With a stunning location overlooking the sparkling Akaroa Harbour, The Akaroa Criterion Maison Par Quay is your ideal accommodation for a relaxing visit to one of the South Islands most picturesque towns. Centrally located in Akaroa township, you are surrounded by the best cuisine and shopping on offer. Most attractions are either on your doorstep or only a short stroll away. Mt Vernon is just a 16-minute walk.
Our motel offers a selection of rooms with either a balcony or a patio and most with harbour views. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, underfloor heating, a private bathroom and free unlimited WIFI.
A Heritage Village by the Sea
On the edge an extinct volcano and only an 85 kilometre scenic drive from Christchurch International Airport or Christchurch city centre, Akaroa is an historic village settled by Maori, followed by French and British colonial settlement. With its heritage architecture, craft stores, cafés, restaurants and boutique shops, it is a delightful place for your next holiday.
The House on the Wharf
Our name, Maison Par Quay is french for 'House by the Wharf,' which is very fitting with our uninterrupted views of Daly's Wharf perched on the seaside. While staying you can stroll up and down the boardwalk to gain a different perspective of the breathtaking views. Originally built between 1863 and 1865 it's quite something to see the 85 year old FOX II ketch pull up to the wharf each day for it's tours.
Protecting Our Treasures
We’re so proud of our beautiful Hector’s Dolphins. They are only found in New Zealand and are rarer than kiwis.
Of a population of between 5,000 and 7,000, 900 of those choose Banks Peninsula as their home. This means they can be spotted in Akaroa Harbour and we have many dolphin cruises on offer so you can catch a glimpse for yourself, or even swim alongside them. They are a wonderful asset to our community.
To insure they continue to thrive we have introduced our own fundraising initiative. If you choose to forgo your room service while staying with us we will make a $10 donation to the local Hector’s dolphins on your behalf.
To donate locally to support the Hectors Dolphins, please feel free to contact us or visit:
http://whaledolphintrust.org.nz/projects/hectors-dolphins/
The NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust have been working hard to protect the Hector’s dolphins. They carry out research on the dolphins, and provide advice to the Department of Conservation and Ministry for Primary Industries, encouraging them to better protect the dolphins. Your donations will go towards boat fuel, boat maintenance and camera equipment to take photographs of individual dolphins. These individually recognisable dolphins provide valuable information on survival, reproduction and dolphin movements. These data are critical for deciding how and where to protect dolphins.