Entire home

NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember!

Photo gallery for NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember!

A rustic wooden house with a sloped roof, a front porch, and a pathway leading to the entrance.
An attic-style room with a high ceiling, wooden beams, a bed, a sofa, a small table, a bookshelf, and a painting on the wall.
A kitchen with a coffee machine, tea bags, and various kitchen utensils.
A house with a sloped roof, surrounded by trees and snow-covered mountains.
A paved pathway flanked by evenly spaced trees, leading into a distance.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Kitchenette
  • Breakfast included
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View in a map
Kaikoura Township, Canterbury
  • Place, Kaikoura Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Lavendyl - Kaikoura Lavender Farm
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Kaikoura District Museum
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom - downstairs

2 Single Beds and 1 Crib

Bedroom - downstairs

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom - upstairs

1 King Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Hapuku

Located in Hapuku, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Kaikoura Beach and Peninsula Walkway, while Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum are cultural highlights. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cave exploring and hiking/biking trails nearby.
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Map
Kaikoura Township, Canterbury

What's nearby

  • Kaikoura Beach - 5 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Lavendyl - Kaikoura Lavender Farm - 5 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Kaikoura District Museum - 8 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Kaikoura Museum - 8 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Ohau Point Lookout - 13 min drive - 21.6 km

Getting around

  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 144 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪King Tide Eatery - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Whaler - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Zephyr - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Coopers Catch - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Why Not Cafe - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember!?

As of 24 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember! on 27 Oct 2026 start from £376, 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 NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember!?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is NOT JUST A STAY, we are a stay you will remember! located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Lavendyl - Kaikoura Lavender Farm, Kaikoura Beach, and Kaikoura Museum. Peninsula Walkway and Mount Fyffe are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 44 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful New Zealand Experience

Wonderful stay at Cubby House in Kaikoura! Leanne and Richard have created an oasis complete with an amazing view and friendly-furry-4-legged greeters. We traveled in NZ for over 2 weeks and Cubby House was the only place we stayed that had this level of charm, the most amazing coffee machine ever, and a fridge full of wonderful breakfast ingredients. If the opportunity arises, we will certainly be back.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Nov 2022
a big HELLO to you - Im so glad you enjoyed your stay here. Please don't forget to let your friends know about us too! Hopefully will see you again when back this side of the world again! L:-)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Richard and LeAnne are wonderful hosts with a beautiful property. The stay was an adventure on its own with LeAnne giving us a tour of animals that was better than any petting zoo. Everyone loved the stay and we are sure to book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
From a partner site

8/10 Good

This is a very unique property with a real heritage, a lot of character and views to die for.

This is a very unique property with a real heritage, a lot of character and views to die for. My son really enjoyed the daily routine of feeding pigs, collecting eggs and giving carrots to the donkey and the sheep. We had a great time.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
The enjoyment went both ways. Top guests.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

A place to inspire

This is a truly magnificent place, high above the Kaikoura bay, with the snow-capped mountains in the distance, you will feel both inspired and welcome, a million miles away from home.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Great spot with unique views of Kaikoura

Great spot with unique views of Kaikoura. Close to town.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Charming and unique house on an amazing piece of property

Charming and unique house on an amazing piece of property.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

We loved the open loft style with stunning views back towards Kaikoura, down the driveway and back t

We loved the open loft style with stunning views back towards Kaikoura, down the driveway and back towards the mountains
Archival

10/10 Excellent

We absolutely loved our stay at the Artist's Retreat.

We absolutely loved our stay at the Artist's Retreat. The views from every window are spectacular. The cottage itself has so much charm and character. Our favorite part was waking up, making great coffee and eggs in the kitchen and just enjoying the morning views from the balcony. This is a beautiful community to spend time in, and the Artist's Retreat is the BEST place to stay.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Incredibly scenic and peaceful, but still fairly close to the Kaikoura township.

Incredibly scenic and peaceful, but still fairly close to the Kaikoura township. Lots of character and charm.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great place for a young family with a child, we can say that much!

Great place for a young family with a child, we can say that much!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

The property is absolutely beautiful, waking up to the most beautiful view.

The property is absolutely beautiful, waking up to the most beautiful view. Would recommend to anyone.
Archival

8/10 Good

Lovely setting with fabulous landscape.

Lovely setting with fabulous landscape. Fun and funky house.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

A unique rustic property on a mini farm a short drive from the hustle of town.

A unique rustic property on a mini farm a short drive from the hustle of town. We found it very relaxing.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Stunning location between snow-capped mountains and the sea, just unbelievably beautiful.

Stunning location between snow-capped mountains and the sea, just unbelievably beautiful. The house was much larger than I needed but cozy upstairs with high wood-beamed ceilings, a balcony, fully-provided kitchen, and a very comfortable bed. I'd love to come back with family and use all the space (and kids would love the animals--as did I, to be honest), but I'd come back alone again in a second as well.
Archival

8/10 Good

Peaceful spot with great views.

Peaceful spot with great views. Away from busyness of kaikoura but only a five minute drive from good coffee. We loved feeding the animals too. Bach is well equipped and the real fire keeps it warm
Archival

10/10 Excellent

The property?s location is so unique ? has a wonderful view towards Kaikoura bay.

The property?s location is so unique ? has a wonderful view towards Kaikoura bay. So full of character being made of many recycled materials. Comfortable and cosy. Bob?s memorabilia in the garage was so awe inspiring and took us into the past. Would certainly return if in the area.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

5 stars rate

5 stars rate
Archival

10/10 Excellent

We loved our stay at Artist's Retreat.

We loved our stay at Artist's Retreat. Just wish we had had more time, to have spent longer there. A stunning and tranquil place to stay, with amazing views across to Kaikoura. Bob and Karen were warm hosts, with beautiful little fresh flowers to welcome us - a special touch, thank you. Highly recommended!
Archival

8/10 Good

It is rustic - a bit rough in places but that all adds to the charm.

It is rustic - a bit rough in places but that all adds to the charm. It was warm and comfortable. The view was stunning. The kids loved the animals. My only suggestion at improving it would be a knife sharpener!
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Rough is a bit harsh & there is a knife sharpener in the cutlery drawer ;-)
Archival

10/10 Excellent

My mum, sister and I stayed here for 2nights in January.

My mum, sister and I stayed here for 2nights in January. We spent the whole month traveling around NZ and this was by far the best place we stayed! The views of the sea and mountains are amazing and you get to enjoy it all to yourselves.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We had a great time with these guests and would welcome them back
Archival

10/10 Excellent

This place, the buildings, the garden, the views and surroundings and the hosts too are unique.

This place, the buildings, the garden, the views and surroundings and the hosts too are unique. The retreat, like their private house, is constructed as something with a lot of history and in grand dimensions, yet is 20 years young. The very creative use of recycled building components makes you want to just stay in and around the house and go nowhere. Make sure you talk to Bob and Karen. And dont overlook the lovely farm animals. We will be back for sure. And for more days and with friends.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We really enjoyed the company of these guests. They are certainly most welcome to come again & we will look forward to that.It is very satisfying when guests "get" what we have tried to build.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Absolutely stunning views, and very quirky character home, a true "artists retreat" lov

Absolutely stunning views, and very quirky character home, a true "artists retreat" loved the animals especially the rather 'ram'bunctious goat, we all had a fantastic stay, pity it was only 2 nights, highly recommend
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
Great group of Ozzies & Kiwis who were a pleasure to have staying with us. Yep, Jamie can get a bit playful but Meg is a sweetie.;-)
Archival

10/10 Excellent

What a magical place to spend Christmas.

What a magical place to spend Christmas. We loved every minute of our stay here. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, the Artist's Retreat was cozy, comfortable and great to come "home" to after visits to Kaikoura and surrounds. Views are amazing. Kids loved doing the rounds to feed the animals each day. Bob and Karen were welcoming and friendly - thanks for the Christmas cards etc! Will definitely be recommending this property to friends in future. Loved it.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We enjoyed having this family stay with us and would have them all back anytime. Perfect guests !! It is so rewarding when guests arrive, have a great holiday and leave as friends. Cheers Bob & Karen.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Amazing views and surroundings.

Amazing views and surroundings. The property is quite unique and full of character. Everything you could need is provided
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar 2020
We were so lucky to find this one in a million piece of paradise, build our dream & now share it with like minded people. We are happy you enjoyed your
Archival

8/10 Good

Thanks great stay.

Thanks great stay.
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