Apartment
Subtropical Hideaway: 1 acre Fenced gated property with caretaker studio 3 dogs
Photo gallery for Subtropical Hideaway: 1 acre Fenced gated property with caretaker studio 3 dogs





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms 1 bathroom Sleeps 6 110 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Waipapa, Northland
- Place, Rainbow Falls8 min drive
- Place, The Parrot Place9 min drive
- Place, Fairy Pools10 min drive
- Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)13 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Subtropical Hideaway: 1 acre Fenced gated property with caretaker studio 3 dogs
Welcome to your serene sanctuary nestled in the lush subtropical heart of Waipapa.
Starlink Internet, please use WiFi Calling on your phone settings so you can get reception.
This charming three-bedroom retreat offers an inviting blend of comfort and tranquility, perfect for families, friends, or travelers seeking respite.
Enjoy restful nights in your Super King bed, a comfortable sleep. Two additional bedrooms have each a queen bed commercially designed for the best sleeps.
Lounge is air conditioned, bedrooms have fans.
**Stargazing & Relaxation:** Free from light pollution, the Milky Way dazzles at night. By day, embrace the serenity with a book or a leisurely walk.
**Dogs' Companionship:** Two affectionate Blue Heelers, 1 temporary German Shepard cross huntaway live onsite, adding warmth and character to your stay. No guests pets sorry.
Kindly keep gates closed to allow them to safely enjoy the outdoors. No additional pets policy
Lounge bi-fold doors open onto a deck with exercise equipment, allowing indoor comforts to extend into nature.
A range of kitchen gadgets and essentials set the stage for culinary adventures. Indulge in espresso brewed from whole beans or bake your bread, sodastream
Wi-Fi, a TV with Chromecast, and a selection of books and board games provide ample entertainment during your stay. Starlink connectivity, with WiFi Calling on many cellphones.
Conveniently located within a short drive to Kerikeri’s shops, airport, and more. Explore local schools, 2 international schools, international cuisine, and numerous outdoor activities like golf and fishing.
500m from French Breakfast/lunch cafe, La Patisserie closes for Winter, opens in Spring September
Whether you're here for a brief escape or an extended stay, this home offers all the conveniences you need for a restful and rejuvenating experience. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of island life, right here in Waipapa.
Staycations welcome with a local international school: Springbank school 6 kms away, also international School Kerikeri High approx 14km away.
1 easy car park (pls keep off hand crafted footpath with car)
Firewood is not included but can be arranged for long term guests, it is additional $375 stacked. Arranged prior.
Heat pump/Air Con in main room, included if you keep doors shut to keep out the bugs (tropical sized bugs)
I can service the house for over 7 day bookings: on a day that's suits us both from 9am. Expect: Beds, towels, vacuum, loo, aircon filters about 5 hours using the washing machine in the house, dryer etc. $25ph
There are a few Taxis, available if you pre-book. The taxis tend to be casually unavailable after dark. If you get stuck somewhere, ring me
24/7 Laundry mat in Kerikeri. (Washing Machine in house. Dryer on deck). Deck is shared mostly by the dogs looking for cuddles, and has gym equipment. Don't feed the dogs please. They're both on diets. Dogs must stay outside
My dogs live onsite, hence guests are required gates are to be shut at all times, they don't live in your house, they stay in my studio
It is fenced, approx 150 metres off the main road, unfenced hidden swamp.
Springbank: Local international college is popular approx. Sailing Schools etc.
Springbank School is 6km down the road. This is Rural NZ you will need a vehicle, there are few footpaths.
Semi tropical status. There are an approx 5 frosts a year, but you must be up early to see it to believe it. Rain however is boisterous and unrepentant. All things on deck are placed to stay out of the rain, do not leave awnings up, or leave any thing moved from its current position.
I have a 6 chair dinning table indoors and another four chair table on the deck - you can suit yourself where you sit, just take care its under shelter and won't get wet, things leak when we have downpours (Monsoon size rains), so please be careful with the upholstered furniture outside and don't get it wet.
Heat Pump no extra, unless doors left open. Then the mosquitoes will also come in. Moths. They get sucked into the aircon vents. Please shut the doors. I clean airconfilters between guests.
Please close windows and lock doors when you leave the property. High burglary rates. Lock your cars in Northland. Tourism attracts opportunists.
Some gym equipment on the deck, weight machine, exercise bike, badminton set is in the cupboard on the deck by the bike. Swiss ball is on the deck, the exercise is a lil rusted as its outside.
It is all out of the rain, so don't move it. Pegs in a wee bucket in the same cupboard on the deck next to the dryer.
Meander just under 5000m2 of park like grounds, I have planted trees both natives and fruit trees: Kauri, Totara, Pohutakawa, and Tariere, as well as white, red and yellow Kowai, 6 of each to start with, alas most got knocked out from either droughts, some are finally fruitful.
I do the lawns fortnightly, depending on the weather. For short stay guests, I try to tend to them before hand so other than meeting you if you choose, you're pretty much on your own. Except for the dogs, born early 2023. Phone me if you need me to sort dogs, or help you with anything
I thank you for choosing my home. The house is quiet, well insulated, and the grounds are wonderful, I'm in a self contained apartment adjoining the house (duplex), no internal access, your space is your space.
Footpath: I had a stroke at age 46, many many rehab projects later, and I built footpath out of kitchen bench seconds. So it isn't thick, but pretty, and obviously can Crack under a heavy tyre/car or ite, truck. You get it.
Food:
Best curry is 15 minutes North of me, and it's called The Spice Grill. Licensed. Dine in or phone a take out order before you leave, my favourite: onion bhaji, papadums, prawn Malabari, with cheese n garlic naan. Proprietor is Sabii, he's awesome. Say hello Sabi, it's like Cheers. Tell them your staying at Karen's
South East is Kerikeri: The Plough and Feather has my vote for best food in town, seconded by the Black Olive do a wonderful Asian beef salad, they also do pizzas, and fantastic ribs, pasta etc. Greens Thai... just a huge range for our international guests who winter over with their super yachts, and us
Jimmy Jack Ribs is a Rib Shack over in Paihia, no reservation required. Approx 25 minutes drive away. Sticky Ribs are finger foods, have at it with your fingers, wear white - challenge accepted? I can do it and still look clean. Go on.
The Sword Fish Club restaurant has an excellent view over the water, there are also restaurants on the wharf and Chinese and Japanese restaurants in the mall.
Bad Habits is another great brunch restaurant in Paihia. Steak house. Also very weird liquor in their bottle store which is part of the restaurant, also has butcher's block to buy top quality meat. You can meander once you've gotten a table. Fascinating place
Darryl's Dinner summer only cruise also does lunches in the height of summer, one word: Fantastic. Grab that from the launch wharf in Paihia if it's operational. Bookings essential.
Over in Russell we have the Duke of Marlborough two venues, same name, one is Fine Dining and the other is across the road for the public bar, both have restaurant service. The Fine Dining is just that, so fine, and the pub grub also has Ribs
House rules apply to all guests. This is a home.
1 shoes off at door (place inside for rain)
2 max guests cars per Booking, or one camper and one small car. It's a shared drive, park on left, keep right lane free at all times
3 Please do not block driveway, shared drive
4 if you are visitors you can park on Lemon Grove, not up the driveway
5 Please do not park on footpath, make sure your car doesn't Crack It, that will be an insurance bill you'll have to front up for INSURANCE ON YOU $30k replacement value
6 Only people staying will be accepted, NO THIRD-PARTY BOOKINGS
7 NO VAPING OR SMOKING IN OR NEAR THE HOUSE IF WINDOWS OR DOORS ARE OPEN. $900 PER INCIDENT
8 NO DOGS INSIDE
9 NO VISITING PETS
10 Burnpile must have fire permit and I will need to be present
11 Smoke at Burnpile, chairs there (80 metres east at bottom of lawn)
12 Please take away all your boxes, and recycling. Don't put it in the trash if they wont fit. No recycling in my area, it goes to landfill currently.
13 NO Parties
14 NO Events
15 All damages, concerns please text me
Fines:
Only guests who agree to house rules stay. No third party bookings. That is under the bookers responsibility.
Smoking and Vaping inside or near open window $900 @ time. No smoking listing. Burnpile far lawn has chairs. Next guests check in next day, so no stink or unreported breakages please. Just let me know so I can fix it
Lock house and secure window's when away from house $500 @ time
Please dont ever park on my hand crafted footpath
This was one of my stroke rehab projects, its pretty and a mosaic with each granite piece 30mm thick. Its a handcrafted mosaic. Granite from a Kitchen Heaven granite supplier
2 Blue Heelers live on-site, please keep them inside gates. Gates kindly need to remain shut, and rescue Charlie dog for now
One way parking for two average sized guest vehicles. All extra vehicles or Oversized vehicles park out on Lemon Grove. Do not block the driveway Thanks
You can service the house yourself or get me to do it. $25ph. Vacuum, beds remade, bed sheets washed, towels washed, mouse traps checked, aircon filters washed
Max occupancy is 6 guests in total including children due to host insurance maximum
Outside shoes and work boots to be taken off at the door please as is custom in the Far North Just keep them inside by the washing machine
Thank you for choosing my home. I live on the attached studio with the dogs, get income protection insurance, Strokke at age 46 a bitch
Phone text if you need me
Starlink Internet, please use WiFi Calling on your phone settings so you can get reception.
This charming three-bedroom retreat offers an inviting blend of comfort and tranquility, perfect for families, friends, or travelers seeking respite.
Enjoy restful nights in your Super King bed, a comfortable sleep. Two additional bedrooms have each a queen bed commercially designed for the best sleeps.
Lounge is air conditioned, bedrooms have fans.
**Stargazing & Relaxation:** Free from light pollution, the Milky Way dazzles at night. By day, embrace the serenity with a book or a leisurely walk.
**Dogs' Companionship:** Two affectionate Blue Heelers, 1 temporary German Shepard cross huntaway live onsite, adding warmth and character to your stay. No guests pets sorry.
Kindly keep gates closed to allow them to safely enjoy the outdoors. No additional pets policy
Lounge bi-fold doors open onto a deck with exercise equipment, allowing indoor comforts to extend into nature.
A range of kitchen gadgets and essentials set the stage for culinary adventures. Indulge in espresso brewed from whole beans or bake your bread, sodastream
Wi-Fi, a TV with Chromecast, and a selection of books and board games provide ample entertainment during your stay. Starlink connectivity, with WiFi Calling on many cellphones.
Conveniently located within a short drive to Kerikeri’s shops, airport, and more. Explore local schools, 2 international schools, international cuisine, and numerous outdoor activities like golf and fishing.
500m from French Breakfast/lunch cafe, La Patisserie closes for Winter, opens in Spring September
Whether you're here for a brief escape or an extended stay, this home offers all the conveniences you need for a restful and rejuvenating experience. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of island life, right here in Waipapa.
Staycations welcome with a local international school: Springbank school 6 kms away, also international School Kerikeri High approx 14km away.
1 easy car park (pls keep off hand crafted footpath with car)
Firewood is not included but can be arranged for long term guests, it is additional $375 stacked. Arranged prior.
Heat pump/Air Con in main room, included if you keep doors shut to keep out the bugs (tropical sized bugs)
I can service the house for over 7 day bookings: on a day that's suits us both from 9am. Expect: Beds, towels, vacuum, loo, aircon filters about 5 hours using the washing machine in the house, dryer etc. $25ph
There are a few Taxis, available if you pre-book. The taxis tend to be casually unavailable after dark. If you get stuck somewhere, ring me
24/7 Laundry mat in Kerikeri. (Washing Machine in house. Dryer on deck). Deck is shared mostly by the dogs looking for cuddles, and has gym equipment. Don't feed the dogs please. They're both on diets. Dogs must stay outside
My dogs live onsite, hence guests are required gates are to be shut at all times, they don't live in your house, they stay in my studio
It is fenced, approx 150 metres off the main road, unfenced hidden swamp.
Springbank: Local international college is popular approx. Sailing Schools etc.
Springbank School is 6km down the road. This is Rural NZ you will need a vehicle, there are few footpaths.
Semi tropical status. There are an approx 5 frosts a year, but you must be up early to see it to believe it. Rain however is boisterous and unrepentant. All things on deck are placed to stay out of the rain, do not leave awnings up, or leave any thing moved from its current position.
I have a 6 chair dinning table indoors and another four chair table on the deck - you can suit yourself where you sit, just take care its under shelter and won't get wet, things leak when we have downpours (Monsoon size rains), so please be careful with the upholstered furniture outside and don't get it wet.
Heat Pump no extra, unless doors left open. Then the mosquitoes will also come in. Moths. They get sucked into the aircon vents. Please shut the doors. I clean airconfilters between guests.
Please close windows and lock doors when you leave the property. High burglary rates. Lock your cars in Northland. Tourism attracts opportunists.
Some gym equipment on the deck, weight machine, exercise bike, badminton set is in the cupboard on the deck by the bike. Swiss ball is on the deck, the exercise is a lil rusted as its outside.
It is all out of the rain, so don't move it. Pegs in a wee bucket in the same cupboard on the deck next to the dryer.
Meander just under 5000m2 of park like grounds, I have planted trees both natives and fruit trees: Kauri, Totara, Pohutakawa, and Tariere, as well as white, red and yellow Kowai, 6 of each to start with, alas most got knocked out from either droughts, some are finally fruitful.
I do the lawns fortnightly, depending on the weather. For short stay guests, I try to tend to them before hand so other than meeting you if you choose, you're pretty much on your own. Except for the dogs, born early 2023. Phone me if you need me to sort dogs, or help you with anything
I thank you for choosing my home. The house is quiet, well insulated, and the grounds are wonderful, I'm in a self contained apartment adjoining the house (duplex), no internal access, your space is your space.
Footpath: I had a stroke at age 46, many many rehab projects later, and I built footpath out of kitchen bench seconds. So it isn't thick, but pretty, and obviously can Crack under a heavy tyre/car or ite, truck. You get it.
Food:
Best curry is 15 minutes North of me, and it's called The Spice Grill. Licensed. Dine in or phone a take out order before you leave, my favourite: onion bhaji, papadums, prawn Malabari, with cheese n garlic naan. Proprietor is Sabii, he's awesome. Say hello Sabi, it's like Cheers. Tell them your staying at Karen's
South East is Kerikeri: The Plough and Feather has my vote for best food in town, seconded by the Black Olive do a wonderful Asian beef salad, they also do pizzas, and fantastic ribs, pasta etc. Greens Thai... just a huge range for our international guests who winter over with their super yachts, and us
Jimmy Jack Ribs is a Rib Shack over in Paihia, no reservation required. Approx 25 minutes drive away. Sticky Ribs are finger foods, have at it with your fingers, wear white - challenge accepted? I can do it and still look clean. Go on.
The Sword Fish Club restaurant has an excellent view over the water, there are also restaurants on the wharf and Chinese and Japanese restaurants in the mall.
Bad Habits is another great brunch restaurant in Paihia. Steak house. Also very weird liquor in their bottle store which is part of the restaurant, also has butcher's block to buy top quality meat. You can meander once you've gotten a table. Fascinating place
Darryl's Dinner summer only cruise also does lunches in the height of summer, one word: Fantastic. Grab that from the launch wharf in Paihia if it's operational. Bookings essential.
Over in Russell we have the Duke of Marlborough two venues, same name, one is Fine Dining and the other is across the road for the public bar, both have restaurant service. The Fine Dining is just that, so fine, and the pub grub also has Ribs
House rules apply to all guests. This is a home.
1 shoes off at door (place inside for rain)
2 max guests cars per Booking, or one camper and one small car. It's a shared drive, park on left, keep right lane free at all times
3 Please do not block driveway, shared drive
4 if you are visitors you can park on Lemon Grove, not up the driveway
5 Please do not park on footpath, make sure your car doesn't Crack It, that will be an insurance bill you'll have to front up for INSURANCE ON YOU $30k replacement value
6 Only people staying will be accepted, NO THIRD-PARTY BOOKINGS
7 NO VAPING OR SMOKING IN OR NEAR THE HOUSE IF WINDOWS OR DOORS ARE OPEN. $900 PER INCIDENT
8 NO DOGS INSIDE
9 NO VISITING PETS
10 Burnpile must have fire permit and I will need to be present
11 Smoke at Burnpile, chairs there (80 metres east at bottom of lawn)
12 Please take away all your boxes, and recycling. Don't put it in the trash if they wont fit. No recycling in my area, it goes to landfill currently.
13 NO Parties
14 NO Events
15 All damages, concerns please text me
Fines:
Only guests who agree to house rules stay. No third party bookings. That is under the bookers responsibility.
Smoking and Vaping inside or near open window $900 @ time. No smoking listing. Burnpile far lawn has chairs. Next guests check in next day, so no stink or unreported breakages please. Just let me know so I can fix it
Lock house and secure window's when away from house $500 @ time
Please dont ever park on my hand crafted footpath
This was one of my stroke rehab projects, its pretty and a mosaic with each granite piece 30mm thick. Its a handcrafted mosaic. Granite from a Kitchen Heaven granite supplier
2 Blue Heelers live on-site, please keep them inside gates. Gates kindly need to remain shut, and rescue Charlie dog for now
One way parking for two average sized guest vehicles. All extra vehicles or Oversized vehicles park out on Lemon Grove. Do not block the driveway Thanks
You can service the house yourself or get me to do it. $25ph. Vacuum, beds remade, bed sheets washed, towels washed, mouse traps checked, aircon filters washed
Max occupancy is 6 guests in total including children due to host insurance maximum
Outside shoes and work boots to be taken off at the door please as is custom in the Far North Just keep them inside by the washing machine
Thank you for choosing my home. I live on the attached studio with the dogs, get income protection insurance, Strokke at age 46 a bitch
Phone text if you need me
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 3–17
Stream & swamp are unfenced must not be unattended
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed, service animals permitted
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please check for runaway cords, glasses, jackets and have a safe trip, place key in pantry on hook. I'll put trash to highway Friday 7am. No roadside recycling this area. Please take it with you.
No need to strip the beds, please put wet towels in the bathroom
Drive safely, thank you for choosing my home. I hope you enjoyed your stay.
Doggos thank you too
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Waipapa
Located in Waipapa, this apartment is in a rural area. Rewa’s Village and Kororipo Pa are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Marty's Golf Range and Pure Day Spa. The Parrot Place and Makana Confections are also worth visiting. With kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Waipapa, Northland
What's nearby
- Marty's Golf Range - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
- Rainbow Falls - 8 min drive - 9.1 km
- The Parrot Place - 9 min drive - 10.9 km
- Fairy Pools - 10 min drive - 9.8 km
- Kerikeri Mission House - 12 min drive - 12.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Phat House Brewing - 10 min drive
- McDonald's - 9 min drive
- Istanbul Kebab - 9 min drive
- Cafe Cinema - 10 min drive
- Cafe Jerusalem - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Karen Wisse

After my stroke (age 46 2014) I learnt to talk and function again, still not confident to start a conversation with a stranger, but got two dogs early 2023 - blue heelers, and they make life soo much better
Why they chose this property
I shifted from Christchurch after the earthquakes, then promptly had a stroke. This was the retirement plan. You are the retirement plan. Please choose the home where one of the dogs can climb trees, and the other pirouettes
What makes this property unique
Idyllic lush surroundings - peace, privacy; with beaches and golf courses 25 minutes away, top restaurants too
Languages:
English
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