Named for its iconic location above the white sands and turquoise waters of Moureeses Bay, The Perch Whananaki is a premium resort-style destination offering sweeping elevated views and spacious modern living.
A huge house on over five hectares of land, The Perch is perfect for large family groups and just seven minutes walk through native bush to Whananaki's favourite surf beach. We're often told by guests that the photos don't do the place justice!
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THE HOUSE
Architecturally-designed to take advantage of the views and sun, The Perch was created to optimise summer and winter living. In hotter months it’s a short seven minute walk from the front door to one of Northland’s most renowned beaches. Wander down through the native bush trail or take the road - when you’re ready to come home it’s a short walk back to an outdoor shower and a cold bottle of wine in the fridge.
The house has been “over” insulated, from its extra thick glass to the concrete panel walls. This keeps it cool in summer and toasty in winter. Take a hot bath with views out to the famous Poor Knights Islands, then snuggle up on the couch in front of the Smart TV, or read a book in the second living space.
The house is designed for outdoor living and perfect for large groups, with individuals and couples free to find their own fun during the day then come together in the evening to make dinner together in the huge entertainer’s kitchen with a second kitchen/scullery so you’ll never run out of space. When the food is ready, eat outside while taking in the view of the moon rising over the Poor Knights.
An optional fee of $25 per person for bed linen and $15 per person for bath linen will be added if you don't wish to provide these yourself. Please let us know when you book.
Pets are not allowed except by prior arrangement. Parties are not permitted.
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THE LAND
Listen for the call of our resident kiwi birds at night and marvel at stars like you’ve never seen them in our dark sky sanctuary. In the morning wander down the nature trail to visit the rare Pateke (brown teal ducks) who make our pond their home, and look out for the tuna (giant eels) - the locals know them by name!
After being farmed for many decades, the hill was regenerated with native trees and shrubs so that the house now sits among five hectares of thriving bush, including Mānuka and Kānuka. With advice from local conservation experts, we support the emerging ecosystem by controlling introduced pests so that insect and bird life can prosper.
Depending on when you visit you’ll find different treats in our orchard - apples one month, figs the next, limes and lemons all through winter. Cut some lettuce leaves from our organic garden and have dinner outside in the late afternoon sun.
If you have children in your party they’ll have lots of fun safely exploring the property - the kid’s fort is almost as high-spec as the house! There is a huge trampoline in the yard and a second treehouse for your tiny explorers to find.
For trampers and keen trail runners, a little further up our drive you can connect with Te Araroa trail, New Zealand’s 3000km walkway that runs from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
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THE AREA
An incredible jewel of northern New Zealand, Whananaki is known for its unspoilt beaches, along with world-class fishing, surfing and diving. Just two and a half hours from central Auckland, the area is within striking distance for a weekend but just far enough from the city that it remains undiscovered by many.
There is plenty to explore by boat or kayak, and divers in your party will already know about the Poor Knights islands, a crystal clear marine sanctuary regularly named among the top ten scuba and snorkelling spots on earth. But you don’t need a boat to enjoy the area - there is so much to discover by foot and flipper.
Pick up some groceries on the way through Whangarei but if you miss something don’t sweat - there’s a general store at Whananaki North which stocks essential supplies. While you’re there take a walk across the longest footbridge in the southern hemisphere - locals have been known to catch kingfish off it when the tide is right! Walk a little further to Whananaki South, a huge stretch of white sand that eventually becomes Sandy Bay, the beginning of the Tutukaka Coast.