Nestled in 4 acres of garden and native bush, Waiata Manu offers a tranquil retreat with a solid wood kitchen, log fires for heating, and stunning views from extensive decks. The house features an impressive library and board game selection as well as comfortable bedrooms to accommodate up to 8 guests.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Gym
Outdoor space
Parking available
The current price is NZ$170
NZ$170
includes taxes & fees
19 May - 20 May
Add dates for prices
About this property
Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat
Nau mai! Haere mai! Craftsman built home in 4 acres of garden and revegetated native bush gives you all the home comforts in a stunning rural seaside setting. (The dawn chorus is outstanding!)
Situated in Broad Bay, 'Waiata Manu' offers you opportunities to re-energise amid the tranquil surroundings of bush, beach and sea. Or you can explore the best of the recreation and wildlife opportunities this beautiful area offers.
Under the Kiwi bach tradition (and as we do not live near the property) you are asked to: Bring your own sheets, towels and pillowcases. Clean the house for the next people when you leave. This house is not serviced and the price reflects this.
The house is owner-built on four levels to reduce impact on the site and boasts a solid wood kitchen and 2 log fires for heating (one in the kitchen-dining room, one in the large living room). You can enjoy stunning views from extensive decks and indulge in the ready made library and board game selection. The house was furnished using the finest of pre-loved items to reduce our environmental impact. (Check out the Crown Lynn and Temuka collection!). Firewood is supplied and you are asked to replace what you use from the woodshed.
One bedroom has a Queen bed and loft bed above. The second bedroom has 2 divan beds with loft bed above. The mezzanine above the main living room has a pull out sofa bed with extra queen mattress (under Queen bed) for added comfort. The house can sleep a total of about 8. There are several spare single mattresses and there are plenty of spare duvets and pillows. The bathroom is on the kitchen level and boasts a full length bath, also a shower, basin and separate toilet.
Walking tracks from the back of the house allow access to views of Aramoana and the open ocean from the firewood plantation at the top of the section.
Please note that this is a work-in-progress and 3 of the internal staircases have handrails but no vertical balusters and so this may make the house not suitable for very small children.
Enjoy the stunning location, appreciate the flora and fauna, relax in comfort in our superior decor, value the aesthetic and let us know how we can make it even better. Nau mai Haere Mai
Special conditions:
When driving on Otago Peninsula do not assume your GPS shows actual roads! Download our instructions for detail on routes.
The driveway is a challenge for some, but no problem when you keep your speed up. You may want to inspect it before you drive up. Turn around at top. Do not bring towing vehicles up.
House is on 4 levels so there are stairs! House is a work in progress so vertical balusters are not yet present on 3 flights of stairs.This may be an issue for young children. Usual reply within 48 hours.
Remember: you need to bring your own linen and clean the house ready for the next people.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Ski
Close to skiing
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Sofa bed
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub
Shower
Toilet paper
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Wood stove
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Music library
Stereo
TV
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
No lift
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
On the waterfront
Things to do
Gym
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
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 and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Located in Broad Bay, a neighbourhood in Dunedin, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The Fletcher House and Lighthouse are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Chisholm Park Golf Club and Speight's Brewery. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Edgar Centre or Forsyth Barr Stadium. Jet skiing and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and mountain biking nearby. Visit our Dunedin travel guide
Is Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat on 19 May 2026 start from NZ$170, 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 Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat located?
Located in Broad Bay, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of The Fletcher House and Larnach Castle. Silver Peaks Reserve and Lighthouse are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The location was beautiful and the house was charmingly quirky
Carolin
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Frances
12 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Thank you so much for the lovely stay. From the moment we walked in we felt we were in a special place. Apart from the full kitchen, bedrooms and the beautiful view of the bay, our favourite room was the library, with the log fire on. Thank you for sharing your house. Wondeful.
The location is perfect. It is a short, picturesque drive from Dunedin's CBD, giving you easy access to the rest of the peninsular. The house is nestled amongst trees on a very large section, which adds to feeling that you have escaped the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The layout of the house is quirky and fun. The lounge is super comfortable and contains an extensive library of interesting books. I wish I had booked for longer.
Easy to locate. gorgeous dwelling with everything you need. Made a good base to come back to after a busy day out. Loved the bookshelf and films! Will definitely come again!
Lovely if you like to be surrounded by bush and lots of stairs inside and love books, birds
Cool place hidden in the bush , very unique the style and craftsmanship. There's a library, games nice bathroom, great for families as lots of space/areas. I don't recommend for 1 night tho , best to stay longer if you can . Lovely scenery 😊
Cass L.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Glenn
19 May 2024
Liked: Amenities, communication
Unique style of the house and very quiet setting private with the natural beauty right up to the house.Two fireplaces added bonus created a cosy atmosphere. Little tight on the driveway for turning larger vehicles.
Really enjoyed the accomadation. Really loved the set up of the whole house.
The fire places in lounge and dinning area kept the house warm especially with the heat making its way up to the bedrooms. The beautiful bush surrounding the place views and bird life. The wind and driveway were an adventure.
Stayed with a few friends over the weekend. It was so lovely; the views, the surrounding bush and the sense of retreat. The library is amazing if you are a literary geek. Loved all of the detail in the woodwork. Unfortunately one of us snapped her achilles the day before and I will say that the property is tricky to navigate in crutches. But we had a great time - thank to Portobello Pub for dinner.
The home has lots of character. Great views.
A little difficult for my elderly parents with the stairs. But would be great fo younger family.
With very clear directions and instructions.
Such a beautiful house in a peaceful setting with a stunning sea view. My only slight problem was not being able to drive up the driveway because my tyres kept spinning. Would not suit a clean freak but was perfect for me - comfortable, spacious and quiet.
Rose D.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marama
14 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We thoroughly enjoyed this property, my children loved the space, the games, even the movie selection. I enjoyed the peace, the nosey birds and the freedom to move. Only thing is to be aware of the grassy driveway, it caught out a visitor who had difficulty turning to face out of the driveway, if the caravan wasn't present, would have been easy to maneuver the big ford ranger without my 8 seater in the way. Otherwise a great stay and affordable for families.
This was a lovely spot to stay in, gorgeous views and birdsong. Felt like a real peninsula experience before you even left the house.
Amazing selection of books. Could probably stay here a year and not run out of things to read.
Fire is great and there was plenty of firewood. We're soft northerners and didn't have the knack of stoking the fire to last the night so mornings were a bit chilly until we got the fire going again. An oil column heater with a thermostat would be great for backup overnight.
The driveway was a bit intimidating at first but we didn't actually have any trouble. If we come back we might choose a 4wd rental car just for the reassurance.
Kitchen was well equipped and we were able to cook up some nice big meals very happily.
The bach has a great view and is remote. However it’s only 20 minutes drive from the city. It’s reasonably clean, very quiet and well stocked with books to entertain. The bedrooms are upstairs (bathroom is downstairs).
The driveway was a problem on the wet day because of the grass and dirt, but we parked on the street those days. It is a steep driveway with VERY little area to turn around. Any larger vehicles won’t be able to turn. 4WD recommended on wet days.
I presume because the owners don’t live nearby that it hasn’t had a deep clean in a while. A few cobwebs didn’t bother us but it would have been nicer if the trees had been maintained as they are a bit overgrown now. Still we had a great visit and the house was very nice. I recommend staying.