Wake to sweeping ocean views and the soothing sound of waves below at Mawhiti Cottage, a secluded coastal retreat perched high above Northland's West Coast shoreline and designed for complete relaxation.
At night, fall asleep to the gentle rhythm of the ocean and wake to the sight of the sea stretching to the horizon.
'Mawhiti' is the Māori word for 'escape', and it perfectly captures the spirit of this special seaside hideaway. From the moment you arrive, the outside world feels wonderfully distant. Days unfold slowly with sea breezes drifting across the deck, while evenings bring spectacular sunsets that wash the horizon in colour.
Start your morning with coffee on the sun-drenched deck as the ocean sparkles below, spend your afternoons exploring the surrounding coastline, or simply settle into the peaceful rhythm of sea and sky. As dusk arrives, the deck becomes the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine while the sun sinks into the ocean and the sound of the waves drifts up from the beach.
The surrounding coastline is beautifully raw and unspoiled, where fresh sea air and coastal breezes create a setting that feels both invigorating and restorative, an authentic seaside experience that many guests find deeply refreshing.
For those who wish to remain connected, the retreat is equipped with fibre-optic internet, making it easy to work remotely. Many guests enjoy setting up their laptop on the deck and working with one of the most inspiring views imaginable.
Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate the location, with the Northern Wairoa Golf Club just minutes away, offering both 9-hole and 18-hole rounds at very reasonable green fees. Golf carts are also available to hire.
We are delighted to share this much-loved coastal retreat with guests seeking peace, space, and a memorable escape by the sea.
Important information to note before booking:
• The nightly rate is based on two guests, which is our preferred occupancy.
• Guests are asked to bring their own linen. Pillows and duvets are provided.
• Mawhiti Cottage operates an eco-friendly wastewater system that uses natural worms and microorganisms to safely process waste. To help protect the surrounding coastal environment, guests are kindly asked to use eco-friendly personal products only during their visit.
• Access to the retreat is via a short grassy path, which may be slippery when wet. Guests with mobility concerns may wish to take this into consideration.
• There are currently some building materials stored on the grounds, which should not interfere with your enjoyment of the property.
• Smoking is not permitted at Mawhiti Cottage.
• Unfortunately, pets cannot be accommodated.
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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
Please bring in the green deck chairs. Fold the wooden chairs and store under the table.
Pull all blinds down as you leave
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Private Oceanview Escape Above the Beach pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Private Oceanview Escape Above the Beach?
As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Oceanview Escape Above the Beach on 31 May 2026 start from AU$151, 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 Private Oceanview Escape Above the Beach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Oceanview Escape Above the Beach?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Oceanview Escape Above the Beach?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Private Oceanview Escape Above the Beach located?
Nestled on the beach, this Baylys Beach cottage is within 9 mi (15 km) of The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio, Taha Awa Riverside Gardens and Dargaville Museum. Kai Iwi Lakes and Trounson Kauri Park are also within 32 miles (52 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A lovely bach in a gorgeous location, and great communications from the host. Couldn’t have asked for more and we’d definitely like to return!
Susan B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jan 2026
I’m so glad that you enjoyed your stay, Susi and am happy to hear that it was a restful break to welcome in 2026. The location really doesn’t get much better to sooth the soul. I look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Sandra our hostess was very friendly and helpful. The cottage is wonderful. It was recently renovated to make it comfortable and modern. The views of the beach & ocean are spectacular.Baylys Beach is a great little seaside town and it’s close to Dargaville.
Alan J.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jan 2026
It was a pleasure to host you, Alan. I'm glad you got to experience and enjoy Mawhiti Cottage and the glorious views. I enjoyed our exchanges, and I would love to host you again. Safe travels for the rest of your stay in NZ!
Excellent communication, great location and amazing views!
Travis P.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2025
It was a pleasure to host you, Travis. You are right- the views are amazing, I never get tired of watching the waves, and listening to them roll in. I hope that you will have the opportunity to stay again, you would be most welcome.
The Kitchen was more tha well equipt with Bosch appliances and beautiful dinnerwear and cuttlery . Very good sharp knives and plenty of pots and pans plus servingware. The bed was very comfortable in bedroom with beautiful views of the ocean. Beautiful bathroom. Of course the jewel of the crown was the magnificent view of Baylys Beach with all her personalities of a west coast beach. Sandra was a wonderful host and I highly recommend this slice of heaven at anytime of the year.
Louise M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Nov 2025
Thank you for your review, Louise. It is always wonderful when guests fall in love with our cottage as we have. To us also, it is a magical place, one that we yearn to return to when we are away from it. I hope that you will come again, it was a pleasure to host you.
It was so lovely to host you Elizabeth. Thank you for noticing the art work- they are all pieces chosen especially for the cottage and we love them. One local artist's work in there as well. I hope that you will make it back soon to enjoy the great views again!
Epic views amazing beach
A place to enjoy the simple things of life.
Great place to reser.
Tracy A.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2024
I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay Tracy. We live in a busy city so it is always refreshing to leave it all behind and just 'be' at the cottage. I hope that you will come again, it was a pleasure to host you.
As advertised, beautiful veiws in the classic kiwi batch, with everything you need to enjoy a beach holiday. I highly recommend this property 👌
Neil H.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2022
Dear Neil, it was a pleasure to host you. I am so glad that you enjoyed your stay and especially the beautiful sunsets. I hope that you can come and stay again, it would be a pleasure to host you once more!
It was great to host you Wade. I'm glad that we could work around the weather events to ensure that you were able to come when it was safe for you to do so.
We just love the view too- it never gets old! I hope that you can come again, it would be a pleasure to welcome you again.
Weekend break before the xmas maddness - absolutely stunning cottage overlooking the ocean
Janine M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Dec 2024
I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay, Janine. I hope the walks were invigorating and the fishing was good! Love to welcome you back to Blackbeard'S Cottage anytime!
We enjoyed our stay, this was our second time staying at this bach. Highly recommended if you want a classic kiwi bach experience. It has everything you need for a weekend away.
Lisa M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Dec 2023
It was an absolute pleasure to host you again, Lisa. Thanks for the photo of the snapper- it inspired us to think about taking up fishing! I look forward to hosting you again next year. Till then, Merry Christmas and I trust 2024 will be a wonderful year for you both.
I had a wonderful stay there. The view from the cottage is just breathtaking. The cottage is a really great Bach, cosy and cute. Highly recommended!
Sabine A.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2023
So glad that you had wonderful stay, Sabine! The view is amazing- we never tire of just watching and listening to the ocean. It is a constant there, and, it wraps around you like a hug. Please come again, you were a delight to host.
Can't get any closer to the beach. Please is big enough, had everything, with an amazing view.
Verified traveller
Stayed 16 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Nov 2024
I'm so glad you and your family had a great stay, Mike. It really is a wonderful location with a superb view, and I'm glad you got to enjoy it. Thank you for being a great guest, and I hope that you can visit Blackbeard's Cottage again soon.
We had a lovely time revisiting the west coast. The batch was everything we could have asked for
Trish F.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
About the host
Hosted by Sandra Webster
Blackbeard’s Cottage was bought sight unseen when we lived in Hong Kong. It was quite some time before we got to see it in person, and although in poor condition, we loved it immediately. We have slowly worked to make improvements, and are just about there, with just the exterior landscaping and some exterior painting to complete. As we do not currently live in NZ, this is a slow process!
Why they chose this property
Only one word to answer the 'why this property' question- "location". The views make you feel as though you are one with the beach, and in fact, the constant presence of sand in the cottage confirms this! Check out this article about the area: https://www.silverkris.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/beaches/the-offbeat-charms-of-new-zealands-ripiro-beach/?fbclid=IwAR0Z4AuaU1WEn0zP8a8TArOWvU8uShEX4jbqu5uXEOSVXFfHkv_HfVSNcrM
What makes this property unique
The joy of the location of the cottage, the views, the sunset, the thrill of the wind, the serenity and peace of going to sleep listening to the waves cannot be underestimated