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Starfish - special beach front retreat with wifi

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Starfish from the sea
Beach
Beach
Front porch at Christmas.
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms0+ bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Pakawau Beach, Pakawau
  • Pakawau Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Golden Bay
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Wharariki Beach
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Takaka (KTF)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Single Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Shower only

Separate toilet

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Starfish - special beach front retreat with wifi

Starfish is a perfect Kiwi bach on the beach, any time of year. Feel the sand under your toes and let the stress of daily life slip into the waves. Let go of deadlines and schedules as you adapt to the rhythms of the tides, relax your mind as the sounds of the sea lull you to sleep.
This traditional kiwi bach has been decorated with colour and love - highlighting local artists and artisans, creating a laid back holiday vibe. The comfortable lounge, with its cathedral ceiling, is just right for board games around the handmade macrocarpa coffee table, cosying up with a book on the upholstered rocker, or watching movies on the flatscreen TV.
The kitchen is small but very well equipped, perfect for a real holiday for the cook. Take your meals at the dinning table in the sunroom, looking out to sea watching the gannets dive, or outdoors on one of the two picnic tables. (The sun umbrellas may be in the garage). The Queen bedroom's romantic French doors open onto a covered deck, and you can sit up in bed and watch the sun come up, right out of the sea. The sunny bunk room has one set of bunks and one single bed, with feather duvets on all the beds, and lots of extra wool blankets and pillows in the closet.
At Starfish, enjoy lazy days sunning, swimming, and playing on the beach, and long walks along the tideline. Along the beach to the north you can see oyster catchers and godwits roosting on the sand during the summer months, and black swans grazing on sea grass when the tide is high. Peaceful Pakawau beach is on the northern side of Golden Bay, sheltered by the 35 km long arm of Farewell Spit.
When you want to go exploring, there's beaches, caves, cafes and artists' studios, all nearby. A contrast to gentle Pakawau Beach is nearby Wharariki Beach, with its wild west coast breakers rolling in, lots of caves, sand dunes and tidal pools of playing seal pups. Farewell Spit, by foot or safari, is a bird watchers dream, with over 90 species recorded there, and there's a cafe at its base with good binoculars and a display of the interesting history of nearby whale strandings. Take a walk through green sheep dotted paddocks, ancient macrocarpas and virgin coastal bush to Fossil point at the base of the Spit's 35 km long wide sandy beach.
Right in Pakawau, the camp shop is open again for icecreams, bait, and essentials, and the Schoolhouse Cafe is just across the road. Pop into Collingwood to the Courthouse Cafe for a delicious breakfast, or check out a live Gig with dinner and a house made brew at the Mussel Inn.
In winter, cozy up around the woodstove and enjoy our collection of board games and our wide selection of DVD's.
The huge old macrocarpas across the road block the famed Pakawau westerly wind beautifully: so Starfish and its beachfront are a pool of calm. (Thank you to the trees and the farmer who lets them remain).
For when you need to connect, we have unlimited WiFi and mostly good cell phone coverage. Play your own favorite tunes through the stereo, and relax!


LINEN - Bring your own linen
CLEANING: in Kiwi back tradition, please clean the Bach after your stay, and leave it as you found it.

Property manager

RobynTa4
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Ideal for children
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Events

No events allowed
No large gatherings please
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outdoors only please.

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
Note from host: No large gatherings please
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

Pakawau

Located in Pakawau, this holiday home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Kahurangi National Park and Pakawau Beach, while Collingwood Museum and Golden Bay Museum & Gallery are cultural highlights. Surfing/body boarding and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and ecotours nearby.
Map
Pakawau Beach, Pakawau

What's nearby

  • Pakawau Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Golden Bay - 25 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Wharariki Beach - 29 min drive - 15.5 km
  • Cape Farewell - 30 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Abel Tasman National Park - 64 min drive - 57.4 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Farewell Spit Cafe - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Collingwood Tavern - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Old School Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Mad Cafe - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Farmers Bakehouse - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Starfish - special beach front retreat with wifi pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Starfish - special beach front retreat with wifi?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Starfish - special beach front retreat with wifi?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Starfish - special beach front retreat with wifi located?

Nestled on the beach, this Pakawau holiday home is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Pakawau Beach and 2 mi (3.3 km) from Kahurangi National Park. Farewell Spit and Golden Bay are also within 9 miles (15 km).

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. 87 out of 96 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 96 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 96 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 96 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 96 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Philippa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Long weekend away
Fabulous location in an idyllic setting. Perfect for a family of 5. We would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquility at Starfish
Starfish is a beach front bach in beautiful Pakawau, very tranquil and private with a beautiful clean beach. The property is very well maintained and comfortable. We loved our stay, thank you Robyn.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Holiday
Perfect spot for a beach holiday.
Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tony M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Starfish
Delightful location and charming bach
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
Beautiful spot right on the beach. Excellent beds , very well stocked kitchen. Lovely cosy cottage in a splendid location
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxation is key
Absolutely loved our stay there. Big wide deck with beach views, sheltered from the westerlies. Very, very clean with a comfortable home-like feeling. I could really relax. I highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Jane E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Pakawau Beach, Starfish beach house.
A beautiful location at Pakawau Beach. A charming slightly tired bach. We enjoyed our stay. The cost seemed high for the house, especially with nearly 500 other fees added.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A moment in paradise
A relaxing and restoring stay at Starfish as always ⭐️
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn L.

Best bach ever
Wonderful stay. Had everything we needed and more! Great owners, very accommodating.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2019
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Superb location in beautiful Pakawau, right on the beach.
Superb location in beautiful Pakawau, right on the beach. The bach is very comfortable, clean with lovely touches and different spaces for relaxing indoors and out. Our second stay, many more to come I hope!

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace at the beach
It was wonderful to return to Starfish and enjoy its special atmosphere again. It is a magic place.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A special place
This is an outstanding house, well equipped, beautifully looked after and set in a tranquil garden. We will definitely want to return to this beachfront gem
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very enjoyable return to Starfish
Relaxing, restoring, rejuvenating 🙏
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rachel R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning location
We loved staying at this old fashioned, quirky kiwi bach. The host was easy to contact and sorted out any issues promptly. The location right on the beach was magic. My 89 year old dad stayed with us and he was very comfortable. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
This is our second visit...we love it. Perfect location, comfortable with everything you need. Looking forward to coming back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful!
Our second stay. Fantastic experience.
Stayed 59 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace and beauty
This is a wonderful bach in a great location, it is well looked after and has everything you need
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Felix S.

Awsome place
The house is a very nicely furnished and decorated place direct at the beach. Sunrise above the sea wakes you in the morning and the wood stove warms in the evening. We loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Christopher R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Traditional bach
Lovely place and location. Basic kitchen in keeping with the style of the place but fine if you organised. Fantastic access to the beach and very nice for swimming.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint and perfect
Our second stay @ Starfish. The perfect, classic Kiwi bach. Beautifully decorated, comfortable. Appreciated the woodstove on our few cool mornings/evenings. Great beach.
Stayed 20 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning Starfish
We had a wonderful stay at Starfish as always :) Thank you Robyn
Stayed 10 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Veronica M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rainy stay at Starfish
Despite rather terrible weather we had a lovely stay at Starfish. Having the beach right there is so fabulous for kids and the availability of games and puzzles for when it was just too wet was great. I especially appreciated the very well equipped kitchen which though small had everything we could possibly need. The extra blankets where a great bonus and the kids loved all the cushions. I only wish we could have made more use of the outside dining options.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wow what a perfect break
Every aspect exceeded our expectation. Location couldn't be better, everything you need. Looking forward to our return. Thanks for having us.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Juzer D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Golden Bay paradise
Starfish is a beautiful bach, located a stone's throw from the beach. All amenities were available that we required. A wonderful trip all round. Thanks Robyn.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn L.

Amazing place, awesome
Well cared for and equipped. Lots of nice personal touches. Owner fantastic to deal with, very accommodating. We will be back!
Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2019

About the host

Hosted by RobynTa4

Host profile image
I grew up at Kina, near Motueka, and attended Tasman school with lots of cousins. We had an apple orchard and ponies to ride on the beach - so idyllic! Though my extended family stayed in the district, I moved to Australia in my 20s, and met my American husband while kayaking down the Murumbidgee.
After living in the US for many years my three children and I returned for a year in NZ in 2002, so they could get to know their kiwi roots. We found Starfish that year, and have been thrilled to have it as our base in NZ ever since.
Our youngest daughter has now lived in NZ for 10 years and our son lives in Sydney. John and I are now transitioning to spending 6 months of each year at Starfish.

Why they chose this property

We are happy to share this beautiful piece of paradise with our guests. Many come back year after year and love it as much as we do!
As a young child I remember the excitement and delight at being included in my father and uncles white baiting trips to Anatori - further down the west coast from Pakawau. We would drive all the way from Tasman, sometimes staying for a few days in Paturau during the white bait season.
We would always drive through Pakawau to get there, so when we started to look for a place in Golden Bay in 2002 I was drawn to the west side of the bay, its beautiful calm beaches and proximity to the wildness of Whaririki and my much beloved Anatori. My husband and children and I camped at the Pakawau motor camp, Easter 2002. We did the Spit tour and fell in love with the remoteness and beauty of Pakawau.

What makes this property unique

The front gate leads right onto a lovely safe swimming beach, a perfect playground for families.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests