Te Wepu was founded in 1843 and has been farmed ever since by a succession of New Zealanders with varied backgrounds. It can be found in the historic French Farm Valley on the western side of Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula, roughly an hour from Christchurch.
The harbour has a warm climate which the local Maori – Waitaha, then Ngati Mamoe and later Ngai Tahu – found beneficial for growing the kumara (sweet potato). The French arrived in Akaroa in 1840. A heritage-listed French Farm house sits in the Bococks’ neighbour’s paddock.
Today, Te Wepu is a working farm with cattle grazing, and has 'the southern most avocado orchard, in the world' and can proudly say in 2023 that we are Carbon Positive.
You are welcome to hike to the very top of the farm, on a well-marked track, and enjoy the panoramic views of Akaroa Harbour, Onawe Peninsula and French Farm Valley or simply relax in your hot tub and soak in the view.
Your hosts Kate and Richie Bocock have a background in farming in various parts of New Zealand, and are now happy to be settled next to the sea. They feel privileged to have taken on this storied patch of paradise. With their family, they have worked hard to create a unique experience for New Zealanders and foreign tourists alike.
Kate and Richie want you to have a special and unforgettable experience, so they’ll work with you to establish key details such as your arrival time (so the tub can be hot!) and whether you’ll be wanting one of Kate’s legendary Te Wepu hampers (hot tip: you do!!).
Richie and Kate are both well-travelled themselves, and they have created an experience that’s right up their alley; a little bit of adventure, a secluded spot and a decent dose of luxury. They love meeting people and really look forward to making your stay as memorable as possible.