Maison de la Mer

Sad to say, but Harry, our bon vivant, concierge and chief of security - our beloved, almost 17yr old Westie died peacefully yesterday. He was such an inspiration to us, and to many guests and he will long be missed.

We recently had a journalist, Chris Hill, who writes for DestinAsian Magazine from Indonesia stay with us, who was writing about traveling in Canterbury, and specifically Akaora. After staying at Maison de la Mer, he published his article at http://www.destinasian.com/resources/news-briefs/new-zealand-canterbury-tre
asures/ Check it out!

New Zealand: Canterbury Treasures From the picturesque harbor of Akaroa to the Tolkienesque mountainscapes of the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s Canterbury region spoils visitors.

If you are visiting Akaroa, then one of the must do features is to get out on the water and see the abundant wildlife and truly spectacular scenery. Akaroa Dolphins runs three 2 hour tours a day on the harbor, and they are licensed to view the rare Hectors Dolphin - the smallest in the world and the most endangered. It really is only in significant numbers here in Akaroa. You will also see fur seals, penguins and perhaps albatross, as well as many other sea birds. Let us book you on the Akaroa Dolphins trip when you come to stay with us at Maison de la Mer

Akaroa is such a diverse and wonderful place to visit with something for everyone. If walking and hiking are your thing - then Akaroa boasts some of the country's best and most varied walks with over 20 individual walks from an hour to four days in length. The Banks Peninsula Track is the four day event and is truly spectacular in scenery as well as in the native flora and birdlife along the way.

Following on from last year's Trip Advisor award as one of the top 10 to die for Inns and B&B's around the world, Maison de la Mer has just been given a Trip Advisor "Travelers Choice Award for 2012". This award is based on guest comments back to Trip Advisor about their experiences as guests, and recognizes Maison de la Mer as one of the top 25 B&B's in the South Pacific. With 40 million visitors a month, Trip Advisor is by far the authoritative word on where to stay around the world.

We are in the midst of a very busy season, as more and more experienced travelers from around the world discover the special magic and way of life here in Akaroa.

Spring is just around the corner as we prepare Maison de la Mer for another season. Fresh paint everywhere, and lots of new things for our guests to surprise and delight them. Re-opening on the 9th September, why not plan a visit?..............

We have recently received two accolades - one from Trip Advisor who rated Maison de la Mer as one of the top 10 to die for Inns & B&B's in the world. The second was from American Express Travel+Leisure who have published a coffee table book "The World's Greatest Hotels, Resorts and Spas" in which Maison de la Mer is featured as one of two places in New Zealand. We feel humbled to be in such prestigious company.

Sometimes there are silver linings in unpleasant events - such as the earthquake last September which damaged our tricky driveway. Now today, contractors are finishing off our 'new',' improved' driveway that will be so much easier for guest to navigate.

Provence Suite

A magical spring day at Maison de la Mer

Maison de la Mer has just received the accolade from Trip Advisor of "Top 10 to-die-for Inns and B&B's in the World" Along with our award from Trip Advisor for "Excellence", this has been an exceptional time for us here. Booking are now flowing in for the coming season. Let us know if your plans include a trip to Akaroa.