Skip to main content
Entire home

Waterfront Sanctuary

Photo gallery for Waterfront Sanctuary

Tree House
Deck view
Aerial view
House from deck
House

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bedroom 2 ensuite

Toilet · Shower only

Downstairs bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master ensuite

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront Sanctuary

This idyllic property has stunning waterfront views from every bedroom. A perfect place for a romantic weekend or honeymoon, but large enough to accommodate a group. The property is completely private, being nestled among mature pohutukawa trees.

Built to maximise indoor-outdoor living it has an expansive deck with a built in spa, an outdoor shower, and BBQ. An outdoor table and loungers are all you need to while away the day.

The property is situated in Whangateau, which is 8 mins drive from Matakana, 5 mins drive from Leigh, and 15 mins drive from Warkworth. There is plenty to do in the region including visiting Goat Island Marine Reserve, nearby surf beaches (Omaha, Tawharanui, and Pakiri), vineyards, the Makatana farmers market, and boutique and vintage shopping.

The property is luxuriously furnished and comes with lots of mod-cons (e.g., espresso machine, BBQ, fans, hairdryer, iron). The three bedrooms each have their own ensuite (one ensuite doubles as the main bathroom), and the kitchen is fully equipped. A heat pump will keep you cosy on cold winter's days or take a wonderfully hot spa while enjoying the view. Our spa is kept nice and hot all year round.

The house is two stories and can sleep 8. All the living area and one bedroom are on the ground floor and two bedrooms are upstairs.

Things to note:
- The driveway is very steep and is unsuitable for towing boats or trailers.
- There are two flights of stairs up to the front door of the main house.
- This is a relaxed bach surrounded by the natural environment and we try to keep cleaning charges for our guests to a minimum. So please don't expect a hotel.
- Late checkouts/early check ins may be available by arrangement for an additional cost.

House rules:
- Maximum number of people permitted is 8. No non-staying visitors.
- No parties or large gatherings. No loud noises between 10:30 pm and 9 am in respect of our neighbours who live close by.
- Property is not suitable for children under 5 years without prior approval.
- No smoking on the premises.

The occupant shall:
- pay for any damages or losses to the property/ chattels.
- leave the premises in a clean and tidy state. Additional cleaning charges will apply if the house is left in an unacceptable condition.
- no smoking or vaping on the premises.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Exterior
Beachfront access house in Paradise
Whangateau
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (8 reviews)
Beachfront access house in Paradise

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

default

Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17

Not suitable for under 5 years without approval

default

Events

No events allowed

No loud noises after 10:30 pm

default

Pets

No pets allowed

default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Load and start the dishwasher

Take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys

Please clean BBQ if you used it. If the BBQ is left dirty there will be an additional $50 cleaning charge.

If you used the sofa bed please strip the sheets before folding it up.

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 20035964
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
Note from host: No loud noises after 10:30 pm
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Whangateau

Located in Whangateau, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Heron's Flight and Ascension Wine Estate Matakana Auckland are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Matakana Village and Matakana Weekend Market. Reptile Park and Action Ninja World are also worth visiting. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and ecotours nearby.
View more Holiday homes in AucklandOpens in a new window
Map
Leigh, Whangateau

What's nearby

  • Reptile Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Mathesons Bay - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Leigh Marine Reserve - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Matakana Country Park - 8 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Goat Island - 9 min drive - 7.6 km

Getting around

  • Auckland (AKL-Auckland Intl.) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪8 Wired Barrelworks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Zen Den - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Goose Bakery - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Leigh Fish 'N Chips - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Stables - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Sanctuary pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront Sanctuary?

As of 17 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront Sanctuary on 31 July 2026 start from AU$417, 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 Waterfront Sanctuary?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Sanctuary?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Sanctuary?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Sanctuary located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Reptile Park and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Mathesons Bay. Action Ninja World and Goat Island 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 63 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 63 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 63 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 63 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 63 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ciaran P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was thought of. The kitchen was well stocked. The place with spotless clean. Really spacious and amazing
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

brandon m.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
We only stayed two of the nights we booked out of 7 due to location of property. But it was a nice stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Nov 2025
The location of our property is shown on before booking. These guests were international and not familiar with New Zealand.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Property

Really enjoyed our stay. fantastic deck overlooking sea. Defiantly recommend this property to others
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for a weekend away.

The steep drive to the house was well worth the effort to get up because of the amazing relaxing view that waited for you when you entered the house. Great layout for a group of friends to catch up. We throughly enjoyed our time there.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Terrific location

This house was all that it described, lovely handy location and well equipped. Would have been nice if sun had come out to utilise the fantastic deck.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sabine D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is beautifully nestled on a hill and even has a small private beach. The view from the deck is breathtaking. The house is nicely furnished and well equipped. We had a problem with the dishwasher, but the host promptly responded. We definitely would recommend the house to family and friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jean D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful romantic escape 😍

Stunning views, bush & home, admired the house artwork & sculptures, was blown away by the luggage lift, so helpful, have never seen one before 😁 Thanks for the lovely chocolates guys much appreciated 😍
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome location for a Girls weekend

We had a lovely long weekend away. The house was just lovely and very relaxing. The view is amazing. We really enjoyed the spa. Big enough to fit us all. The driveway is very steep but we knew that when we booked. We had a wonderful time.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Calum W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and wonderful house !

Overall our experience was wonderful at this house. Plenty of space & each bedroom has an ensuite. The driveway is very steep although we managed just fine. The owners were very easy and pleasant to deal with. Thank you again !
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic house

Very clean and tidy, great spot. Spa was cold on arrival and dirty. Advised power cut so started next day we attempted to remove all the leaves and added the chlorine provided.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Archival

8/10 Good

Lovely property with an excellent spa pool.

Lovely property with an excellent spa pool. However, on arrival some areas of the house were dirty, including kitchen surfaces, fridge and under couches. The exterior windows had also not been cleaned in some time. The front entrance is dangerously slippery in wet weather.
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Apr 2020
Sorry to hear that our place was not up to standard, I will pass this feedback on to my cleaner. We have placed some non-slip tape on the entrance tiles also.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicki F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Luxury hideaway and OH what a view!

This place is amazing! Luxurious clifftop hideaway with incredible views of the Whangateau harbour and beyond. Comfortable beds, 3 bathrooms, everything you need in the kitchen, plus complete privacy, a clifftop spa and steps down to estuary for a swim at high tide or walk on sand flats at low tide.Yes the driveway is very steep but it’s fine! Hosts are great to communicate with.If you only ever have one holiday, make it to this house!Thanks Carina & Mark- we wish we’d never left!
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic views

We all enjoyed the property and the amenities provided. The driveway is not for the faint hearted but room for 3 vehicles on site.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Tracey W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

3 couples booked this for a weekend, each bedroom has it's own bathroom which is great. Well equipped kitchen for cooking and dining, comfortable beds and large spa which was clean and hot. Close to Matakana but very private. Definitely use again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lyndon D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place

The location is incredible, with beautiful views over the estuary. Easy access to Omaha, Matakana, Leigh. Great setup in the house and the spa out on the deck is a lovely spot to watch the sunset from.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you, your house is lovely.

Easy, perfect, amazing view.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful setting

We had a wonderful family time away
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome spot

Incredible views, relaxing spa pool with privacy. Very comfortable cool, 90s style house. Would definitely go back.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Spot

Three couples in search of a place to stay while attending a wedding in Leigh found this place. It's ideal for three couples, with each having their own bedroom and bathroom. The place is well appointed, clean and tidy, with stunning views. We'd definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home and view

The property was exactly as described and the view was incredible. Would definitely recommend staying here for your next trip up north
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

We loved the access to outside with doors opening out along the front to the large deck.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We extended our stay...

Great location. We were fortunate to have perfect weather and spent most our time swimming and kayaking in the lagoon. The private steps down to the lagoon are challenging, but fun.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Mohit G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Views

Thumbs up - Check in process, Location and neighborhood
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Awesome
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway.

Peaceful and serene. Our experience was fantastic. Loved the view. The house had great amenities and everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

About the host

Hosted by CarinaSS

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback