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Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat

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Relaxing space by fire with views out to sea
Living area with a view
Day Bed with views
Living area
Large dining table

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6120 sq m

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Wainui, Canterbury
  • Place, Wainui Banks Peninsula
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Lyttelton Harbour
  • Place, Akaroa Wharf
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Airport, Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
    ‪81 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bunkroom

2 Single Bunk Beds

King Bedroom

1 King Bed

Queen Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat

Our Paradise – Pīwakawaka Retreat

Step into a world where sparkling Akaroa Harbour is just steps away. Pīwakawaka Retreat is a sun-drenched haven where everyday worries drift away. Many of our guests return again and again.

Our waterfront sanctuary blends relaxation and adventure: explore rock pools, swim at the sandy beach, fish from the wharf, take a boat out, or simply unwind on the deck as the sun sets. On lucky days, you might even spot Hector’s dolphins. Surrounded by birdlife, rural landscapes, and the sea, there are plenty of walks and hidden spots to explore right from your doorstep.

Perched above Banks Peninsula and overlooking Akaroa Harbour, Wainui is peaceful and secluded yet close to everything:

* 75 minutes from Christchurch
* 25 minutes from Akaroa
* 15 minutes from the nearest store and restaurant at Duvauchelle

The boat ramp is just 50m from the cottage, a wharf for fishing is 200m away, and Wainui’s main sandy beach with summer pontoon is about 200m in the other direction. Low-tide rock pools, coastal tracks, and nearby bays offer endless exploring — all set against a backdrop of native bush, and ocean views.



Space & Comfort

Inside, a sunny open-plan living area opens to a spacious deck with ever-changing harbour views. For cooler evenings, a heat pump and crackling log burner create a warm, cosy atmosphere. Settle in with a book, board game, or movie on the Wi-Fi-connected smart TV.

Bedrooms:

* King room with electric blanket
* Queen room with electric blanket
* Bunk room (2 single bunks)

Fresh sheets and towels are provided for two guests as standard. Additional bedding and towels can be arranged for extra guests.



Good to Know

Layout: Stairs to the entrance, and internal stairs between the living area and bedrooms.
Toilet: Toilet: In the style of a classic Kiwi bach, the toilet is in its own private and separate room, just outside the main bathroom door. It’s undercover and only a single step away but you do need to exit the back door and step to the left (undercover but open).
Toddlers: Deck has glass balustrades and a safety gate, but the layout may not be ideal for very young, mobile children. Please enquire if unsure.
Extras: Wi-Fi, smart TV (Netflix/Chromecast), CDs, games, and books.



Whether exploring Banks Peninsula or watching the light shift over Purple Peak, Pīwakawaka Retreat is the perfect place to slow down, connect with nature, and soak in the beauty of Akaroa Harbour — a sanctuary for the soul.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Stairs and balcony not safe for very young kids
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 first aid kit

About the area

Wainui

Located in Wainui, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Akaroa Museum and Maori & Colonial Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Akaroa Lighthouse and Britomart Monument. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and rock climbing.
View more Holiday homes in WainuiOpens in a new window
Map
Wainui, Canterbury

What's nearby

  • Wainui Banks Peninsula - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Linton The Giant House - 23 min drive - 24.1 km
  • Akaroa Wharf - 23 min drive - 24.8 km
  • Akaroa Lighthouse - 24 min drive - 25.1 km

Getting around

  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Akaroa Corner Cafe - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Crater Cafe Akaroa - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Grand Hotel - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪La Thai Restaurant - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat?

As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat on 28 Apr 2026 start from AU$168, 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 Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat located?

This Wainui holiday home is on the beach, steps from Wainui Banks Peninsula and within 9 mi (15 km) of Akaroa Golf Club and Duvauchelle Showgrounds. Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and Banks Peninsula are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 58 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

4.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

D R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful spot, amazing views , a really chilled house to relax in. Will be back .
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar 2026
Thank David, loved having you stay and look forward to having you back again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The view was lovely and host was very welcoming and great with communication
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the loveliest time at Piwakawaka. The views are amazing, the house has everything you need and is nice and clean. The hosts were good at communicating. Thank you so much. My daughter over from Scotland thought it was awesome
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah G.

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

Great stay

Had a wonderful time again- thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ciaran F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house making the most of the glorious view with the deck and perfectly laid out living area, filled with light from all the windows. Able to be cosy even on the cold days.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nortessa M.

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

Lovely, peaceful, nostalgic stay

We loved this property, it had a beautiful view, the home felt comfortable and warm, we loved all the personal touches and the music!We are already planning another stay in the future. Thanks Sarah!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Mar 2025
Thank you we loved having you stay at our holiday home. So glad we could provide a wee sanctuary for you after your busy and exciting time. We look forward to having you stay again. Warmest regards, Sarah
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura G.

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

Lovely Stay

We really enjoyed staying at this bach. Beautiful views and a well equipped kitchen. We will definitely be back ☺️
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aaron R.

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

Lovely Bach

Great harbour views from a typical kiwi bach. Lovely stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dianne P.

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

Good stay

The bach had a nice feel about it… lovely view of the sea… master bed very comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lili W.

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

Perfect!

We loved our stay here. Great amenities, stunning view and very peaceful. We will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cora T.

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

Perfect Get Away

This is the second stay this year It is Such a perfect place to chill and to let time expand. A Beautiful outlook … The Accommodation is very welcoming and family orientated for a relaxing stay where entertainment and gatherings take place. Very happy with our stay… and will definitely return again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cora T.

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

Fantastic

Loved the location and the home was very homely and welcoming
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

amaia g.

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

cozy

cozy place, lovely waking up to the sounds of the water! a great place if you ever need a quiet and relaxing getaway
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret R.

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

Absolutely fantastic weekend

Fantastic weekend in what was our family bach, built by my father.After approx 60 yrs, its still as i remembered, i was 10 when place sold
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2025
We really loved having you to stay- very special that this used be your bach. You are welcome back anytime, a true pleasure having you stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason G.

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

Paradise!

Our third time staying at this wonderful home. It just has the most relaxing vibe. Had the fire going & enjoyed a peaceful couple of days with those incredible sea views. Love this holiday home!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason G.

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

Cosy home away from home

Our second stay at this fabulous home, this time in colder weather so we got to enjoy the logburner fire. This home makes you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in, the comfy open plan living space & magnificent views out to the water & bays. Loved our stay thanks 🙏
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina-marie C.

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

Waters edge

Stunning views, quiet and relaxing. Had everything you need and more. Can’t wait to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael E.

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

Perfect

This was the perfect place for a relaxing week. Extremely well equipped ( for the kitchen we needn't have brought anything !) , very comfortable sofas, beautiful outlook and easy access to the sea and walks. Beds excellent and even a seaview from the main bedroom. Bliss! Thank you so much Sarah !!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason G.

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

Fabulous house!

We loved our stay here, the house is so lovely and relaxing, perfect for lazing about & reading a book. Beds were super comfy. There are lots of seats on the balcony to look out at the incredible views across the bays. A quick drive to Duvauchelle for a drink, or on to Akaroa for shopping & exploring. The host was great with communication. Highly recommend this home, in fact I’m planning to go go back! Thanks Sarah for a lovely few days in your beautiful holiday home.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Maureen M.

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

Wonderful Wainui

Beautiful outlook of a well equipped bach. Being 30 minutes out of Akaroa we appreciated the well stocked kitchen. However, when we checked out at 10am we took our rubbish to Barry's Bay transfer station only to discover it doesn't open until midday which left us a bit stuck, it would be helpful for this to be highlighted. Overall we had a lovely few days in Wainui.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Hi Maureen. Thanks so much for staying- we are pleased you enjoyed your visit and we are pleased we were able to accommodate your extra guest With regards to the transfer station, I wanted to confirm that there is an afterhours drop off at Barrys Bay Refuse Station- just to the left before the big main gates there are two skips. One for recycling and one for Rubbish https://www.wasteline.co.nz/refuse-station. Hope that clarifies and helps. Best regards, Sarah and Richard
Verified

6/10 Okay

Dave N.

Liked: Check-in, communication

Disappointed

Property has a great view in an ok location but is tired. Shower was not clean on arrival but cleaner came back and attempted to clean but needed exit mould. We wiped food off surfaces in kitchen, bench, table and chairs, bedrooms needed a good vacuum. Stains on sheets in bunk room. House is let down by lack of maintenance and poor cleaner.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Michelle D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Little things

I planned to read, relax and take a short break from my demanding business. The verandah , telescope and the view were my reasons for choosing this Bach. The view was wonderful, I did not manage to focus the lens on the telescope no matter what I did so this I accept as possibly my fault but the verandah lined with broken shredded Ratan furniture really affected the atmosphere. Instead of being welcoming and comfortable it was the opposite. Even sitting in one of the useable chairs the verandah lost its appeal -it felt neglected.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Hi Michelle. Thanks for staying with us and your feedback. Sorry to hear you felt our verandah area wasn't what you had hoped for. I just wanted to clarify, did you find the larger squabs and cushions in the storage box on the verandah beside the furniture, that are to be used on the furniture- they are pretty comfy and in good condition:)? We keep them in the storage box so they don't get too damaged by weather/sea conditions when guests are there. Being so close to the sea and weather, the life span of the outdoor furniture can be reduced but we do replace regularly and we also offer the cushions and swabs to make them comfortable. We figure as long as the seats are comfy and the views are fantastic, its a pretty nice spot to relax in. Please be assured, we do try our very best to offer an funky, comfortable, tranquil place to stay with beautiful views and provide all the amenities we can at a competitive and affordable price. However we will take your comments into consideration going forward and look at our options the deck. The telescope takes a bit of adjusting but does work :). Thanks again Michelle.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glenn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome bach with gteat views, nothing to complain about, will definitely book again.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shanaz N.

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

Away from all the hussle

Bit of a drive but when we got here it’s amazing Everything we expected Love to come back
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rene B.

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

Beautiful property overlooking the bay.

Spacious house with ample room for us all. The house's location was great, my kids could walk to the beach to go swim. I had a lazy afternoon on the porch, watching the sunset on the hills over the bay with the waves rolling onto the rocks below. Had an amazing time!! Will definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to get away from the hustle of every day life.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sarah Campbell-Simpson

Host profile image
We are a family of four who live in Christchurch and love our bach by the sea in Wainui! It's our home away from home, and we love being able to share it with our guests.

Why they chose this property

Wainui is a very special place, by the beach, peaceful and rural yet so close to Christchurch and Akaroa. We love being by the water, watching the changing light and moods over the bay, and exploring all the walks and adventure activities nearby. We also love chilling out in front of the log burner with some good games or a tv program and just relaxing.

What makes this property unique

Piwakawaka Retreat is a sun-drenched haven that feeds the soul with views that wash away the everyday. Our waterfront sanctuary blends relaxation with adventure; whether exploring rock pools, the sandy swimming beach, fishing on the glassy water, or unwinding on the deck watching sailboats and Hector's dolphins. The perfect base to explore Banks Peninsula, or haven to watch the light change over Purple Peak.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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