10/10 Excellent
Nortessa M.
9 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely, peaceful, nostalgic stay
Nortessa M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Entire home
Wainui Waterfront - Piwakawaka Retreat
Photo gallery for Wainui Waterfront - Piwakawaka Retreat
Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 61291.7 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Wainui, Canterbury
- Wainui Banks Peninsula1 min walk
- Akaroa Wharf29 min drive
- Akaroa Lighthouse29 min drive
- Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bunkroom
2 Single Bunk Beds
King Bedroom
1 King Bed
Queen Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Wainui Waterfront - Piwakawaka Retreat
Step into a world where the glistening waters of Akaroa Harbour are at your doorstep. Piwakawaka Retreat is a sun-drenched haven that feeds the soul with views that wash away the everyday. Our waterfront sanctuary blends relaxation with adventure; whether exploring rock pools, the sandy swimming beach, fishing on the glassy water, or unwinding on the deck watching sailboats and Hector's dolphins. The perfect base to explore Banks Peninsula, or haven to watch the light change over Purple Peak.
Your Space & Comfort:
Inside, is the recently updated, sunny open-plan living area, flowing seamlessly onto a spacious deck where the spectacular harbour views unfold. As the weather shifts, so does the scenery, creating an ever-changing masterpiece right before your eyes. For those cooler evenings, especially during a classic South Island winter, a powerful heat pump and a crackling log burner create a cosy, warm atmosphere. Settle in with a selection from our library of books and games, or watch a movie on the wifi connected smart TV.
When it's time to rest, three comfortable bedrooms await. Choose from a spacious king, a serene queen, or the fun bunk room with single bunk beds. To keep you extra warm on chilly nights, the king and queen beds are fitted with electric blankets. We provide fresh sheets and towels for two guests with every stay, just let us know if there are additional guests when booking and we will ensure the place is well-equipped for your arrival.
Good to Know
Layout: Please note the house has stairs up to the entrance and internal stairs between the open plan living area and bedrooms. See photos.
Toilet: In the style of a classic Kiwi bach, the toilet is located in its own private room just outside the main bathroom door, fully undercover and only a single step away.
Families with Toddlers: While the deck has glass balustrades and a safety gate, the property's layout may not be suitable for very young, mobile children. Please enquire if you have any concerns.
Your Space & Comfort:
Inside, is the recently updated, sunny open-plan living area, flowing seamlessly onto a spacious deck where the spectacular harbour views unfold. As the weather shifts, so does the scenery, creating an ever-changing masterpiece right before your eyes. For those cooler evenings, especially during a classic South Island winter, a powerful heat pump and a crackling log burner create a cosy, warm atmosphere. Settle in with a selection from our library of books and games, or watch a movie on the wifi connected smart TV.
When it's time to rest, three comfortable bedrooms await. Choose from a spacious king, a serene queen, or the fun bunk room with single bunk beds. To keep you extra warm on chilly nights, the king and queen beds are fitted with electric blankets. We provide fresh sheets and towels for two guests with every stay, just let us know if there are additional guests when booking and we will ensure the place is well-equipped for your arrival.
Good to Know
Layout: Please note the house has stairs up to the entrance and internal stairs between the open plan living area and bedrooms. See photos.
Toilet: In the style of a classic Kiwi bach, the toilet is located in its own private room just outside the main bathroom door, fully undercover and only a single step away.
Families with Toddlers: While the deck has glass balustrades and a safety gate, the property's layout may not be suitable for very young, mobile children. Please enquire if you have any concerns.
Property manager
Sarah Campbell-Simpson
Languages
English
Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo
If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Have a question?
BetaGet instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Peaceful piece of Paradise
Peaceful piece of Paradise
- Sea view
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Air conditioning
9.8 out of 10, (25 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Stairs and balcony not safe for very young kids
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
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
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 and a first aid kit
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Wainui
Located in Wainui, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Akaroa Museum and Maori & Colonial Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Onawe Pa and Akaroa Lighthouse. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Wainui, Canterbury
What's nearby
- Wainui Banks Peninsula - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Pohatu Penguin Habitat - 27 min drive - 24.1 km
- Linton The Giant House - 28 min drive - 24.4 km
- Akaroa Wharf - 29 min drive - 24.8 km
- Akaroa Lighthouse - 29 min drive - 25.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Akaroa Fish & Chips - 25 min drive
- L'Escargot Rouge - 25 min drive
- The Trading Rooms - 24 min drive
- Ma Maison - 23 min drive
- The Common - 23 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.0/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Staff & service
4.0/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Margaret R.
5 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely fantastic weekend
Margaret R.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Rebekah G., Christchurch, New Zealand
21 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Rebekah G.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Aaron R.
28 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Bach
Aaron R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Laura G.
9 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Stay
Laura G.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Dianne P.
9 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good stay
Dianne P.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lili W.
11 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
Lili W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Cora T., Lyttelton
22 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Get Away
Cora T.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jason G.
27 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise!
Jason G.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cora T., Lyttelton
8 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic
Cora T.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
amaia g.
30 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
cozy
amaia g.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Michael E.
26 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
Michael E.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jason G.
21 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous house!
Jason G.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
8/10 Good
Maureen M., Manawatu New Zealand
1 Aug 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Wainui
Maureen M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
6/10 Okay
Michelle D.
15 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Little things
Michelle D.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Tina-marie C.
19 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Waters edge
Tina-marie C.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jason G.
25 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy home away from home
Jason G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
6/10 Okay
Dave N.
15 Jan 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disappointed
Dave N.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Shanaz N., Auckland, New Zealand
20 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Away from all the hussle
Shanaz N.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Rene B.
18 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property overlooking the bay.
Rene B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Bernard H.
30 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Escape for a few days
Bernard H.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Tony W.
27 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Staff bolt hole.
Tony W.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Fiona W.
24 Oct 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful getaway
Fiona W.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Megan R.
16 Oct 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
True slice of paradise
Megan R.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Heather F., FINGAL BAY, Australia
27 Sept 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A quiet location & awesome views
Heather F.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
About the host
Hosted by Sarah Campbell-Simpson
We are a family of four who live in Christchurch and love our bach by the sea in Wainui! It's our home away from home, and we love being able to share it with our guests.
Why they chose this property
Wainui is a very special place, by the beach, peaceful and rural yet so close to Christchurch and Akaroa. We love being by the water, watching the changing light and moods over the bay, and exploring all the walks and adventure activities nearby. We also love chilling out in front of the log burner with some good games or a tv program and just relaxing.
What makes this property unique
Piwakawaka Retreat is a sun-drenched haven that feeds the soul with views that wash away the everyday. Our waterfront sanctuary blends relaxation with adventure; whether exploring rock pools, the sandy swimming beach, fishing on the glassy water, or unwinding on the deck watching sailboats and Hector's dolphins. The perfect base to explore Banks Peninsula, or haven to watch the light change over Purple Peak.
Languages:
English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback