Entire House for a Relaxing Family Getaway – Bay of Islands
Looking for the perfect spot for your next family holiday? This private retreat in the heart of the stunning Bay of Islands offers everything you need for a peaceful and memorable escape.
Surrounded by native trees, the home feels like a secluded treehouse hideaway, offering privacy, tranquility, and a strong connection to nature. With a spacious open-plan layout, the house feels light, airy, and ideal for spending quality time together. In the cooler months, cozy up by the fireplace—it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
The home includes a separate wing that can be closed off with a secure fire door, ideal for extended family or added privacy.
Location highlights:
2.5km scenic walk to the main town – perfect for a morning stroll 700m walk to Te Haumi Beach – a hidden local gem 2.5km to the Ōpua car ferry – easy access to Russell 20-minute drive to Kerikeri – home to the best farmers market in the North Island Important notes:
The driveway is steep and may not be suitable for all vehicles There are stairs both inside and outside the home, though there is alternative access without stairs if needed Whether you're planning a family reunion, a group holiday, or just looking to unwind in nature, this home offers the perfect base to experience the magic of the Bay of Islands.
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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
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 fire extinguisher
About the area
Paihia
Located in Paihia, this holiday home is in the mountains and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bay of Islands and Tapeka Point Historic Reserve, while Russell Museum and Pompallier Mission are cultural highlights. Makana Chocolate Boutique and Action World are also worth visiting.
Is Big holiday Home for the entire family pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Big holiday Home for the entire family?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Big holiday Home for the entire family on 19 Aug 2026 start from AU$224, 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 Big holiday Home for the entire family?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Big holiday Home for the entire family?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Big holiday Home for the entire family?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Big holiday Home for the entire family located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Bay of Islands and Makana Chocolate Boutique. Paihia Beach and St Paul’s Church are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a fantastic time, the bach was beautiful and well maintained had everything we needed. The kids were entertained even when we were rained in for the first 3 days! Thank you so much would definitely stay here again! :)
This holiday home is a lovely little spot! The location gives the impression that you are surrounded by bush, but town is just a 5 minute drive away! The home was beautiful and easy to navigate!
Thank you!
Our group of 8 guys on a long weekend had a blast in this place, very comfortable and well located. Cheers
Brett C.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Carlene S.
23 Oct 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Our stay
Our stay was fine. As the driveway is steep and the main rooms are in a loft I wouldn't recommend for the aging or anyone with disabilities.
Carlene S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept 2023
Thank you for the feedback. Really disappointed in our very first low review since we had the property in more than two years. Main bedroom is on the ground floor and we don’t recommend this property for disabled guest. Unfortunately the layout of the house can’t accommodate wheelchairs although we have had a guest in wheelchair before who did enjoy their stay. Paihia is also very hilly so we can’t help for the driveway. Haven’t had any complaints before. Hope you enjoyed the time in the beautiful Bay of Islands.
The host was welcoming and good communication. One issue was the beds have no top sheets and this is quite unusual - and the duvets were too heavy for summer. For a summer booking it is necessary to have top and bottom sheets for a comfortable sleep. Secondly, one of the downstairs bedrooms has no curtains - and while very private there is no way to block out the early morning light.
Lovely beachy feeling cottage, teens loved the loft sleeping area. Sunny and fireplace made it super cosy. Driveway was pretty steep, but otherwise perfect. Beautiful bush outlook.
Perfect for our family(including a baby) to stay for a long weekend. Plenty of room for us all to have our own space. Parking a little difficult but doable.
We had a lovely time with our family over from Australia. The weather was rainy so couldn't fully enjoy the views from the property but the house was decorated very homely. Very clean (bar a few spider webs) and easy with the bedding and linen provided (no face clothes though). Only thing we would suggest for change is that the property number is made more visible on the street or in the instructions sent after booking as we drove past the driveway a couple of times in the dark before we found it. Definitely recommend though. We enjoyed our stay.
Meagan G.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
An
14 Nov 2024
Toilet upstairs has no ventilation and very stuffy
Perfect place for bigger families. Great location to Piahia. Peacefull and tranquil
Beds comfy, good powerful shower. Clean and good size for a family of 10. Location is great for doing the sights in the Bay Of Islands.
Host is amazing in communication and a lovely touch with the Christmas tree.
Although aging the property is still comfortable and nice to stay at. My only comment is that it is not really suited to a stay for Senior Citizens or for those who have difficulty climbing up and down stairs as the place has a few areas with stairs. We were also unable to log on to the WiFi which was a bit of a nuisance.
We had a great time with our large family staying here. It was very clean and tidy, the beds were great 👍
Lucy E.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
About the host
Hosted by Carien Munro
We fell in love with Paihia many years ago, and in December 2017, our dream of owning a place in this stunning part of the world finally came true.
This is our home away from home—a laid-back, welcoming space designed for relaxing, recharging, and enjoying the simple things.
Originally from South Africa, we made New Zealand our home in 2007, and this house has become our go-to escape. It’s not fancy—it’s just pure holiday fun. Unpack, switch off the screens, and soak in the peace and quiet of nature.
Why they chose this property
We absolutely love Paihia, and over time, we’ve transformed this old house into a cozy holiday escape tucked away in the bush.
It’s our go-to spot whenever we need a break from the hustle of city life—a peaceful retreat where we can unwind, recharge, and soak up the natural beauty as often as we can.
What makes this property unique
It’s spacious and has a wonderfully relaxed, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to unwind.