At the end of a 3 week trip to NZ I had 3 days free on the Banks Peninsula. Dropped into the i-site info desk in Akaroa to book a room and told them I had heard good things about Le Bons Bay Backpackers. They rang Le Bons and reserved a room, and more importantly, a dinner reservation for that evening.
The drive to Le Bons Bay was gorgeous and I made it just in time for dinner at 6pm. Gary, the host, was busy cooking fresh grouper he caught that afternoon. The feast was tremendous - fresh mussels, roasted potatoes, mixed veggies from the garden with a creamy dreamy sauce, amazing rice salad, the best spiced oven roasted kumara (sweet potato), and the grouper. Dessert was rhubarb with cream sauce and ice cream. Everyone was pleased, from vegetarians to omnivores.

I was in the 4 bed dorm loft which was fine. There are quite a few double rooms including some cabins on the property. The lounge area was cozy with the fire but the kitchen is also a main gathering spot. I love being able to make tea whenever I like and having the fridge and pantry available for snacks I bring. During my stay there were two toddlers and a 10 year old there, the place is very kid friendly. Staying here felt like staying at a friend's cabin, comfortably rustic. The simple pleasures of indoor plumbing and a hot shower and the ultimate pleasure of a home cooked meal you don't have to cook!

One of the highlights of my entire trip was Gary's boat ride. Each morning he takes up to 10 people out on Le Bons Bay to see seals, penguins and dolphins. It's quiet, stunningly beautiful and very intimate. The dolphins are so close you could reach out and touch them. I was planning to go on a dolphin swim out of Akaroa but after spending time appreciating those marvelous creatures from Gary's boat I didn't see the need. I was completely satisfied.

The setting is superb and the company is fantastic. What really sets Le Bons Bay Backpackers apart from the crowd are the people, both the hosts Gary and Heidi, and the other guests. Sharing a communal meal really breaks the ice and fosters far more comaraderie than I found in other backpackers where travelers tend to stick with their mates. I made some true friends in one night at Le Bons Bay and I can't wait to return.