Taste new delights as local produce grows and thrives in the rich volcanic soil and clean peninsula air. Wines, seafood, olives, walnuts, lavender and more thrive in a perfect ecosystem and yours to enjoy.
Blue Pearl Gallery
Welcome to our family business and ‘Home’ of the Blue Pearl. We are located on the Main Wharf just 6km from the original Blue Pearl Farm, right here in Akaroa harbour.
Watch as our Master Craftsman Jewellers, Jack and Kaz, – with over 75 years experience between them – handcraft New Zealand’s largest selection of Blue Pearls. Then learn about the story of the unique Blue Pearl process in our information room.
Our Gallery also has special jewellery pieces in Baltic Amber, Tahitian Black Pearls, Greenstone, a unique handmade collection, antiques and so much more.
We can bring your old jewellery back to life – bring in your old gold and precious stones and we can redesign and create a piece that are only limited by your imagination!
SUMMER HOURS: 7 Days, 10am-4:30pm
WINTER HOURS: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-430pm
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A little history:
Jack learnt his craft from his father, eagerly picking up the tools at the young age of 7. This interest flourished with Jack continuing the family business and becoming a European-trained Master Jeweller with over 50 years’ experience. During his varied career, Jack taught his craft to students at a Technical College in Poland and was a designer for the largest jewellery company in Europe – Pierre Lang – in Vienna, Austria. His dream of immigrating to New Zealand with his wife and two daughters came true in 1986. Here Jack continued to hone his craft by opening a small boutique store and workshop in Christchurch, adding Kiwi inspiration into his designs.
In 2000, Jack met Roger Beattie, the force behind Eyris Blue Pearls. And to this day, we work closely with Roger and the team at Eyris who source and provide us with the World’s best Blue Pearls. We set these in our own custom-designed pieces and our extensive range is exhibited, right here in our Blue Pearl Gallery, in Akaroa.
Some of our team’s artistic professional highlights include:
*Our team was called upon to create a unique Eyris Blue Pearl brooch for Queen Elizabeth. The New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, presented it to her in September, 2013. To our honour, the Queen has since worn it several times.
*The following year, in 2014, Kate Middelton, the Duchess of Cambridge was gifted a pair of Eyris Pearl earrings, during their Royal Highnesses’ Tour of New Zealand and Australia.
*2019 marked the 30th year of the Cancer Society’s Ball, and with 30 being the ‘year of the Pearl’, we thought it only fitting to donate an Eyris Blue Pearl diamond enhancer for the charity auction.
*We supported “Variety – The Children’s Charity” through the creation of an Eyris Blue Pearl earring and pendant set. This was worn by Miss World 2003 at a live auction.
*The creation of Kiwi songstress Hayley Westenra’s dazzling one-carat while and argyle diamond platinum ring in 2012.
*And one of Jack’s favourite creations - a commission for a small amber-and-white gold ice pick gifted to Sir Edmund Hillary in 2004 on his trip to Europe.
Akaroa Winery
Akaroa Winery is a beautiful Mediterranean style venue, overlooking the stunning Akaroa inlet. Nestled in Takamatua Valley, the organic, family-owned vineyard is located on the north facing slopes of the lush hills of Banks Peninsula overlooking Takamatua Bay. We produce the highest quality grapes with every aspect of our growing and planting dedicated to the environment, using sustainable farming techniques. We believe that our fruit makes superior wines. We are focused on creating extraordinary age-worthy wines that express the unique characteristics of the fruit from Takamatua Valley. The rugged terrior of our vineyard produces wines with great intensity and finesse. Enjoy...
During Winter we are open by appointment - simply phone
Akaroa Winery, situated in Takamatua valley, overlooks the beautiful local harbour. Akaroa Winery is Akaroa's first and only certified Organic Vineyard and Winery Estate. Tour the vineyard and modern wine making facility. Taste some of the many wine vintages available while touring the amazing grounds and see the "dirt to bottle" experience first hand. Complimentary Shuttle Service available.
Open daily 11am to 4pm.
Private Tours and Tastings can be made by appointment.
Contact Allan for more information.
Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese
The original Barrys Bay Dairy Factory opened in 1895, so we are proud to have been operating for over 125 years! Originally one of 9 small dairy cooperatives on Bank Peninsula, Barrys Bay is the last surviving cheese factory and an icon of the area. To allow for expansion, our current cheese factory was built in 1953 and by all accounts was the most modern factory in NZ at the time. Today we still use traditional recipes & methods brought to NZ by the early English settlers, as well as some European style recipes we have picked up along the way. Some of our favourite cheeses are Havarti, Maasdam, Aged Gouda, Rinded Cheddar and Peninsula Blue. We believe using fresh, local milk is the key to producing such consistent, beautiful cheese. Stop in at our factory shop on your way to Akaroa, where you can watch the Cheesemakers in action through our viewing window on weekdays (Sept – May).
In the weekend and on non-make days, ask our team to play the DVD about our cheesemaking process. Enjoy complimentary cheese samples and shop our range of local wines, craft beer, preserves and other goodies on offer.
Our factory shop is open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm.
Meniscus Wines Cellar Door
The wine is grown on the hillside off Lighthouse Rd on the south side of Akaroa overlooking the township. The vineyard is readily visible from the town as well as the Main and French Bay wharves. The grape varieties grown are award winning Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The cellar door is located at 43 Lighthouse Road where you can taste the wine over looking the vineyard. Tasty gourmet snacks, gifts and soft drinks are also available.
Terrace and Cellar Door is now closed for tasting over winter, wine sales will continue and we welcome all enquiries via email or phone
Reopening in Spring with exciting new wine tasting experiences.
We offer Gift Vouchers for those special occasions
You can taste the various vintages, enjoy a glass, share a bottle with friends at the cellar door at 43 Lighthouse Rd, Akaroa.
It's just under 1km steep walk up the hill and great views over Akaroa township.
Pot Pourri - Fudge
Pot Pourri's homemade fudge has been lovingly made in our kitchen for over 17 years.
We have perfected the art of fudge making and have customers returning from far and wide to purchase our delicious creamy buttery fudge.
Regular comments we hear from our customers are - "The best fudge I have ever tasted!" "It is so creamy" "Delicous!" "Do you really make this?" "I don't usually like fudge but this is amazing"
We are passionate about our product and every tray is made with love.
We make over 50 flavours and offer free tastings, so come in for a taste.
Open 9-5.30 7 days a week
The Garden at French Farm (Private)
The Garden at French Farm sits on the banks of the lovely Te Waimangu Stream in the French Farm Valley on Banks Peninsula. It contains dramatic herbaceous borders forming a natural colourful amphitheatre above the stream featuring tulips, irises, daylilies and dahlias depending on the season. The intention of the planting is to tie the ornamental garden into the wider landscape with its magnificent backdrop of native bush and surrounding hills. Open most days and when the sign is out. Welcome to come and visit.
The Garden at French Farm (Private)
A feature of the garden is a large 300 year old Pokaka (listed as a Notable Tree of New Zealand) which stands within one of two areas of bush in the garden that are protected by QE11 Covenants. Paths meander through the garden and there are several streamside bush walks with many glades and dells that provide perfect spaces to relax and enjoy the birdsong.
Opening Hours and Tariffs:
Open when the sign is out, which is most days. Welcome to phone/email to check
Individuals and small groups $10 per head
Large group tours $15 per head (allow an hour for the garden tour) – bookings essential
Children school age - free with adults
The Potting Shed:
Our shop selling beautiful things is also open most days.
Contact Details and Location
Physical Address: 104 French Farm Valley Road, Near Akaroa
Phone: 03 3045678 / 021 305216
Email: jendy.brooks@gmail.com
French Peak Wines
In a bay on the Western Shores of Akaroa Harbour, lies the scenic village of French Farm, where the original French Settlers first planted their vines. It is here that you will find our beautiful boutique vineyard, owned by Fraser Henderson and Elise Cailleau, leased by Renan Cataliotti. The unique terroir of the Banks Peninsula is reflected in the distinctive flavour of our wines, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and a Provencal style Rosé.
French Peak Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned vineyard set in the idyllic French Farm Valley. Planted with approximately 3.5 Ha of vines, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.
We are following organic and Bio dynamic principles because we believe in the true expression of our wines coming from a true terroir.
The sunny sheltered aspect and the volcanic soils produce unique Banks Peninsula fruit, which is patiently nurtured, hand-picked and then crafted into unique wines.
Our Wines are available for purchase directly from our cellar door or from a number of local shops and restaurants. Our wines can also be purchased online, with free shipping within New Zealand.
Set amidst the vines and landscaped gardens, is our traditional timber-framed barn, containing both wine tasting and self-contained attic accommodation.
Akaroa Farmers Market
Visit the Akaroa Farmers Market every Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm from October to April. Banks Peninsula has an abundance of produce and passionate gardeners. Our stallholders offer locally grown fruit, veges, herbs, honey, olive oil, olives, nuts and flowers plus locally produced preserves, pickles, jams, sauces, bread, pastries, lavender products, plants, and more.
For more Information on the Akaroa Farmers Market talk to one of the stall holders or contact Neil Barnett.
The Akaroa Farmers Market have a new Facebook page to let folk know what’s happening, what’s in season, who's selling what and any specials stall holders are offering.
Facebook.
Akaroa Salmon
Sail a few kilometres into the mouth of the Akaroa Harbour and in deep water Lucas Bay near the shore you’ll find crop circles. These are round pens and they hold salmon. The farm began in the mid 1980’s by the Bates family. The location is right in the band of the eastern South Island coastline where the wild salmon prowl at sea. They keep the stocking density very low and feed a low energy diet so the salmon grow slowly and as lean as they are in the wild. We are proud to supply salmon from farm to plate. 'The Good Oil'.
Robinsons Bay Olive Oil
Robinsons Bay Olive Oil-New Zealand's best oil. The olives were planted in 1994, and make up one of the most southerly olive groves in the world. Our unique climate, clear atmosphere, and the rich Banks Peninsula soil ensure that Robinsons Bay Olive Oil (and New Zealand olive oil in general) is some of the finest in the world. We have seven different varieties of olive trees in our grove. From Tuscany there are the peppery and green Frantoio and Leccino varieties. From the dry hills of Israel we have Barnea and Souri as well as Nabali from Palestine, Manzanillo from Spain and Verdale from South Australia.
Each variety has its own unique character and flavour, and a delicate blending operation is required to ensure our blended olive oil has a perfect balance and taste.
Chris & Annette Moore from Robinsons Bay Olives have won these awards with their Award Winning Olive Oils & Olives:
Reserve Best in Show at the 2017 NZ Olive Oil Awards
Best in Show at the 2016 NZ Olive Oil Awards
Best in Show at the 2015 NZ Olive Oil Awards
Best in Show at the 2013 NZ Olive Oil Awards
As well as producing our award winning Robinsons Bay Grove Blend extra virgin olive oil, we also infuse high quality extra virgin oil to produce versatile infused oils; Mandarin & Lemon, Basil, and Garlic. Our grove also produces three varieties of table olives.
Best in Show for NZ’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil for many years running. They also infuse high quality extra virgin oil to produce versatile infused oils; Mandarin & Lemon, Basil, Garlic and Orange & Chilli. The grove also produces a small amount of table olives.
Contact: Chris & Annette Moore
Phone: 03 304 5190
Email: robinsonsbayolives@gmail.com
Available at: Barrys Bay Cheese, Akaroa Butchery, Peninsula General Store. Also at the Christchurch Farmers Market at Riccarton House.
Hikuika Permaculture Hazelnut Farm
Hikuika Permaculture Hazelnut farm grows sustainably top quality hazelnuts using permaculture and organic principles. Our property is located in beautiful Puaha Valley on Banks Peninsula. We embrace ‘care of the earth, care of the people, distribute surplus and reduce consumption’. Hazelnuts are a versatile ' wonderfood'. Commonly used in confectionary, baking and as a healthy snack food. Ideal for gluten intolerant diets and can be eaten raw, roasted or salted. Hazelnuts are rich in minerals & vitamins (especially vitamin E), high in monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, oils and are cholesterol free. All processing is done in our own food safety certified kitchen.
Please call or email to make an appointment to visit.
Where to Purchase:
- Orders to be done prior via email or phone for pickup from our property
- Deliverys made to Akaroa via Lava Gallery
- Little River Craft Station
- Sold also via Peninsula General Store, Little River Cafe/ store, Tai Tapu Challenge garage.