Yfanwen (pronounced "if-an'-when") is a comfortable, very private and pet-friendly, fully equipped and serviced standard Lockwood family home of 100 square metres (1000 square feet). It is complete with Wi-Fi, heat pump and MY SKY PLUS TV, including the movie and sports channels. It sleeps 6 comfortably and can accommodate 2 more on a bed-settee. It is the alternative home of Margaret and Tim, the owners .
We are in the community of Okiato just across the water by car ferry from Opua, close to the Far North town of Russell in New Zealand's picturesque Bay of Islands. Opua is off State Highway 1 about 220 kilometres north of Auckland. The Russell Peninsula is part of a 'Land Island' nature reserve - listen to the kiwis calling at night, and pukakos and tuis around you in the surrounding bush when you are staying in Yfanwen.
Yfanwen is built back from a low cliff and adjacent to tranquil Pipiroa Bay. The house overlooks the Veronica Channel with views to the west and north as far as Paihia and Waitangi. The property is beachfront with 4.5 hectares (over 18 acres) of low hills and pasture, footpaths and two adjacent shallow, safe swimming beaches. The home is in its own bush environment, is private and is safe for small children under supervision and is in general ideal for a family holiday. Pets are welcome at Yfanwen.
Our walk-out (an alternative to using the car) is a bush pathway under the tree canopy leading for nearly 2 kilometres to Aucks Road, the main road between the Opua car ferry ramp and Russell.
The photo gallery tells you all about the house, the views and how to find us. Special conditions: Smoking only outside please
Extras: Linen (included); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave;
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Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave.
Please leave shoes outside during stay.
24th December to 31January. Minimum stay. Five nights
1st February to 31st March . Minimum stay. Four nights
When leaving, please turn off the Air conditioning
Please lock the house on leaving and leave keys on the sideboard inside
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
About the area
Okiato
Located in Okiato, this holiday home is near the beach. Russell Museum and Pompallier Mission are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Makana Chocolate Boutique and Action World. Travelling with kids? Consider Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway and Makana Confections. Scuba diving and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking nearby.
Is Private and pet friendly lockwood house pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Private and pet friendly lockwood house?
As of 9 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private and pet friendly lockwood house on 12 Apr 2026 start from AU$237, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Private and pet friendly lockwood house?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private and pet friendly lockwood house?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private and pet friendly lockwood house?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Private and pet friendly lockwood house located?
This family-friendly Okiato holiday home is located by the ocean, within 3 mi (5 km) of Bay of Islands and Bay of Islands Marina. Makana Chocolate Boutique and Russell Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Lovely traditional bach with lots of modern facilities and a great position and view. The host is welcoming, everything is clean and its very near a winery!
This was a fantastic stay. We booked 6 days, however we should have booked a little longer.
The peace and quiet is so wonderful. The birds were amazing.
The walks and beaches were fantastic too.
We all really enjoyed everything about our stay.
Thank you
Our adult family of 6 had a lovely stay. Bush walks, swimming best at Russell but took the kayak out from the little bay. Heard kiwis at night and very comfortable beds.
The location is sublime and even with the rain we instantly felt like we were on holiday. Short stroll to an excellent beach to paddle board from. Love the Lazy boys for watching movies on the raining nights. The house is well-equipped and the beds are super comfortable.
My sister, daughter and I stayed at Yfanwen in Janaray for three magical nights. The view from the deck and incredible birdlife was nothing short of spectacular. The house is extremely comfortable with everything we needed, and whilst the location had the splendid privacy and isolation we were wanting, the short drive to Russell and the gorgeous Long Beach made it also perfect for cafes and swimming. Thoroughly recommend and hope to return soon. Excellent communication from host Margaret :)
Beautiful location and very helpful host. Gorgeous sunsets, lots of birdlife, our own private wee bay to swim in, and bush walks on the property. The neighbours were all very friendly and welcoming also.
Margaret was wonderful, she left us to it but was easily contacted for questions. The night before check out, she contacted us to make sure we were able to get home as there was a weather bomb, flooding in Auckland and closed roads. We were very thankful to be looked after so well and to be offered an extra night to allow a safer trip home.
Thanks again Margaret, we really appreciate
A lovely bach type property close to the vehicle ferry in a rural setting close to a private bay on the property. Caught a schnapper off the shore in the bay.
A perfect place to unwind and relax. Had everything you needed but since it was July it was very cold and damp. Heat pump warmed up the house sufficiently. Enjoyed sky sports in the evenings.
Look forward to returning in the summer months.
This is a great spot. It's about 5 minutes from the Opua Ferry and less than 10 from Russell. It's super remote and quiet. Taking our suburban kids (9 and 4) was fantastic. There is a little boat shed at the bottom of the hill and access to a beach which my older kid loved exploring. The beach itself is quite rocky and full of oyster shells so not recommended for swimming but Long Beach near Russell is amazing and only a short drive away. The house itself is clean, tidy and well loved. Just enough amenities to be convenient without taking you out of holiday mode. It feels like a proper bach with some books on the shelf if you need a read and a view of the water. 100% would stay again.
We were blown away by this hidden sanctuary, birdlife incredible, quiet, great communication with manager! Would definately love to return. Remember insect repellant!
Even though we went through a brutal rain storm on the first day, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Yfanwen was everything that we needed. The birdsong at sunset was amazing, as well as the views across the bay and the stars at night.
We had the most incredible time staying at Yfanwen. Pipiroa Bay is so close to the property and even though it was a winter stay we were able to enjoy the beach just as much; searching for shells and exploring along the rocks. We will definitely be back!
Suited us well, the beach, the bush walks, the kiwis calling at night, so many boxes ticked.
Far enough away from any one else to feel like you had the place to your self, close enough to Russel to get anything you forgot to bring with you.
Would we go again ... Yes we would.
Yfanwen is a wee hidden gem in a secluded gully overlooking the sleepy bay. The birdsong in the evening is incredible and hearing the kiwi calling at night from the deck was really special. Having Sky movies was a huge help for keeping the teenage boys from complaining about being bored in the evenings too.
Was very sad to close the door behind us at the end of our stay.
Fabulous communication from Margaret, we felt well cared for so welcomed.
What an awesome place to stay. Everything we needed, with a private beach, amazing views and hearing the kiwis calling just topped it off. Such a peaceful place and a fantastic host with great communication. Thank you so much. Merry Christmas!
The photos do not do this Bach justice. We loved our stay and hope to return to this place where people have cared about conservation of this wonderful environment. I will never forget going to sleep to the sound of Kiwi song.
Yfanwen is a hidden gem well worth the ferry trip from Opua. The house is older but fully equipped and in the most stunning location. Margaret is an excellent communicator and we arrived feeling confident we would enjoy our stay! And we did! Hearing the birds in the trees, and the kiwis at night is very special. Our aged dog even loved the daily excursion to the boathouse and the water. We’ll certainly be back one day...thank you Yfanwen! Vicki, Mark and Boomer.
Vicki G.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021
About the host
Hosted by TIMR6128
What makes this property unique
Well appointed, self contained Lockwood home with Wi-Fi, MY SKY PLUS and a heat pump.