Classic Kiwi Beach House at iconic white sandy bay-swim, kayak, fish, dive, walk
Idyllically located right on the water at one of Northland's most exquisite and quintessential NZ beach locations, right by the Bay of Islands. This is a kiwi bach and bay that will take you right back to NZ the way it used to be. A safe swimming white sand bay, on a summer's day dotted with boatie's ancient tractors. An estuary and lagoon 'designed' for toddler's paddling. Great diving and fishing literally hundreds of metres off this great coastal beach. Scallops, paua and mussels in the vicinity. A surf beach within 20 minutes coastal walk. The Cavalli Islands just 15 minutes boat ride north and the Bay of Islands a similar distance south. Tapuaetahi Beach is a private bay that is never crowded though only 20 mins from the cafes of Kerikeri.
The house is a real 60's kiwi bach. Just 25m from the broad veranda to the sea, yet very private. From here you can watch the day unfold, or dine and entertain at the large outdoor table. The house has 4 bedrooms that has frequently hosted 2 families. In the bach you will be comfortable and feel at home.
Tapuaetahi is so private it is very hard to find on maps; find a detailed map of Northland, locate the Bay of Islands (BOI), the peninsula at the northern side of the BOI is called Purerua. Tapuaetahi is at the base of the northern side of the peninsula - south of Takou Bay and next to Taronui Bay.
A very, very special place; if you come here you will return. With a boat you have access to some of the best diving and fishing NZ has to offer. Rock fishing is exceptional - snapper and crays from bottom of garden. If you don't, you can walk the coast to isolated surf beaches and bring home a feed of tuatua. Sunbathe or swim in the estuary, lagoon or white sandy beach, or fish or snorkel from the rugged coastal rocks. Feel like a change take in the cafes of Kerikeri (15 mins), day trip to Russell (Bay of Islands), 90 Mile Beach, or Monganui famous for fish'n'chips, or golf at Kauri Cliffs.
Two kayaks provided free for use. Special conditions: January minimum stay of 7 days. Minimum of 2 days at other times. Ask for special pricing: a) if staying longer than 7 days, or 'wotif' last minute pricing (within 14 days of intended stay) if available Smoking allowed outside only.
Well controlled dogs allowed with prior approval (kiwi zone).
Linen can be arranged at a charge of $35 per person per stay.
Extras: Cleaning (Required, NZ$140.00 per stay); Linen (Optional, NZ$35.00 per person);
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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No parties with loud noise or guests who aren’t staying at the Beach House or from within the bay
Linen is not provided but can be arranged at a charge of $35 per person per stay.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20002649
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
Note from host: Parties/events may be allowed but must be agreed
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 fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Te Tii
Located in Te Tii, this holiday home is on the beach. Marsden Cross and Rewa’s Village are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Skindynamique Waxing & Skin Centre and Marsden Estate. The Parrot Place and Makana Confections are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking.
Is Classic Kiwi Beach House at iconic white sandy bay-swim, kayak, fish, dive, walk pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Classic Kiwi Beach House at iconic white sandy bay-swim, kayak, fish, dive, walk?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Classic Kiwi Beach House at iconic white sandy bay-swim, kayak, fish, dive, walk on 24 May 2026 start from £153, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Classic Kiwi Beach House at iconic white sandy bay-swim, kayak, fish, dive, walk?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Classic Kiwi Beach House at iconic white sandy bay-swim, kayak, fish, dive, walk?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Classic Kiwi Beach House at iconic white sandy bay-swim, kayak, fish, dive, walk?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Classic Kiwi Beach House at iconic white sandy bay-swim, kayak, fish, dive, walk located?
Nestled on the beach, this Te Tii holiday home is steps from Tapuaetahi Beach and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Bay of Islands. Crowles Bay and Wharepuke Falls are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had an awesome time here, overlooking the beautiful bay. We sat for all our meals at the lovely big table on the verandah. The Bach had all that we needed for a very comfortable stay.
We loved the bach and the view of the bay, recently renovated and had everything you need, great communication and would definitely be back, thanks for having us!
Fabulous spot, House everything we needed, very comfortable , with the beach right in front of us. Friendly locals, hosts very accommodating and helpful
We had a fantastic stay at this gorgeous quintessential Kiwi bach on the waters edge. The community was lovely and the batch itself was ideal for hosting a couple of families looking for a little escape from reality.John was great to communicate with, with very quick response.Highly recommend
Perfect spot, easy to relax and everything you need. Bedroom configurations was good for the little kids! Perfect for our family of 6. So close to rocks for kids to explore and a beautiful sandy Beach.
Loved the location and surroundings...fun, updated, traditional bach which weathered the cyclone craziness very well! Great beach of golden sand to walk to and lovely hilltop tramping too!
Would be back in a wink!
We had a fabulous stay. The bach was great with everything we needed plus more. Sitting at the outside table looking out to sea was the dream. Superb view. We swam lots in the warm water. We will be back for sure.
What an absolute gem! We loved the view and the beach right in front of the house. The kids were entertained the whole day and had lots of fun. Parents enjoyed the stunning view and the quiet.John was really friendly, helpful and uncomplicated. Would highly recommend the bach.
Magical piece of paradise. John the owner was excellent with communication and very helpful with fishing hints - got a good feed but the big ones were on holiday too.Every mod con present. Wonderful time.
Garry C.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nick O.
4 Mar 2019
Bliss
A fantastic spot, in a special part of the world. We had 10 staying, with 2 kids in with their parents. With everyone playing nicely, it was very confortable. Thanks John
Sorry for the late review, just came back in Auckland.
We had an amazing stay in the beach front house with the kids, specious space with all the equipment provided had no trouble with check in/out. The owner John was being very helpful until the end, we will definitely come back again because three nights wasn’t enough at all, thanks very much for the wonderful time:)
This property was wonderful to stay at, very close to the beach, quiet, clean and cosy.
Only downfall was the internet being disconnected by owner after we arrived?! if I had known that I would have chosen other accommodation but all in all a great place, and friendly accommodating host.
Gina H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Jul 2022
Apologies for the internet issue. Over the winter months we had no bookings (till this one) so I suspended the internet for this period - just to clarify I didn’t disconnect it after the guest arrived, I asked the Telco to run some tests to enhance the internet performance so it appeared this way. Only in the last 8 months we have had internet at the Beach House and seldom been an issue as so much to do up there. I clearly didn’t realise how important it is to some guests so will make sure it is live for any bookings.
42 years old and must say this is one of if not the nicest house I’ve ever rented. Perfect location for what we had planned and the house was spotless! Owner was very responsive throughout the whole process even on the morning of checkout. Had another family member decide to come and this house had more than enough room to accommodate everyone. Decorated perfectly and very relaxing from the beds to the amazing tvs couches and games for the kids it all allowed for a very relaxing and fun weekend. So if you’ve been looking for the perfect house look no further this is it!!!
Couldn’t have been better, the location is unmatched and the bach has been so clearly loved and looked after. The care taken by the owners to ensure our stay was comfortable and relaxing was amazing. Having stayed here before, this time it was sharing the location and Bach with family members - given the rave reviews from them, we have no choice but to visit again!
Wonderful bach in the most iconic location. Absolutely exceeded our expectations. Beautiful bach, wonderfully modernised/renovated without compromising any of the charm. Warm, solid and very comfortable. Brilliant fishing, world class.
We WILL be back.
Cheers!
If you want to be close to a private, secluded and crowd free beach and enjoy a stress-free and relaxing holiday by the sea, this is the place to go. Enough of the new mod cons mixed with the classic NZ Bach of years gone by, this place was just perfect for our girls week away. While the weather could have been better for late Jan, we swam every day, most days more than once. Two large fridges, washing machine and drier - all modern appliances, coffee machine (saviour). Lulled away the hours on the day bed taking in the sea views - and most days, the wing foiling in the bay - very entertaining. We ate outside at the large outdoor table every evening and enjoyed the Weber BBQ. Comfy beds together with indoor and outdoor shower. Lucky enough to enjoy th freely growing lemons, limes, kaffir lime tree (the leaves were a taste sensation in our gin) and the passionfruit vine. John is a great host to deal with - very accommodating and friendly. We enjoyed making memories in this special place and given a chance would come back at the drop of a hat.
Stunning location, well appointed Bach, friendly atmosphere easy access to beach. Thank you John and Lizzie, we are definitely returning to this gorgeous spot, and thank you for your warm and hospitable welcome.
What an amazing location, batch was spotless
Kiwi freely roaming and in the evenings you hear them cry out...really cool..
We got fish from the beach fish from right outside the batch...kayaks were great, we walked up and over out to the point. Snorkeled the shore line and the reef.
John was also amazing to deal with.
10/10
Exactly our style of kiwi bach! Had everything we needed and nothing we didn't. Such a fab location. Thank you for sharing your place with us.
Harriet T.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
About the host
Hosted by johnes864
Holidayed nearly every Christmas in the Bay since 1975, renting until finally bought our own place at Tapuaetahi in 2005. My love of fishing and diving brought me to this area and have never wanted to leave.
Why they chose this property
The Beach House itself is very privately located on 1100m2, shielded from neighbours by trees, with the sea ‘at the bottom of the garden’. The Beach House has a large covered deck just 30-40m (depending on the tide) from the sea - on the deck is a BBQ, a large table, daybed and loungers - hard to leave this spot where one can ‘watch the world go by’ - swimmers, paddlers, kayakers, birds, fish, boats. The Beach House is the classic Kiwi Bach which is modernised but kept its quintessential character. The garden contains citrus trees and a range of herbs to augment your cooking. A very classic Bach in a very classic location.
What makes this property unique
Beautiful white sand beach - plus isolated lagoon and safe swimming estuary. Boat launching from four wheel drive. Great fishing, diving, kayaking, coastal walks.