Your Hosts

– BONJOUR!

In November 2000 your hosts Jim and Liz moved to Akaroa and purchased Wilderness House which they  established as a Bed and Breakfast.  This seemed a natural lifestyle choice for them to pursue a passion for historic homes, gardening, food, wine and entertaining.  

Jim, from Southland, retired in 2000 after a long Military career in the New Zealand Army which included service at home and overseas.  During that time they  travelled widely and enjoyed staying in Bed and Breakfasts around the world. Jim has always been interested in growing grapes in Canterbury, and to find a property with a petite vineyard was an extra bonus.

Liz, originally from Canterbury, trained as a registered nurse in Christchurch.  Following Jim's career around the world, she has worked in many different areas of medicine.  Whilst living in Australia, Liz completed a Diploma of Interior Design and gained experience working in Wellington for a number of years before moving to Akaroa .  Six years ago, Liz established "Lili's Interiors" her own interior design business operating in Akaroa, all around Banks Peninsula and Christchurch city.   Liz has always had a love for English Country style decor.  It has been a dream for her to have such a lovely old colonial house to be able to create a charming and comfortable home using her flair for fine fabric, texture and colour.  

We are now one of the longest established Bed and Breakfast's in Akaroa and we enjoy sharing our wonderful lifestyle, home and garden with our guests.  We take particular care to make you feel welcome and comfortable in our home.