Barrys Bay Cheese: A Visitor’s Guide to Akaroa’s Historic Cheese Factory
Barrys Bay Cheese has been making cheese on Banks Peninsula since 1895, which makes it one of the oldest names on the New Zealand cheese trail. The factory sits beside the Christchurch to Akaroa road, so you can stop for a taste on the way to one of the South Island’s prettiest harbor towns.
This guide covers the history of Barrys Bay Cheese (listed as “Barry’s Bay Cheese” on some maps), the cheeses to try and how to visit the Akaroa cheese factory. It is part of our series on the New Zealand cheese trail.
Barrys Bay Cheese at a glance
| Where | 5807 Christchurch-Akaroa Road, Duvauchelle, Akaroa |
| Making cheese since | 1895 |
| Current factory built | 1953 |
| Known for | Traditional handcrafted cheddar, Havarti, blue and other cheeses from local Banks Peninsula milk |
| Shop hours | Daily 9am to 5pm, closed Christmas Day |
| Cheesemaking season | September to May (Monday to Friday, and sometimes Saturday) |
| Viewing window | Yes, between the shop and the factory |
| Getting there | About 75 minutes from Christchurch |
Hours can change, so confirm them with the factory before you go.
The story behind Barrys Bay Cheese
When Barrys Bay produced its first cheddar in 1895, it was one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives scattered around Banks Peninsula. One by one, the others closed. That left the Barrys Bay factory near Duvauchelle as the last outpost of traditional Banks Peninsula cheese.
The original factory was built at the base of the Onawe Peninsula. By 1950, the cheese had earned an international reputation, and it won the Bledisloe Cup at the British Dairy Show that year.
Business boomed, so the company built its current factory in 1953. By all accounts, it was the most modern in New Zealand at the time. Back then it made more than 400 tonnes of cheese a year in five open vats. Today it uses just one vat, and it still follows its original methods rather than switching to automation.
The company’s motto sums up its approach: “Good taste comes with age.”
Why Barrys Bay Cheese belongs on the New Zealand cheese trail
Barrys Bay offers more than a century of continuous Banks Peninsula cheesemaking, using fresh local milk.
That history is also something you can see. A large viewing window links the shop and the factory, so you can watch cheesemaking and learn a little local dairy history at the same time.
What to taste at Barrys Bay Cheese
The factory makes cheddar, Havarti, Gouda, blue and smoked cheeses, plus flavored versions and a European wheel range. The lineup changes, so ask the team what is on the shelves.
| Cheese | Style | Try it if you like |
|---|---|---|
| Rinded Cheddar | Traditional cheddar, the factory’s historic specialty | Classic, savory aged cheddars |
| Smoked Rinded Cheddar | Cold-smoked cheddar | Smoky flavors on a cheeseboard |
| Havarti | Semi-soft, Danish-style | Mild, creamy cheeses |
| Peppered Havarti | Havarti with pepper | A creamy cheese with a kick |
| Gouda | Dutch-style | Everyday cheeseboard classics |
| Peninsula Blue | Blue cheese | Bold blue-veined cheeses |
If you can’t decide, choose a selection pack or one of the gift boxes. Barrys Bay also runs a cheese club for fans who want regular deliveries.
Barrys Bay Cheese factory shop opening hours and how to visit
The Akaroa cheese factory and its shop are at 5807 Christchurch-Akaroa Road, Duvauchelle. According to the company, the shop is open all year, every day from 9am to 5pm. It closes only on Christmas Day. Check before you go, because hours can change.
What to expect:
- A shop stocked with the full cheese range, plus accompaniments.
- A viewing window into the factory.
- Cheesemaking from September to May, when fresh local milk is available. The team makes cheese from Monday to Friday and sometimes on Saturday.
Visiting tips:
- To see cheese being made, visit on a weekday during the season.
- Bring a cool bag, especially in summer.
- Check your airline and home country’s rules on bringing dairy products home.
- If you order online, you can pick up from the factory shop. Order by Thursday for weekend pickup.
Christchurch to Akaroa day trip: what to see on the way
A Christchurch to Akaroa day trip is a popular way to see Banks Peninsula. The drive takes about 75 minutes to Barrys Bay, and Akaroa is a little further along the harbor. That timing puts the cheese factory in a perfect position for a mid-morning stop.
If you are wondering what to see between Christchurch and Akaroa, plan your day like this:
- Morning: Leave Christchurch early and drive toward Banks Peninsula.
- Mid-morning: Stop at the Barrys Bay Cheese factory shop to taste and shop.
- Lunch: Continue to Akaroa for a harbor-side meal.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll around the village or a boat trip on the harbor.
You’ll need a car or a tour for this route. Browse our rental car options and our guide to driving in New Zealand, or explore Christchurch and Canterbury.
Things to do near Akaroa
Akaroa is a small seaside town on a flooded volcanic harbor, with a French-flavored history. Combine your cheese stop with:
- A harbor cruise: Look for Hector’s dolphins on a boat trip. See our harbor cruises and wildlife experiences.
- The village: Wander the waterfront, browse the shops and stop for coffee.
- Banks Peninsula drives: The scenic roads around the peninsula offer big views over the bays.
Looking for more? See the best South Island attractions and our other food and wine experiences.
Where the cheese trail goes next
After Banks Peninsula, the South Island leg of the New Zealand cheese trail continues south to Oamaru, home of Whitestone Cheese. Watch for that article soon. Some producers on older trail maps have since closed, so check each stop before you go.
If you are building a longer route, our 9-day South Island self-drive tour and South Island tours show how the pieces fit together.
Plan your New Zealand cheese trail with us
Ready to follow the New Zealand cheese trail? Add Barrys Bay Cheese to a Christchurch to Akaroa day trip, or build it into a longer South Island route. See how food fits into a bigger journey on our Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, or try a self-drive tour.
We can book accommodation, transport and activities around the producers you most want to meet. Share your dates through our custom New Zealand tour form, or browse more New Zealand itinerary ideas.
For the latest details, visit the official Barrys Bay Cheese website and its factory page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Barrys Bay Cheese?
Barrys Bay Cheese is an Akaroa cheese factory at 5807 Christchurch-Akaroa Road, Duvauchelle, on Banks Peninsula.
What is Barrys Bay Cheese known for?
It is known for traditional Banks Peninsula cheese made from local milk, especially its cheddar. It has made cheese since 1895.
What are the Barrys Bay Cheese factory shop opening hours?
According to the company, the shop is open daily from 9am to 5pm and closes only on Christmas Day. Confirm before you visit.
Can you watch cheese being made at Barrys Bay Cheese?
Yes. A viewing window links the shop and the factory. The team makes cheese from September to May, usually Monday to Friday and sometimes on Saturday.
How far is Barrys Bay Cheese from Christchurch?
It is roughly 75 minutes by road, on the way to Akaroa.
What is the New Zealand cheese trail?
It is a self-guided route linking artisan cheese producers across the North and South Islands. Barrys Bay Cheese is stop 11 on the trail map. Some producers on older maps have since closed, so check each stop before you go.