Club Lavaud

The Resort and Its Setting

Club Lavaud sits on Rue Lavaud in the heart of Akaroa, a town known for its French-colonial street names, timber cottages and sheltered harbour. It's an independent timeshare resort rather than part of a large international chain, which generally means a smaller, more intimate owner base and a management style shaped by the resort's own committee rather than a head-office brand team. Reviews so far are limited but positive, reflecting its scale as a boutique holiday property rather than a large-scale complex.

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

Akaroa is the main drawcard here. The harbour is the focal point of the town, known for Hector's dolphins, little penguins, and waterfront cafés and restaurants within easy reach of the resort. Banks Peninsula itself offers walking tracks and lookout points with sweeping views over the volcanic coastline, and Little Akaloa Beach, around 8 km away, is a quieter spot for swimming or a picnic against a backdrop of steep cliffs. Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, is about 80 km away by road — roughly 90 minutes to two hours on a scenic drive — and serves as the main transport hub for anyone flying in from further afield.

Selling or Renting a Week Here

Owners who no longer use their week at Club Lavaud can list it for resale or rent directly on BidMyTimeshare.com, as a private, owner-to-owner sale. You set your own asking price, buyers or renters get in touch with you through the platform, and we charge a one-time listing fee rather than taking a cut of the sale — there's no commission on top.

Because Club Lavaud is independent rather than part of a major branded exchange network, any resale typically goes through the resort's own owners' association or on-site management rather than a central corporate transfer desk. Before agreeing on a price with a buyer, it's worth confirming directly with the resort what the current transfer fee is, whether the association holds a right of first refusal on resales, and what the current annual maintenance fee is — these details vary by resort and aren't standardised, so get them in writing rather than relying on what a previous owner paid. Ask, too, how long a transfer usually takes to process, since this can affect how soon a buyer can book their first stay.

A resale buyer should expect to receive the week or points entitlement itself, along with whatever usage rights the association grants to owners — but not necessarily any benefits tied to the original purchase, such as promotional stays or loyalty perks, which don't usually carry over on resale.

What Renters and Buyers Look For

Renters coming to Akaroa are typically drawn by the harbour setting and the chance to base themselves in town for a few days of dolphin-watching, walking, and seafood dinners, rather than resort facilities in the conventional sense. Buyers considering a resale week should think about which season suits their travel plans, since Banks Peninsula has a distinct summer high season, and ask the resort directly about annual fees, transfer costs and any rules around renting out a week before committing.

Practical Notes

A rental car is genuinely useful here — Akaroa's town centre is walkable, but Banks Peninsula's walking trails, lookouts and beaches are spread out along winding coastal roads best explored at your own pace. Coastal weather can shift quickly, so pack layers regardless of season, and if you're planning dolphin-watching or other harbour tours, booking ahead is sensible during the December–February peak.