Entire home

Wakatu (wait a while) Cottage

Photo gallery for Wakatu (wait a while) Cottage

Terrace/patio
Street view
Front veranda
Terrace/patio
Morning view from front deck

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
South Bay, Kaikoura
  • Kaikoura Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Peninsula Walkway
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Point Kean Seal Colony
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Kaikoura (KBZ)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

Second bedroom

2 Single Beds

Sleepout

2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

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

About this property

Wakatu (wait a while) Cottage

In the heart of South Bay - this is a great place to fish or recharge the batteries.

This is a 'bring your own linen' house. There is no cleaner so pls be prepared to leave the house clean and tidy for the next people.

One minute stroll down the reserve path adjacent to the harbour to check out the fishing boats and whale/dolphin watching operations, potter round the rock pools or go for a swim.

Step out to the Peninsula walks, up to the views and back or take the challenge of the loop round the Peninsula to view seals close up, into town and back over the reserve walkway to South bay.

Launch your boat ahead of all the others first thing in the morning - parking inside for a 14' or plenty of room on the grass verge. Or snorkel at low tide - clean your catch in the sink/fish cleaning area round the back.

Safe for all aged children - property is fenced.

If you have a dog, make sure its on leash around the Coast Guard.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
Smoking allowed outside only, please pick up buts.
Pets welcome too if they sleep in their own beds/crates, own food bowls, please pick up any doggie doos, tx. Please, no pets on furniture or beds! Exccept the outside couch.
Not suitable for tradesmen, or outdoor workers

Warnings.
The sleepout is colder than main house in winter,
The shower is over a bathtub. May be difficult for some.

Property manager

Sally Grimmett
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 3:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Fenced property Keep dogs/children off furniture
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Dog use own mat/crate feed bowl pick up doo doos
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
This is a 'bring your own linen' house. There is no cleaner so you agree to leave the house clean and tidy, tx. The next people will report back.
Under our accommodation resource consent unfortunately no parking on the grass verge. Can you park in the garage or through the gate in the fence?
No tradespeople or outdoor workers.

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 indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; 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 first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Kaikōura

Located on the beach, this holiday home is in South Bay, a neighbourhood in Kaikōura. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Kaikoura Beach and Peninsula Walkway, while Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum are cultural highlights. Scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and horse riding nearby.
Map
South Bay, Kaikoura

What's nearby

  • Kaikoura District Museum - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Kaikoura Beach - 5 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Fyffe House - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Peninsula Walkway - 8 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Point Kean Seal Colony - 9 min drive - 6.9 km

Getting around

  • Blenheim (BHE-Woodbourne) - 113 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Coopers Catch Kaikoura - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Strawberry Tree - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Why Not Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Kaikoura Seafood Bbq - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Slam Club - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Wakatu (wait a while) Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Wakatu (wait a while) Cottage ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Wakatu (wait a while) Cottage ?

Checkout is at 3:00 PM.

Where is Wakatu (wait a while) Cottage located?

This family-friendly Kaikōura holiday home is located on the beach, within 3 mi (5 km) of Kaikoura Museum, Kaikoura Beach and Kaikoura District Museum. Fyffe House and Point Kean Seal Colony are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 163 out of 236 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 59 out of 236 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 236 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 236 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 236 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Trevor H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
South Bay stay
We liked the property because we got to bring our little pet as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay.
Fantastic property with easy access to the boat ramp. Comfortable and practical with lots of room.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rene T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxation
Warm, cosy and very comfortable my family enjoyed every bit about our stay here. Thank you for having us
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mani D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
It was a great stay thanks so much
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cornelia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful location
Beautiful place with a nice garden, very close to the beach and the coastal track. We enjoyed a wonderful weekend and will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Very cozy will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great vacation
Wonderful location great weather. Just loved kaikoura.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacqui T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely bach in a beautiful location
We had a great stay, it’s a really nice house with comfy beds and a nice outdoor area. Very clean and tidy. South Bay is a beautiful spot and the house is close to the wharf and beach. Sally is great to deal with, check in was really easy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kaikoura
Great 70-80s bach. Would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

angus M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great stay!
Three years in a row we have stayed at Wakatu cottage and we absolutly love it. Great location and a fantastic kiwi bach!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Jack H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice wee batch
Good place to stay nice and cozy
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sweet cottage in peaceful South Bay
My friend and I booked the Albatross Encounter Tour in Kaikoura, and we stayed with our pooches at this comfortable bach for a long weekend. South Bay is quieter than the main township itself and is close to the boat ramp and the southern end of the Peninsula Walk. The bach was a great place to cook, relax on the verandas and hang out. Thank you for our stay, Sally.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend getaway
Amazing spot with beautiful views and close to everything. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and comfortably cottage
A perfect location in South Bay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Geoff F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
great
we all loved it will book again
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

aleshia g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible kiwi bach
Absolutely loved our stay here, it was such the perfect space for the whole family, loved the kiwiana feel you could tell this is a much loved family bach
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family crib in South Bay
Our second stay at this cottage and enjoyed it again- a much-loved old-style crib, with fully fenced section that is great for the dog and nice view of the mountains from the back deck. Well set up and comfortable. Lovely hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Linda L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pet friendly appreciated
Basic wee cottage with everything you need for a get away. Yard was great for our wee dog and handy to plenty of walking spots.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie & Mathew C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Whakatu
Nice house that was cozy and warm. Great for a quick get away. Thanks 😊
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kaikoura gem
Had a lovely time was really lovely stay 2 mins to the beach. Was very clean . Will stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tanya E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sunny place
Great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little batch
Amazing little batch. Couldn’t fault it. Great communication throughout and great detail in how to open up and get the hot water etc sorted. Would definitely stay again 10/10
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicola C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and lovely bach feel
The house was clean and tidy and was as described in the booking. A classic family bach a stones throw from the beach and boat ramp. Great to be able to take our dogs also
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Janet D., Porirua

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfy cottage in quiet spot
Like the bach feel of this place with all amenities. Close to the Walkway and the beach. Beds comfortable and kitchen well equipped.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by Sally Grimmett

Host profile image
We are now retired but have promised our kids that we will never sell. Our children and our grandchildren love playing into the rock pools, snorkeling in the bay, and eating crayfish and butterfish. Our children loved swimming with the seals from an early age.
Personally we enjoy sitting on the verandah and watching life go by.

Why they chose this property

We come from the South Island and this property was our foot in the South Island. It still is for our kids who now live in the US.

What makes this property unique

We liked the simplicity of the house, its spaciousness and easy living. It harks back to the 50's with the old style kitchen and bathroom and deep bath/shower.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests