local produce in a relaxed and fun environment, then add this one to the list. Bookings essential (and these book up fast).

  • 81 Beach Rd, Akaroa
  • 021 166 3737

The Giants House

The happiest place on earth! An eclectic house and gardens noted for his whimsical mosaic sculptures. It is a magical place to explore while finding all the colourful sculptures that are fun and full of surprises. It is only a 750m walk from where we are, but it is up an incline, so allow a little more time if walking.

70 Rue Bulguerie, Akaroa

Pohatu Penguins

Pohatu Penguins offers unique nature and sea kayak and 4WD tours in Akaroa. Guided by a local family of conservationists with over 30 years of experience, you're in good hands. They provide various tours and packages to suit your adventure level. They can also take you on a tour of the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.

Free Activities

Children’s Bay Walk

There are so many amazing walks around Akaroa! Our favourite is Children's Bay, which leads gently to the top of the hill through forests and native bush with sculptures along the way. The rhino at the top is well worth the hike, along with the stunning views.

Come and speak to us for lots of walk ideas and directions or visit the link below

Akaroa Museum

Akaroa Museum is focused on the history of the Banks Peninsula. Its varied collections include archives, art, photography, costume and textiles, taonga and technology.

Garden of Tane

A beautiful reserve was established as the Akaroa Domain, and its plantings date back to the 1870s. With many tracks leading to different parts, this garden is an adventure. Stick to the main tracks for easy walks with prams, or explore the narrow paths for an off-the-beaten-track experience.

Rue Jolie and Onuku Rd

Akaroa Lighthouse

After visiting the Garden of Tane, wander along the waterfront to find the Akaroa Lighthouse (10 minutes from the main wharf). This is a free attraction, although on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can go inside for $2.50 for adults and 50c for children, with all funds going to the preservation of the Lighthouse.

Barrys Bay Cheese Tasting

Jump in the car and go to Barrys Bay for a cheese-tasting session. We say this activity is free, but it's hard not to resist purchasing some take-home delights. The store is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas Day.

  • 5807 Christchurch-Akaroa Rd, Duvauchelle
  • 03 304-5809

Akaroa Playground

Just across the road from us, with stunning views of the waterfront and many handy coffee shops, this park is a must for young families. For more family friends spots, please come and chat with us.