Cabin

Fun and Funky - fully restored genuine 1940's handmade caravan

Photo gallery for Fun and Funky - fully restored genuine 1940's handmade caravan

Reviews
9.4 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Water viewWater viewWater view

Explore the area

Map
Great Barrier Island, Auckland
  • Popular LocationMedlands Beach15 min drive
  • AirportGreat Barrier Island (GBZ)21 min drive
  • Popular LocationKaitoki Beach27 min drive
  • Popular LocationBlind Bay33 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette

About this property

Fun and Funky - fully restored genuine 1940's handmade caravan

“Willis” is named after her creator Arnie Willis who handcrafted her in his backyard in the 1940's. Originally built of plywood, she was re-clad in aluminium later in life. We have made every endeavour to keep Willis as close to her original state as possible, while having 21st century luxuries. The elevated unique glamping caravan is nestled amongst native bush, surrounded by bird song, stunning sea views and clear dark night skies. Private and quiet, it's a complete escape from everyday life.
Willis has been lovingly restored with a collection of retro kitchenware; a Bluetooth compatible restored valve radio; a retro Smeg fridge and classic American style booth seating.
Willis is permanently parked on a purpose built sustainable space, nestled in regenerating bush with plenty of fishing, biking and hiking opportunities. It is fully off the grid, running solely on solar; our own water source and with a composting flush toilet, but with all the mod-con luxuries.
The unique glamping caravan boasts:
- Being tastefully decorated, this unique accommodation has been designed with a retro interior theme, including a classic American style booth seating
- A comfortable queen-size bed with luxurious crisp bed linen
- Vintage wool blankets and warm luxurious bedding will keep you cosy at night
- Fully equipped cooking and eating equipment including a gas hob and retro Smeg fridge
- Lovingly restored with a collection of retro kitchenware
- A Bluetooth compatible restored valve radio

Outside includes:
- An adjacent private eco-friendly bathroom, equipped with a flush toilet and hot shower
- Soak up the serenity of the bush, with surround windows whilst you shower!
- The deck has everything you need to enjoy outdoor living
- A state of the art barbeque to use for cooking dinner
- View of the bay or the stars at night in our comfortable deck chairs
- There is an externally vented gas heater to keep you warm and cosy in winter
- Private parking

We provide:
- Coffee, tea and milk
- Handmade soap. Toilet paper. DAZZ cleaning products
- Luxurious towels
- All bed linen, towels, dish cloths and cleaning products
- Binoculars for viewing the stars at night
- A technology detox. Although we recommend you switching off and immersing yourself in nature. However, Wi-Fi is available at Willis. Cell phone coverage is limited, but our location does have a good amount of 4G connectivity available.
- Kayaks and bikes available for hire.
- We can also arrange vehicle rental hire.

This is the ideal place for a couple, friends or an individual to get away from the hustle of daily life and use as a base to explore and have an authentic Aotea adventure. The quirky space would also be perfect for writers or artists wanting a private space to write novels, paint or draw.

Check out our other eco homes on Airbnb:
Le Cabanon, off-grid tiny cabin
Borneo Bungalow in the Bush
The Look Out - Architecturally designed house with stunning views


Guest access

This is a private and secluded caravan with access via the elevated decking from the driveway. A relatively steep 500 metre 4 wheel drive access driveway will bring you to the parking. (4WD is highly recommended.) Car parking is an easy two-minute walk from the caravan.
A 10-minute walk from the chalet leads you down to the beach for a morning sea dip or a 3-minute drive from the shops, cafés and pubs. The rest of the island is easily accessible by car as well, or if you’re brave you can easily hitch around the island.
The ferry port and airport are both within a short driving distance.

Property manager

AngelaWr2

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Water view
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Great Barrier Island

Located in Great Barrier Island, this cabin is in a rural area and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Medlands Beach and Blind Bay. Kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and ecotours nearby.
Map
Great Barrier Island, Auckland

What's nearby

  • Medlands Beach - 15 min drive
  • Kaitoki Beach - 27 min drive
  • Blind Bay - 33 min drive
  • Glenfern Sanctuary - 60 min drive
  • Windy Canyon Lookout - 76 min drive

Getting around

  • Great Barrier Island (GBZ) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • Tipi & Bobs Waterfront Lodge - 5 min walk
  • Mulberry Grove General Store - 6 min drive
  • Barrier Social Club - 12 min walk
  • Stonewall Store & Bottle Store - 13 min walk
  • The Innkeeper's Lodge & Currach Irish Pub - 13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Fun and Funky - fully restored genuine 1940's handmade caravan pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fun and Funky - fully restored genuine 1940's handmade caravan?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fun and Funky - fully restored genuine 1940's handmade caravan?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Fun and Funky - fully restored genuine 1940's handmade caravan located?

Situated near the beach, this cabin is 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from Medlands Beach and within 12 miles (20 km) of Blind Bay and Kaitoki Beach. Awana Bay is 11.4 mi (18.4 km) away.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 9 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 9 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Avryl F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Even though I arrived just before cyclone Gabrielle hit.. it was a very, very special experience ..
So,, I was booked in to Willis the cutest wee retro caravan,but the cyclone meant I had to move out .. to a gorgeous cabin surrounded by bush and birdlife.. truly unique
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute little hideaway
A lovely wee spot to get away from it all. Helpful friendly hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Jodie H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun and cosy!
Cute little caravan tucked amongst the trees. Really fun vibe and lots of vintage items in caravan to go with era. Despite super strong SW winds it felt protected and cosy sitting on the deck watching the huge waves roll in! Short walk to General Store, Coffee Shop and Irish Pub. Yummy coffee and had a great dinner at Pub.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Teri N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun in the rain
Great fun even in the rain!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barbara C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely getaway!
We really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

About the host

Hosted by AngelaWr2

Host profile image
Hi, we’re Angela and Sharpie! We’ve lived on Great Barrier Island for 30+ years. We are committed to the idea of sustainable living and being as low-impact on nature as possible. We’re part of a small unique island community, who live completely off-grid and are sustainability minded. We like to grow our own organic vegetables, use rainwater and re-use anything we can. We created our off-grid tiny home experiences to demonstrate practical eco living, with luxury and sustainability in mind. We love our island Aotea (Great Barrier) and welcome you to come experience the unique beauty of it.

Why they chose this property

The clear waters around Puriri Bay are ideal for taking a dip, snorkelling and kayaking. Or you can simply explore the shoreline. Get immersed in island life with yoga classes; jam nights; live music and comedy nights at the local Irish pub or a cold beer at one of the breweries. Explore our beautiful natural hot pools, white sand beaches, coastal walks, biking tracks, surfing and impressive hikes of all grades. Tasty food options and unique artistry can be found all around the island.
If you’re lucky, dolphins can often be spotted in the bay below Willis!
We have kayaks and bikes available for hire. We can also arrange vehicle hire.
We strive to use only eco-friendly cleaning products in our homes.

Languages:

English
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