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Reviews of Peaceful, private and stunning views

Peaceful, private and stunning views
Mahakipawa Arm, Havelock

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 218 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 50 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 279 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 279 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Liam C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Anzac weeekend stay
It was a very beautiful location. lovely neighbours and good check in process. Penny was very good to communicate with and offered good knowledge of the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jazlyn E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Honeymoon
Great getaway home, clean and tidy, beautiful views and very relaxed after staying a few nights.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pete D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Superb
Great outlook over the Pelorus Sound. Easy and warm stay. Really enjoyed having the two kayaks for our grandchildren. Close to Havelock but road works were a bit of a hassle. Comfortable and easy facilities.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jono W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property in a peaceful place
Our family absolutely loved our short stay in Moenui. This is a beautifully kept, cosy bach with stunning and ever-changing views out over the water. Owners communication was superb. Would stay again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Apr 2024
Lovely guests, and likewise - great communication. Thank you for staying and being great guests. You are very welcome back.

10/10 Excellent

Ray T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular View!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time, especially the deck and view. The place had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Warwick L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Moenui
classic bach with functionality
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Madeleine d.

Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllic setting
We spent a couple of nights at Moenui in Penny's beautiful house overlooking the Marlborough Sounds. It was peaceful and relaxing, and the view is gorgeous. The house is well equipped, and you have everything you need. Penny's instructions in her booklet in the house provides such detailed instructions on what to do where and how, which was much appreciated. Thanks again for allowing us to stay in this beautiful spot. Such a gem of a place.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marc J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible spot
We've always loved the Marlborough Sounds because of its expansive views, calm and nature. Penny's house is the perfect spot to enjoy all of those things. Views are incredible, better than the photos. The bach is charming with a great deck and Penny's communication is friendly and proactive. We will definitely come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Time out from real life
Beautiful situation, lovely being able to sit outside and look at the water, birds, and garden. It was a picture perfect break away from real life.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Moenui stay
Loved our stay, very beautiful and peaceful. Comfortable home with all the amenities we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lachlan R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
We had a terrific stay. Everything was as described. The location is wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daren N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Views , Nice Neighbours , Quiet and Peaceful .
Great Views , Nice Neighbours , Quiet and Peaceful .
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical Views and relaxing summer holiday.
We loved the place. It was a classic Kiwi bach with a variety of rooms. We didn’t use all the rooms as the sleepout was perfect for our little family with the grandparents staying in the main house. Everything was tidy and the outside area with its ever changing waterviews and scenery was just priceless. With Havelock only 10 min drive away provided us with some last minute shopping and various options to eat some green mussels. Perfect spot to stay if you want to go to the Malborough Sounds. Penny as our host was very good and fast communicator. Thanks for having us!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2024
Thanks for your lovely comments and so pleased you had a lovely Christmas stay. I also appreciated your prompt and friendly communication. Thanks too for leaving the place tidy. You are welcome back any time.

8/10 Good

Alan G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely views
Fun real kiwi bach great for two small families or in ourcase grandies and a family
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan 2024
Pleased that you all had fun and that it worked out for the extended family. Thank you for being great guests

10/10 Excellent

Dennis S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Holiday with mates
It was lovely, quiet, stunning scenery and conveniently close to Havelock, with that bach feeling! The log burner an absolute plus
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan 2024
Thank you for staying and enjoying the 'bach'. Thank you too, for being appreciative and easy guests.

10/10 Excellent

Kelvin S., Cardiff

Liked: Cleanliness
Breathtaking views
Although the property is quite old fashioned, it has quite the charm. The views are out of this world, you could spend all day on the balcony. The garden is full of fruit trees and invites beautiful birds . In the evening the log fire warms the property up on chilli nights and had plenty of logs available. We loved our stay here, and wished we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan 2024
Thank you for your detailed and honest review and for being lovely guests. I am glad your stay went well and you kept warm. You are always welcome back!

8/10 Good

Rosemary H.

Liked: Cleanliness
relaxing
Really lovely place, great games for the kids. and they had fun on the kayak
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan 2024
Thanks for being great guests and I am glad that the weather behaved and the children enjoyed playing in the kayaks. Very welcome to stay again

10/10 Excellent

Julian F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
Delightful stay. Easy arrangements. Tidy and simple property in majestic surroundings. Almost don't want to give a review to keep this place from becoming too popular!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
Pleased that your stay went well. Thank you for staying and being great guests. I have to chuckle at your comments re keeping it secret! Love to have you back!

10/10 Excellent

Tina P.

Peace & quiet with a stunning view
The view was absolutely beautiful, the house was very cosy & not far from the water, we absolutely loved our stay here we didn't want to leave
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
Thanks for your kind words and most of all for being great guests. Pleased that your stay went well. You are very welcome back!

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Moenui
Moenui Retreat is definitely food for the soul. The view out over the sound is breathtaking whether from inside or from the deck. The house is very inviting, comfortable and private. The owner was a delight to deal with and promptly answered any questions I had.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
Absolutely lovely guests. Thoroughly enjoyed my phone chat with Karen. Thankyou for being so understanding and helpful when there was a hiccup with the Moenui water. I am sorry for that random outage. You are welcome back anytime and I thoroughly recommend you to other rentals.

10/10 Excellent

sally l.

Liked: Cleanliness
Holiday
A wonderful location, very peaceful. A lovely placevto stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
Thank you for being great guests and choosing to stay. You are very welcome back!

8/10 Good

Sarah S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing View
Absolutely stunning view, the bach was comfortable, clean and warm. Thank you for a lovely stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
Thank you for choosing to stay and being great guests. I am pleased you had a comfortable stay.

8/10 Good

Kaysie T.

Stunning views!
Our family really enjoyed the stay, it was comfortable and cosy, beds were very comfy, loved the views overlooking the sounds, would recommend and love to stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
You are very welcome to stay again. Thank you for being nice guests and pleased that you had an enjoyable stay..

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
We loved our stay at Moenui. The house has a great cosy batch feel to it, and the perfect spot place to disconnect from city life and enjoying the views, surrounds and great collection of board games for the kids on a rainy day. Particular highlight was the outdoor fire bath. Would happily come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
Great to hear you tested out the outdoor bath and overall loved your stay. There is only one way to find out how magic that bath experience is! Thank you for staying and being such great guests. I would happily have you back!

4/10 Poor

gerard b.

Misleading
Said the place had a private beach when got there was no access and apparently it has been washed out in a slip 2 years ago. Owner said she didn't realise that it wasn't taken off the listing and it was Virgos fault. Tried to have a go on the Kayaks on the last day right before dark and the key lock wouldn't open and that was the final straw. In an email later she said the neighbours would've resolved it. Like there was anytime to do that and the last thing I wanted to do was deal with some more admim. Nice place but plenty more cheaper ones in the same area. The 2 things I choose this for weren't available so not worth the price tag.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cat S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Breathtaking views
What a beautiful and relaxing place to stay… felt like a proper re-set! Waking up to that view each morning was a special treat. Our 16 month old loved the farm play set and zooming around the deck/ drive on his trike (closely supervised as no fencing!). Definitely some risks with the wee man (no fencing on deck and no fire gate) but we were well aware of these on booking/ Penny was very open about these and he loved being there :) Would highly recommend to all. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Nov 2023
Thank you for your honest review regarding children, which helps potential bookings. I am so pleased it worked for you and that you had a relaxing stay despite supervising trikes! Thank you for being great guests. I enjoyed our friendly communication pre stay. Always welcome back.

10/10 Excellent

Brian K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pork Pie 2023
The property was great. Normally we'd stay at Hotels or Motels, so this was a bit different. View was spectacular and the boys were positive about the experience. Very enjoyable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Definitely different to a motel or hotel with its quaint Kiwi bach charm, so I am glad it worked out for you all! Thank you for being nice guests. Very welcome to stay again.

10/10 Excellent

Alex N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Moenui rural golf course
Absolutley splendid. Teed off 18 holes, birdied none aced the 19th. In all seriousness this is such a great spot and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Glad you had a happy work gathering. A few golf tees spotted in the garden! Thank you for your good communication and taking all your rubbish away - appreciated!

10/10 Excellent

ronald t.

Liked: Cleanliness
Better than perfect
Great view comfy bed. Warm and cozy .owner and Julie lovely.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2023
Pleased to hear you had a cosy time to celebrate a birthday. I enjoyed our nice phone chats. Thank you for being lovely guests. You are welcome back any time.

10/10 Excellent

Ann W., Blenheim

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing views
Perfect stay very comfortable and everything you could hope for. Great bush walks and exploring or sit back all day and admire the views many thanks 🙏
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul 2023
Thank you for staying and being happy, considerate guests! Great to hear you got out and about exploring what the region has to offer. Very welcome to stay again

10/10 Excellent

Christina M.

Liked: Cleanliness
AMAZING
We loved our stay at this beautiful house in Moenui. The view was an absolute delight waking up to each and every morning. We explored the sounds and visited nearby towns to explore also. Lots of great little spots for us to go fishing. We are already planning our next visit. Thanks Penny for opening your home to us.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul 2023
So glad you had a lovely stay and you are always welcome back. I hope you caught some fish! Thank you for being great guests.

10/10 Excellent

teresa T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous!
This is a very comfortable bach, close to Havelock, gorgeous views, everything you need.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jul 2023
Thank you for being great guests and I am pleased you had a happy stay. You are very welcome to stay again.

10/10 Excellent

Tim R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quintessential kiwi bach
This is a fantastic place to spend a few days relaxing in the sounds. The kids loved the outside bath and the kayaks. Thank you Penny for opening your bach up to us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thank you for staying and being great guests. Good on the kids braving the bath! You are welcome back any time

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What an amazing spot with a simply fantastic view - there would not be a lot of master bedrooms that have this view when you pull back the curtains in the morning!! Go check it out - you will not regret it :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Ken P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Place was really cosy, great views
A peaceful time in a nice place
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Pleased you had a peaceful time. Thank you for staying and being great guests

10/10 Excellent

Nigel P., Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Traditional Moenui Bach
This is the 2nd time we have stayed here, the last time being 8 years ago when we were last in Marlborough. It is a traditional bach/crib, not an ultra modern new building. That is fine by us. Everything is clean and tidy. I like the neighourhood and environs. Moenui is a very nice location, within easy driving distance of many things in the sounds or in the Blenheim area.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thank you for returning and pleased that it lived up to your expectation so many years later. You are welcome back any time. Thank you for being lovely guests.

10/10 Excellent

David K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very scenic place... incredible views!
Easy, low fuss and perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Loved that you mentioned you made the Apple Crumble recipe. The photo of the pie looked very appetising. Thank you for staying, being a welcome guest and the nice dialogue. I hope the rest of your NZ trip went well

10/10 Excellent

Paul S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely destination.
Great views and very relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thank you for being great guests and I am pleased that you managed to relax!

10/10 Excellent

Geoff c.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a wonderful stay here. It was real New Zealand bach holiday. Would happily stay here again.n
Great experience
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
You are very welcome to stay again. I really appreciate having nice guests. Thank you!

10/10 Excellent

Keryn D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Moenui
Comfortable Bach, Lovely big deck and a fire to keep warm. A very relaxing place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Pleasing to hear that fire kept you cosy with the onset of autumn. Thank you for being easy guests and looking after the place

10/10 Excellent

Clare F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location and beautiful views
Lovely trip staying here
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thanks for staying and being easy guests. Always welcome back

10/10 Excellent

Simone P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magic Moenui
We had a fabulous, family 4 day stay here! Everything we needed, amazing scenery and heaps to explore. Thanks Penny 😊
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thank you for being great, appreciative guests. Nice to hear your stay went well. You are very welcome back and I recommend you to other bach owners

10/10 Excellent

chris h., Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice and comfortable
Perfect getaway, great views on the deck across the water. Comfortable house, all things needed provided. No wifi or phone reception, go old school and play DVDs if you need tv entertainment. Clean and tidy, wood fire for heating
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thank you for being great guests and appreciative of the simplicity of the kiwi style bach. Love the 'old school' dvds. Very true! Have added more to the library. Recommend you to any other home owner and you are very welcome back

10/10 Excellent

Katrina A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing views
Loved our stay, the house was well equiped. We picked this place because of the deck/views and it didn’t disappoint.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thanks for staying and being easy guests to have stay. Glad you enjoyed the views. You are always welcome back

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing place with beautiful views
Great get away place - loads of room and impressive outdoor spaces. Perfect. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thank you for being lovely guests. Nice to hear the space worked for you. You are always welcome back

10/10 Excellent

Tracy C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place
An excellent place to stay. The deck is amazing to sit out on in the morning with your coffee. All communication was fabulous. Highly recommend. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Very happy that your stay worked well and you managed to chill out on the deck. Thank you for being great guests and your kind feedback. Always welcome back

10/10 Excellent

Peter T., Perth. Western Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Moenui is the place to relax
Arriving is the start of the adventure, the view, the layout, and that deck. You can’t help but relax. Then really hear the sounds of nature and the abundance of bird life in the area. Just awesome. Great place to unwind and re-charge. Great layout inside, with everything you need. Nearest town just 7km away.
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Feb 2023
Am so pleased your stay went well and you enjoyed a nice slice of NZ. Thank you for being great guests - much appreciated and always welcome back.

10/10 Excellent

Greg T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
A great location for a blissful weekend - sitting on the deck and reading was such a joy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Thank you for staying and being such easy guests to have. Great to hear you relaxed and could enjoy the views. You are very welcome back

8/10 Good

Ian L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Holiday
Lovely bach for a shared family holiday - weather perfect
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Please the weather behaved! Thankyou for staying, providing a review and for being easy guests. Very welcome back

10/10 Excellent

Kate S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming traditional kiwi bach with touch of magic
We loved our stay at Penny's charming bach. The views are simply breath taking and there are many thoughtful touches. Loved going out in the sea kayaks and trying out the outdoor bath. Very friendly community too! Not too far to good swimming beaches. Very special part of Aotearoa NZ. Thank you so much Penny for allowing us to have our wee dog there.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jul 2023
Lovely to hear that you made the most of the area and met some of the locals. Thank you for being welcome guests and your nice feedback. Please feel welcome to stay again