Entire home

YES! Avail 29 March out 4 April Be quick to catch the last of summer

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Exterior
Living area
Interior
Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Akaroa, Akaroa
  • Akaroa Museum
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Akaroa Wharf
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Akaroa Lighthouse
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪84 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Lounge

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

main

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

YES! Avail 29 March out 4 April Be quick to catch the last of summer

Cleaning fee is fully Refunded when the outgoing guests leave the property the same as they enjoyed on their arrival.....Clean, tidy and in order.

New Special Rate for ONE person stays of $145 night ...
TWO people stays are $215 and Extra guests are $25 night each.

La vie en rose cottage has undergone a complete interior renovation with new carpet throughout & vinyl planking in the service areas which not only looks great but makes for easy cleaning.
The new modern shower,vanity,laundry and separate toilet are wonderful, while the newly installed custom designed kitchen with its electric inbuilt oven and induction hot top along with all new cookware, greatly enhance the cottage and your cooking and dining pleasure.
The cottage has been newly themed in an interesting and restful French cottage style with all mod cons, Other attractive features include new curtaining, a generous amount of superb quality French themed framed pictures throughout, an old antique French hunting lodge chandelier, a cream coloured family piano, a cosy logfire which is complemented by retro double glazing that ensures the comfort & warmth of all who stay there throughout the year.
The master bedroom suite is a queen and there's a sliding door accessing the large back decking and new verandah & new sun sail over the outdoor dining area.
The second bedroom has an identical queen bed & a comfortable single bunk set.
The spacious lounge and dining area with comfortable furniture and log fire has a new wall swivel- mounted wide screen TV.
Various board and card games, books, toys are available for both adults and children. Two tire swings across my footbridge are very popular.
A hall wardrobe contains golf putting equipment for the 9 hole lawn course, a French bowls set & cricket gear & skipping ropes that can be enjoyed across the cottage's own footbridge in the peaceful grassed Waeckerle Green Reserve, from which guests can wander an easy six minute stroll to the centre of Akaroa and back.

Originally designed and built by the present owner in 1985, the two bedroom cottage has undergone numerous additions such as the the extensive wrap around decking from the front sliding door, right round the back, overlooking the bubbling Grehan Stream and Reserve, to the back door. A new verandah designed & built by the owner ensures that guests can enjoy a large portion of the decking with its gas bbq, under cover, still with its views and sound of the stream and birdsong, well into the late afternoon and evenings in most weathers.
The mainly native established landscaped garden areas and stream sides encourage numerous visiting native birds & their songs are heard all throughout the day.
From the decking look out over the surrounding bushclad hills & a changing sky accompanied by the steady rhythmic murmuring of the stream and enjoy a favourite book, fine wine or chilled tasty beer, a French Bubbly a special coffee or tea along with some good company & breathe in the fresh air, the peace and tranquility.

With the new speed limit of 80kmph,[ 5 Sept 2022] the drive to Akaroa takes about an hour and 45 minutes but its worth the slower pace to take in the everchanging scenery around you on the the way.
On the way, wine taste at Rossendale near Tai Tapu, detour out to Birdlings Flat beach for a bracing sea air walk towards the impressive towering cliffs and try your luck at finding gemstones & agates where the waves have wet the stones or take a fishing rod and try your luck off the shingle beach.
After driving parallel with Lake Wairewa [Forsyth], you reach Little River where there's coffee & tasty snacks, icecreams and an interesting always changing Art gallery & bookshop.
After taking panaramic pics when you reach the Hilltop, next stop is Barrys Bay, the first of four bays before you reach Akaroa.
Barrys Bay Cheese factory, is a sound excuse to sample and purchase some fine cheeses & to buy small portions, in the off cuts bin for a lovely cheeseboard to enjoy on the extensive decking at La vie en rose cottage with wine ofcourse.


La vie en rose is located at 28 Woodills Road a quiet generous sized tar sealed road in the first valley as you enter Akaroa township, welcoming you to NZ's only historic 1840 French/German town.
I'm sure you'll love staying at la vie en rose cottage... 'tres romantique'.
Only 6 minutes away, the centre of Akaroa has an interesting variety of cafes, restaurants, fish an chip shops and there's a good foursquare supermarket, a bakery and a butcher. Recently the Grande Hotel [2 minutes walk down the road!]has had a major makeover and has a large attractive outdoor area and live music every weekend . There's more than one good sandy swimming beach.
Check out the free entry fascinating museum, a new library & movie theatre, complete with its own cafe, the iconic Akaroa wharf, the original lighthouse built 1885 & a there's a good safe public slipway.
Take a harbour cruise, swim with dolphins, try a game of tennis, lawn bowls, mini golf, Barrys Bay 18 hole course[a mere 12 minutes drive ]or explore many walking tracks and cycling opportunities.
Drive to the many sealed roads that access other bays such as Wainui, Little Akaloa, Le Bons or Okains Bay.
Walk in the beautiful Hinewai Reserve from the road entry to Long Bay.

BYO linen[just sheets, pillowslips & towels & tea towels].
There are Hire sets avail at $35 per bed.

Special conditions:
All weekends are a two night min stay
All long weekends are a three night min stay
Easter and Over xmas or new year are usually four night stay s

wow...A Refundable Cleaning Fee. All guest bookings are charged Cleaning Fee of $200. However, Being Refundable,...when guests leave the cottage clean, tidy and ordered as they enjoyed on their arrival, the Cleaning Fee is Refunded in Full to the Guests account no more than 14 working days after their departure.

Guests are encouraged to take pics of all interior rooms on arrival before they move their gear in AND to take an identical set just before they vacate.
These ensure a guarantee of the full Cleaning fee to the guests account.

Check out another of my holiday homes, Moananui Lodge on the waterfront of Purau Bay {Lyttelton Harbour]. It's also just newly redecorated.

You know that you deserve a great break away, so don't delay ......Book one of these today!

Property manager

robbo14th

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 10 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Akaroa

Located in Akaroa, this holiday home is on a river. Giant's House and Akaroa Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and Ellangowan. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Akaroa, Akaroa

What's nearby

  • Akaroa Museum - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Giant's House - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Linton The Giant House - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Akaroa Wharf - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Akaroa Lighthouse - 4 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 84 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Akaroa Fish & Chips - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪L'Escargot Rouge - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪The Trading Rooms - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Ma Maison - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪The Common - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is YES! Avail 29 March out 4 April Be quick to catch the last of summer pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 10 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at YES! Avail 29 March out 4 April Be quick to catch the last of summer?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at YES! Avail 29 March out 4 April Be quick to catch the last of summer?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is YES! Avail 29 March out 4 April Be quick to catch the last of summer located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Artisans Gallery and Akaroa Museum. Giant's House and Akaroa Wharf are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 41 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bruce G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic
Top notch, very quite and relaxing
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vasu G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage
Had a relaxing stay at the cottage, it was just like home away from home. The cute bridge at the back and the stream were beautiful. The little reserve at the back of the house was so handy with our dog to run around. Staying here made our trip to Akaroa worthwhile.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Rose P.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Our review
A very cute cottage in a convenient location to the town. Just be aware that there is no wifi, and the 200 cleaning bond will not be refunded for a week - even then, we had to follow up with the owner, because the refund hadn't come through, and we were informed there had been a glitch with the banking. It was raining the whole time we were there, so we didn't get a sense of the outdoor section, but we did appreciate being able to light the fire.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicky R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful place to stay
Such a beautiful location with all that we needed and wanted. The house is well set up and easily accessible to walk into town and the waterfront. Waking up to the birdsong was a real bonus.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norma K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
All the comfs
Close walk to Children bay and village, brilliant veranda for outdoor meals and lazy Sundays, comfortable beds and couches plus L-boys(!). Kitchen got everything you need. Home away from home. We (including doggo) had a great time. Recommend!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Gony D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ideal place for rest and relax
Lovely water running by the back lots of rest
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely spot and house.
Really nice place, well situated and very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kylie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy cottage in great location
Loved the location bedside the stream and reserve. Big enough for our family of four and had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Callum H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice stay
Very comfortable, kids enjoyed the bunk bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

melanie a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous house with the sounds of birdlife and running stream next to house.
Love staying at this holiday house. Everything you need and so relaxing and comfortable. I plan to be back again next year.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isobel F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pretty place
Very cute place to stay with friends as I did, super close to the town and such a great setting to relax in
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Sophie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Cute and quirky cottage in a great location. Lovely outdoor area for summer dining. Thanks for the stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rose M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Perfect cottage & location
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Stephen M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Review
Enjoyed stay but property needed a few basic needs like rubbish bags, hand soap, dishwash liquid etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny F., Ashburton

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great place to stay
We had a lovely time at Rose Cottage. Everything needed for your stay has been provided. A great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rowena V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Akaroa Cottage
Comfortable cottage with a gate through to a reserve behind which was great as we had our dog with us. Loved the pretty curtains in most rooms! Pretty street with an easy walk to shops. Totally fell in love with Akaroa!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanks
Thank you. Loved the location, the ease of communication with owner and renovations that have been done. Will be on the list to return. Many thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Judy K., Rolleston, New Zealand

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Enjoyable weekend
The location easy access to village, A little overdone with nic nacs...(dust collectors),comfortable beds, beautiful bird song and babbling brook. Exterior could do with a little love.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Berny H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful cottage
Had a splendid weekend at Rose Cottage, in a lovely setting, well equipped & a short walk to town 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brent M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Handy to town
This cottage is very close to town and has a lovely setting next to a reserve across a stream. The back deck is spacious and the facilities are everything I wanted.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wigs A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Akaroa sojourn
Très bien. Very pleasant, private cottage. Well equipped. Comfortable beds. Wonderful shower. Helpful host. Mèrci.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vivienne H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place
Very handy to town, all you need and very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

melanie a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful cottage next to a stream with the sound of water flowing nearby
A beautifully renovated cottage with everything you would possibly want for a relaxing holiday.
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Accomodation, Great Village and environs
All good at cottage including comfortable beds , amenities, large deck and reserve at back !
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hannah L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Stay
Everything was clean and tidy, the house was the perfect size for the five of us. Views, owner and property were amazing, we will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by robbo14th

Host profile image
This home was co designed, built & developed by the owner from 1986 on.
La vie en rose cottage was named by the owner's mother, an accomplished pianist after a famous Edith Piaf French song which seemed most appropriate for this historic French settled town. It has continued to be well maintained, renovated & landscaped ever since by the owner, as is his other holiday home at Moananui Lodge on the waterfront of Purau By in Lyttelton Harbour.
In 2021, the interior began to be redecorated in an attractive themed French cottage style with improved furniture, new curtaining and blinds and new quality framed French themed pictures throughout & an awesome chandelier from a French Hunting lodge.
Double glazing & extra insulation measures were also carried out in 2021 & together with its logfire ensures its guests are kept comfortable warm and cosy all year round .
The cottage is available, like the Purau holiday home ,for short term rental for guests between May and October to apply.
In October 2022 the rest of the complete redecoration of la vie en rose cottage was undertaken and accomplished in style. Youll love the result!

Why they chose this property

Why not??? It's got it all!

What makes this property unique

Tranquil quiet private setting ,attractive established garden with bubbling Grehan Stream and grassed Reserve boundary. Birdsong all day and very attractive established garden setting with golf putting course. Restful views of bush clad hills & a stunning night sky without city light reflection.
Good offstreet parking,extensive decking & outdoor furniture with BBQ and only 6 minutes easy stroll to the centre of Akaroa & a mere 3 mins walk to the seafront & nearest beach.