Summary:
Welcome to Kukupa Puni at Akaroa Lavender. With a focus on organic, natural conservation, this tiny house New Zealand retreat offers you the pleasure of living surrounded by a bountiful whenua (land), teeming with over 30,000 native plants and over 5,000 lavender plants. A nature-based stay where you are accompanied by colourful flora (plants) fauna, including geckos, skinks, and native bird species such as the Kukupa, Korimako, and Pipipi.

The Space:
Kukupa Puni at Akaroa Lavender sits near the small town of Duvauchelle, just a 12-minute drive from the town of Akaroa. This Akaroa accommodation is in the region also known as Akaroa and the Bay which is renowned for its spectacular harbour, sightseeing, rare dolphins, and more.

A magical retreat with prime views out over the sea to the horizon, natural sunlight, and intimate space. During your stay, explore scenes featuring panoramic views of the sea in shades of blue, green, and teal panoramas of the sea. In Akaroa, you can meet Akaroa Dolphins, visit the historic Akaroa Lighthouse, explore the rugged crater rims around Akaroa Harbour, and enjoy native bush reserves like Hinewai Reserve.

Don't miss The Giants House—a renowned destination offering charming mosaic sculptures amidst its eclectic gardens, doubling as a bed & breakfast.

It's a cozy, well-equipped 139-square-foot tiny home with comfortable seating areas. With easy access to water, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking equipment, and excellent bathroom facilities. These amenities include an eco-friendly cassette toilet with a removable waste holding tank, hand basin, and shower (gas-heated for hot showers).

If you plan to spend your tiny house New Zealand retreat here, we advise that you bring your basic necessities, such as food and water during your stay with us. Thank you.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be advised that this is a working farm, and there may be some farm noise such as dogs, cattle, cars, and motorbikes during your stay. You will also need to walk uphill 5 minutes from the parking to the tiny house.

Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the tiny house, the lavender fields and walking tracks as shown on the map in the tiny home. Depending on farming activities, access to some areas may be temporarily restricted. Guests cannot access other private homes or the top of the property.

The Neighborhood:
Kukupa Puni at Akaroa Lavender is perched in Duvauchelle, a waterfront town offering peaceful views over the sea and is 10-15 minutes away from the historic seaside region of Akaroa or Akaroa and the Bay. Originally known as Kaitouna, Duvauchelle is a small French town situated at the head of Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula, known to entrance visitors with its historic buildings, bustling harbour, and fine food.

Our local recommendations:

Food scene

- The Duvauchelle Bar and Bistro ( 5 minutes drive away) is a local drinking hole by the sea.
- The Common in Akaroa (12 minutes drive away) is our favourite place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Akaroa Fish & Chips (12 minutes drive away) is popular for its authentic New Zealand fish and chips by the waterfront in Akaroa.
- French Farm Winery (about 10 minutes’ drive away) serves food with a stunning sea view surrounded by vibrant green hills while dining in a rose terrace garden.

Sightseeing

- Akaroa Golf Course (five minutes’ drive away) is just below the Tiny Home
- Akaroa Harbour lies in the heart of an ancient volcano, with a bay full of exciting nature excursions, food and views.
- Akaroa Dolphins in Akaroa provide an up-close encounter with Hector’s dolphins, a local treasure to the shallow waters of Akaroa.
- Onawe Peninsula (ten minutes drive away) is the plug of the ancient volcano in Duvauchelle and hosts magnificent views and walking trails around. Access is best at low tide.
- Christchurch Gondola is a noteworthy Christchurch experience, with sweeping, broad views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour, and beyond, you can even catch the the snow-capped Southern Alps.
- The Giants House in Akaroa, New Zealand, is a celebrated attraction known for its whimsical mosaic sculptures set amidst enchanting gardens. It also serves as a unique bed and breakfast experience.
- Hinewai Reserve around twenty minutes’ drive away is a privately owned nature reserve that is open to the public. Along with walking tracks streams and waterfalls, birds and insects, trees and ferns, views, and different valleys you can explore

Getting Around:
By car:

- From Christchurch, it's a 1 hour 20 minutes drive.
- Reachable by both 2WD and 4WD; 4WD is easier on the property’s access road.

By public transport:

- From Christchurch, Get dropped off at Duvauchelle Store and we can pick you up.
- Bus takes around 1 and a half hours.

Other Things to Note:
- Pets are allowed
- Mobile reception is good
- No smoking allowed on the property
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- Free firewood and fire starters are also available to use
- Breakfast and Dining with the host (dinner) may be available if pre-booked.
-Two very friendly dogs who will not visit the Tiny Home site - unless invited!
- Lavender paddock and walking tracks are accessible shared areas on the property.
- Pets are not allowed on beds and sofas, and clean after your pet’s droppings
- Please clean up after your pet’s shedding before checking out in courtesy of other guests
- Please note that this is a PET-FRIENDLY property, and pet policies will be sent prior to arrival
- We would like to advise guests that longer stays or later check-outs will incur an additional charge
- There will be some noise during your stay with us as we are a farm that tends to the native plants and lavenders
- Breakfast with homemade muesli, seasonal fruits, jams, and free-range eggs from the farm. All are available at $20 pp

Guest Advisory

- Guests must read and understand the risks outlined in the handbook in Tiny Home. These include but are not limited to electric fences, traffic, wildfire, stinging nettle (ongoing), off-track walking.
- The gravel road to the home is narrow so please drive slowly with your lights on. There may be other traffic on the road. The road is not suitable for Campervans, but they can park at the bottom of the property. Please contact us for advice.

Important note:

- Drive slowly with lights on due to the narrow gravel road. Other traffic may be present. Campervans are not suitable; they can park at the property's bottom. Contact us for advice.
- Due to the nature of the property, abundant wildlife may be present on the property, please protect them.
- Keep in mind that BBQ grills and outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban
- In order to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of our cassette toilets a minimum additional cleaning fee is applied for stays of 5 nights or more. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a hygienic experience during your stay.

Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.