Onuku Farm Hostel & Dolphin Swimming currently closed
Banks Track remains open
Nikau Palm Gully walkers please ring +64 (0)22 0250706
In late 1980 – a time when Diana Ross topped NZ’s single charts with “Upside Down” – sheep farmer Jeff’s girlfriend Clare returned home to California for good.
Speaking of upside down, Jeff was devastated by his sudden loneliness, so he pulled up at the local backpackers and asked if anybody wanted to give him company on his farm – which didn’t sound as dodgy then as it does now. A girl named Almuth and an English couple said "why not?", fell in love with the place and ended up staying several months. Jeff decided to trade 'sheep' for 'sheet' and the rest is history.
Today, Onuku Farm Hostel still caters for the traditional backpacker – with accommodation ranging from tent and van sites to private and dorm rooms to huts and stargazers. Located on the edge of the Pacific on Banks Peninsula with the next-door neighbours being Antarctica's penguins, Onuku Farm Hostel is the perfect spot to unwind and explore nature – be it on a family-operated dolphin swimming or kayaking trip or one of many breathtaking coastal walks.
The old farmhouse is the heart of Onuku Farm Hostel.
Except for the peace sign that Jeff put on its roof to protest against the sinking of the "Rainbow Warrior", it hasn't changed much since the 1870s. The attached Brick Hut hosts the reception and regular potluck and board game nights. If your guitar skills exceed "Nothing else matters", you're also welcome to use it for a wee jam session. If you prefer it less crowded, chill out in a hammock or with the locals: our pet dogs, sheep, goats, doves and chickens.
Private Room
Double or twin room with bedding
$70
Private Ensuite Room
Private room for up to 4 people with bedding and ensuite bathroom
$80/$110/$140 for 2/3/4 people
Dorm Room
Shared dorm room for up to 4 people with bedding
$30 per person
Tonga Hut
• 1 of 2 rooms in an idyllic hut with marvellous sea views
• Each room accommodates up to 4 people (1 double and 1 bunk bed)
• Shared kitchenette and bathroom facilities (20 m away)
• Bedding and towels included
$80/$110/$140 for 2/3/4 people
Tui Hut
• Secluded studio hut for 2 people with panoramic hill and sea view
• Private kitchenette and shared bathroom facilities (20 m away)
• Bedding and towels included
$80
Kiwi Stargazer
• Wooden tent with see-through roofing (no standing space)
• Sleeps two
• Bring your own sleeping bag or rent bedding for $5 per person
$50
Facilities & Info
• Reception shop
• Toilets
• Free hot showers
• Washing machine
• Free Wi-Fi
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Common room with fireplace
• Barbecue
Hostel open from October to end of April
We don't have five or six stars – we have the Milky Way.
And our unique stargazers – wooden tents with see-through roofing – are how best to enjoy it. Together with 14 tent sites and our budget dorm "Tophut" they make up our walk-in campground that is located in a tranquil clearing amidst Kanuka trees. We proudly employ sheep labour to look after it, so all you have to do is make yourself at home and enjoy the great vibes.
Tent Site
14 small tent sites on walk-in campground
$15 per person
Tophut Dorm
• 7-bed budget mixed dorm
• Bring your own sleeping bag
$20 per person
Stargazer
• Wooden tent with see-through roofing (no standing space)
• Sleeps two
• Bring your own sleeping bag or rent bedding for $5 per person
$50
Facilities & Info
• Toilets
• Free hot outdoor showers
• Washing machine
• Free Wi-Fi
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Common room with fireplace
• Barbecue
Campground open during summer months
Our van park is nothing short of camper van heaven.
Sitting on a flat grassy area 200 metres above sea level, it will spoil you with the most stunning view into Akaroa Harbour that you can get without a pilot's license. In fact, it's so good we're often required to help start the engines of vans that refuse to leave.
Unpowered Van Site
$20 per person
Tent Site
Tent sites with on site parking
$20 per person
Facilities & Info
• Toilets
• Free hot showers
• Washing machine
• Free Wi-Fi
• Slackline
• Shelter with common area, communal stove, barbecue, hot water sink, and fridges (no utensils)
• Bring your own cooking equipment
• Oversized tents, awnings and gazebos may incur an extra fee
Van Park open from October to end of April
With 260 hectares of farm land, there's heaps to explore:
Climb the "Ridge" – the highest lookout on the farm – for spectacular coastal views, catch Paua at the fishing spot or take a dip in the Pacific at the swimming beach. For the more adventurous, we rent out kayaks and operate our own swimming trip with Hector's dolphins – the smallest and rarest in the world. If you're not in a hurry to return to city life, why not walk the popular Banks Peninsula Track or our new Skytrack around the Akaroa Hills?
Dolphin Swimming
Kayak Rental
• Paddle alongside Hector's dolphins and explore the farm's spectacular volcanic coastline
• Unguided sit-on-top kayak rental
• Minimum of 2 people required
$40 per person
Check out the Facebook page
Skytrack
• Walk 5-7 hours along the Akaroa hills with superb views over the Harbour
• One night Stargazer accommodation with bedding and pickup included
• Walk returns to Akaroa
$50 per person
Banks Track
• Trek 29km along the dramatic coast of Banks Peninsula
• Beautiful hut accommodation included
• Chance for sea kayaking and penguin watching
• Track can be walked in 3 or 2 days
$390 (3 day walk)
$195 (2 day walk)
Visit the track's website
Reach us
By car
Via SH75 from Christchurch, pass straight through Akaroa and follow "Onuku Farm Hostel" signage for 6km.
Check-in from 3pm - 8:30pm.
By bus
Take the French Connection bus from Christchurch to Akaroa.
Free pickup at 1.30pm from Akaroa on request.
Onuku Farm Hostel
89 Hamiltons Road
Akaroa 7520
New Zealand
