Entire home

A family paradise in your own private bay

Photo gallery for A family paradise in your own private bay

Property grounds
View from Creek
Pohutukawa Tree
Golf
Wharf

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Te Weu Weu Bay, Onapua Bay
  • Picton Ferry Terminal
  • Picton Harbour
  • Waikawa Marina
  • Picton (PCN)

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Cottage/ sleep out

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Ensuite bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Outdoor shower

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

A family paradise in your own private bay

Onapua Bay is a totally secluded, private bay in Tory Channel, Marlborough Sounds. Please note it is not Te Weu Weu Bay as VRBO suggests. There are two houses (one kitchen, two lounges, five double bedrooms, two bathrooms). The houses are surrounded by a large wooden deck with uninterrupted views across a lawn that gently slopes down to your own sheltered cove, a wide modern wharf, mooring, and the sea.

The property is north facing and receives all day sun.

It is a much loved place for children with: safe swimming, a wharf for diving and fishing off, Tarzan and seated swings, huge flat lawn for cricket and other ball games, kayak, and dinghy.

The houses offer comfortable living (new gas stove and fridge freezer), but with the full "close to nature" Marlborough Sounds experience including: safe swimming, fishing, kyaking, rowing, bush and mountain walks, mountain biking, beach bar-b-ques, and just lying on the wharf soaking up the sun and sea.

There are forest and sea birds in the bay, a magnificent Pohutukawa Tree with Tui's and Bell birds, and a large supply of fresh mussels at your door step.

There is no light pollution so you can enjoy the magnificent night sky above you and on some nights the magical phosphorescence in the sea too.

There is a recently tunes upright Blutner piano.

Water Taxis are available to take you to and from the bay (30 minutes) and bring in supplies of fresh food. The supermarket and other shops in Picton will package and deliver your food to the water taxis. There is no road access.

There is a recently surveyed 2 Tonne mooring in the bay.

There is cellphone coverage and mobile data works (1-2 bars 4G on Spark) from several spots in the house, out in the bay there is a full strength signal.

House Rules

NOTE FROM HOMEAWAY and Book a Bach: 'Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave; Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/tea towels) and take out everything you take in including your rubbish, food etc. You are required to leave the place as you found it - clean and tidy for the next person, as if it was yourselves arriving to enjoy your holiday.'

Guest fees:
The advertised rate of $375 is the base rate for 2 adults and their children. Additional adults are charged at $50 per adult, per night. Adult children who are non-earning students are exempt.

Cleaning rules and fees:
You will need to clean after yourselves and leave the property as you found it. If you do not comply with this rule you will be charged a cleaning fee of $300. New guests may be asked to pay this as a cleaning bond prior to their stay. The bond will be returned to you when the placed is left in good order. The reason for this is a practical one; it is very expensive to get cleaners to come and clean up after you. They have to travel by boat from the nearest town. Just their travel time and boat fee can be $300. Also other guests may follow you and rely on you leaving the house as you found it. This works very well when there is a run of considerate guests who understand the 'kiwi rule' of 'you leave the place as you found it and even a little bit cleaner'. If one guest leaves the house as if it a motel with cleaners following, sadly, the whole system breaks down.

Property manager

brentw2

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You must leave the property as you found it. If you don't you will be charged a cleaning fee of $300. New guests may be asked to pay a cleaning bond.

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 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

Onapua Bay

Located in Onapua Bay, this holiday home is on the beach. Picton War Memorial and Edwin Fox are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Edwin Fox Museum and Waitohi Recreational Reserve. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking nearby.
Map
Te Weu Weu Bay, Onapua Bay

Frequently asked questions

Is A family paradise in your own private bay pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at A family paradise in your own private bay?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A family paradise in your own private bay?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is A family paradise in your own private bay located?

Within easy reach of Te Weu Weu Bay, this Onapua Bay holiday home is located by the ocean and on the beach. Regional attractions also include Picton Ferry Terminal and Dryden Bay.

Reviews

10

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. 24 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ruben b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place
We absolutely loved staying at Onapua Bay. Can't wait to come back
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Evan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
--
Great location and awesome house
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

jason m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Spot
Great spot plenty of room for 6 adults very private
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Debbie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Escape
Awesome location - great escape, great communication from owner
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Feel the serenity
Great place to stay. Very relaxing and cool view.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

William T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Happy days at Onapua Bay
You simply couldn't ask for a better holiday bach to get away to. Warm and cosy with the fires in both wings, yet robust enough to handle a bunch of kids stuck inside during heavy rain. We made the most of the books and boardgames until the rain cleared and we were able to enjoy the huge rolling grass lawn, and the beautiful private beach. Off the grid, but we always had ample power and hot water. No phones was a pleasant escape, but as soon as you venture out to the end of the jetty or into the bay the phones light up with messages and missed calls. Excellent communication from Brent who showed a real concern to not only ensure that his property was cared for, but also that we would be comfortable and able to figure everything out. A wonderful place, thoroughly enjoyed by all of our group.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dimittee C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
I don't really want to review this place because I don't want to share this Perfect Piece of Paradise! It truly is a the epitome of serenity. Safe swimming in clear waters, a big roomy comfortable house and beds, well set up kitchen , lounge, library and the list goes on! We are definitely going back!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Simon R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just superb. The property we have ever stayed at
Excellent

10/10 Excellent

Paul C., Amberley

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Epic place
Fantastic spot
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jane P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Special family Adventure.
An amazing 7 days with far more than we imagined. The ‘off grid’ was not as scary as imagined! Retro ambiance with bonus of piano. Super comfy beds, warmth of fire, and view to die for. Hard to get grandkids away from wharf for meals - squid, stingray and fish galore. Thanks Brent and another amazing family adventure. ( Hike up behind house well worth the effort).
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Iain S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous
Cannot wait to book again.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Allison C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Little peace of paradise in the sounds
Great communication with owner easy instructions .. relaxing weekend everything you need .. thanks
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Charles D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
This is an amazing place to have a break and get away from it all. Brent communicates very well and the place is set up brilliantly.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

isobelle m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Off the grid retreat
A really special place to get out of the city and unwind in nature. Lovely setting with private beach, we were out in the kayak everyday. Brent had excellent communication and provided very comprehensive information on the property. Super appreciative we could take our pooch with us too. Thank you :)
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Carl G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot to relax
Stayed here in July with 3 friends. All had a ball and excellent place to unwind. Everything you need is here. Great solar power system and generator if needed. Very comfortable beds too.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
Wonderful stay! Amazing location. Excellent communication. We will certainly go back to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Becs A., Carterton, Wairarapa

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bliss! We didn’t want to go home!
Amazing property. We had a brilliant weeks stay here. What a magical spot. Thank you Brent! It’s a special place.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

sandie j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful relaxing stay. Heaps of room for kids to run around and good fishing too.
Relaxing and gorgeous part of sounds.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

8/10 Good

Rachael H.

Great for our preteen family to get away from it all.
We had a fabulous time! Really away from it all but still fun watching the ferries going by the mouth of the bay. We found a sweet spot to fish from the rocks and caught blue cod - the really big one got away! Snails from the rocks were the best bait, no need to bring anything in. It was calm enough to enjoy fishing from the dinghy too - we felt comfortable without life jackets, take your own if you need them. The walk up to the ridge really is very challenging, incredibly steep. The mountain goats in our family did enjoy it. The houses were good, excellent views. The main house with kitchen was easy to keep warm with the fire and we found we could heat enough water for 6 short showers per day (staggered) plus a sink of dishes. The other building with the bedrooms was harder to heat with the open fire so I would recommend taking hot water bottles. We had sleeping bags, the provided duvets etc were good and the beds comfortable. Being isolated and close to so much vegetation there were the expected pests about (rodents and possums) but not particularly bothersome. With preteen and young teen age children it was a perfect getaway. Playing spotlight after dark was a highlight for the kids plus catching fish. We could leave them to scout around while we relaxed. Younger children might be harder to keep an eye on with the water so close and bush all around. We loved it there and were sad to leave. Thank you for sharing this magical spot with us!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Diana B.

Fabulous spot
6 of us recently spent 1 week at Brent's place and had a most wonderful family holiday. The house is spacious, fireplace makes it cosy, the view is idyllic. We made the most of the proximity to the water by boating, fishing, or water-skiing most days. Brent gave clear written instructions, and responded promptly to any questions I had. Highly recommend this property for a group get away.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Chris P.

A Sounds Paradise.
We've just had a fantastic week staying here. A perfect place to unwind. We loved the whole experience and will go back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

An amazing piece of paradise.
An amazing piece of paradise. Seven nights of pure bliss. That view... accomodation was perfect for our needs and fitted the 9 of us perfectly. We felt very at home immediately. Will definitely be returning. Probably not for the faint hearted or those who like hot showers and drying their hair each day.. this is rustic beauty at its best.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Staying at Brent's feels like living in the sounds, rather than just visiting.
Staying at Brent's feels like living in the sounds, rather than just visiting. The house nestles in its bay and gets great sun. We could pop out for a fish off the point, go back later if we liked the weather better. Beds and bedding all great. Two living rooms were fab as we took work to do (Internet is adequate) Loved the cabin. Water heating by chippy adds to the fun. Our 5m boat managed the pack in by getting groceries delivered ahead and landing some guests on same mail boat.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Loved staying here.
Loved staying here. Superb location, lots of fish, big house, functional, great lawns, lots of birds, great for kids, already trying to plan our next visit.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful tranquil spot that enabled the entire family "to get away from it all"
Beautiful tranquil spot that enabled the entire family "to get away from it all"

About the host

Hosted by brentw2

Host profile image
Onapua Bay is my home. When I am away I rent it out to people who want to enjoy the unique wilderness experience of the Marlborough Sounds.

Why they chose this property

Staying at Onapua Bay has a profound effect on people. I get letters from many people who say the experience was life-changing and just remembering it, even years later, helps them through life's challenges. It reminds us how important our connection to nature is.

What makes this property unique

Its isolation, closeness to nature, privacy, and the unique opportunity to be immersed in nature with your loved ones away from the distractions of usual city life.

Languages:

English