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Reviews of A peaceful, serene sanctuary with spectacular views over beautiful Wainui Bay

A peaceful, serene sanctuary with spectacular views over beautiful Wainui Bay
Wainui, Canterbury

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

4.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jason G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise!
Our third time staying at this wonderful home. It just has the most relaxing vibe. Had the fire going & enjoyed a peaceful couple of days with those incredible sea views. Love this holiday home!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aaron R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Bach
Great harbour views from a typical kiwi bach. Lovely stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cora T., Lyttelton

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Get Away
This is the second stay this year It is Such a perfect place to chill and to let time expand. A Beautiful outlook … The Accommodation is very welcoming and family orientated for a relaxing stay where entertainment and gatherings take place. Very happy with our stay… and will definitely return again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dianne P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good stay
The bach had a nice feel about it… lovely view of the sea… master bed very comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Michelle D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Little things
I planned to read, relax and take a short break from my demanding business. The verandah , telescope and the view were my reasons for choosing this Bach. The view was wonderful, I did not manage to focus the lens on the telescope no matter what I did so this I accept as possibly my fault but the verandah lined with broken shredded Ratan furniture really affected the atmosphere. Instead of being welcoming and comfortable it was the opposite. Even sitting in one of the useable chairs the verandah lost its appeal -it felt neglected.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Hi Michelle. Thanks for staying with us and your feedback. Sorry to hear you felt our verandah area wasn't what you had hoped for. I just wanted to clarify, did you find the larger squabs and cushions in the storage box on the verandah beside the furniture, that are to be used on the furniture- they are pretty comfy and in good condition:)? We keep them in the storage box so they don't get too damaged by weather/sea conditions when guests are there. Being so close to the sea and weather, the life span of the outdoor furniture can be reduced but we do replace regularly and we also offer the cushions and swabs to make them comfortable. We figure as long as the seats are comfy and the views are fantastic, its a pretty nice spot to relax in. Please be assured, we do try our very best to offer an funky, comfortable, tranquil place to stay with beautiful views and provide all the amenities we can at a competitive and affordable price. However we will take your comments into consideration going forward and look at our options the deck. The telescope takes a bit of adjusting but does work :). Thanks again Michelle.

10/10 Excellent

Cora T., Lyttelton

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic
Loved the location and the home was very homely and welcoming
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tina-marie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Waters edge
Stunning views, quiet and relaxing. Had everything you need and more. Can’t wait to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
This was the perfect place for a relaxing week. Extremely well equipped ( for the kitchen we needn't have brought anything !) , very comfortable sofas, beautiful outlook and easy access to the sea and walks. Beds excellent and even a seaview from the main bedroom. Bliss! Thank you so much Sarah !!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lili W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect!
We loved our stay here. Great amenities, stunning view and very peaceful. We will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

amaia g.

Liked: Cleanliness
cozy
cozy place, lovely waking up to the sounds of the water! a great place if you ever need a quiet and relaxing getaway
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy home away from home
Our second stay at this fabulous home, this time in colder weather so we got to enjoy the logburner fire. This home makes you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in, the comfy open plan living space & magnificent views out to the water & bays. Loved our stay thanks 🙏
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah G., Christchurch, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Had a wonderful time again- thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous house!
We loved our stay here, the house is so lovely and relaxing, perfect for lazing about & reading a book. Beds were super comfy. There are lots of seats on the balcony to look out at the incredible views across the bays. A quick drive to Duvauchelle for a drink, or on to Akaroa for shopping & exploring. The host was great with communication. Highly recommend this home, in fact I’m planning to go go back! Thanks Sarah for a lovely few days in your beautiful holiday home.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Dave N.

Disappointed
Property has a great view in an ok location but is tired. Shower was not clean on arrival but cleaner came back and attempted to clean but needed exit mould. We wiped food off surfaces in kitchen, bench, table and chairs, bedrooms needed a good vacuum. Stains on sheets in bunk room. House is let down by lack of maintenance and poor cleaner.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Stay
We really enjoyed staying at this bach. Beautiful views and a well equipped kitchen. We will definitely be back ☺️
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shanaz N., Auckland, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness
Away from all the hussle
Bit of a drive but when we got here it’s amazing Everything we expected Love to come back
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rene B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property overlooking the bay.
Spacious house with ample room for us all. The house's location was great, my kids could walk to the beach to go swim. I had a lazy afternoon on the porch, watching the sunset on the hills over the bay with the waves rolling onto the rocks below. Had an amazing time!! Will definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to get away from the hustle of every day life.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bernard H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Escape for a few days
Wonderfull peaceful break Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tony W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Staff bolt hole.
Time out space for staff. Great location and aspect. Very relaxing space.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fiona W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful getaway
We loved staying here - beautiful, peaceful, comfortable. Amazing views, lovely walks. We had a wonderful time. Will definitely remember this to come back to another time.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Megan R.

Liked: Cleanliness
True slice of paradise
A fantastically tranquil location. Cosy, wondrful view and all the makings a relaxed retreat from the world. Very easy to deal with the owners. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather F., FINGAL BAY, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
A quiet location & awesome views
A great place to relax. Beds comfortable and we enjoyed sitting out on the deck soaking up the sunshine, the view and listening to the birds. Would recommend this property to anyone.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

kate l.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ideal holiday by the sea
The view is fantastic which the open plan living maximizes. Great house, the garden behind the house was fun to explore. Wainui is a quaint cluster of houses, perfect for getting away from the city
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Maureen M., Manawatu New Zealand

Wonderful Wainui
Beautiful outlook of a well equipped bach. Being 30 minutes out of Akaroa we appreciated the well stocked kitchen. However, when we checked out at 10am we took our rubbish to Barry's Bay transfer station only to discover it doesn't open until midday which left us a bit stuck, it would be helpful for this to be highlighted. Overall we had a lovely few days in Wainui.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Hi Maureen. Thanks so much for staying- we are pleased you enjoyed your visit and we are pleased we were able to accommodate your extra guest With regards to the transfer station, I wanted to confirm that there is an afterhours drop off at Barrys Bay Refuse Station- just to the left before the big main gates there are two skips. One for recycling and one for Rubbish https://www.wasteline.co.nz/refuse-station. Hope that clarifies and helps. Best regards, Sarah and Richard

10/10 Excellent

Andy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great kiwi bach to sit back and enjoy the beauty of Akaroa harbour
Wainui cottage is a lovely and welcoming kiwi bach by the water. Sarah is an amazing host and communicator and made sure our family could enjoy the stay to the max. There are 3 smallish bedrooms perched above a lovely sunny open plan kitchen / diner with a large alfresco deck / seating area in front where you can enjoy the views across the harbour to Akaroa. You do have to pop out the back door to find the single toilet which might be something to note just in case you're expecting ensuites. Overall, a great place to stay and highly recommended
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Narelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Haven in Wainui
Fabulous cosy open plan living/ 3bedroom home. Nesselled into the native bush, the floor to ceiling Windows and deck allow Views to behold, of Akaroa Bays and out to the Heads. We did spend alot of time soaking up the views . The Hosts were lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Conagh A.

Would be ideal if you wanted to relax in the one spot as is very remote
It was comfortable and warm with beautiful views, perhaps it could be mentioned that it is a good 20 minutes drive from the main road. Very peaceful sitting on the deck listening to the sea
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location.
Great, relaxing holiday spot.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jo-Anne L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely holiday home on the bay
We really enjoyed this well equipped bach overlooking the Bay. We were visited regularly by a kereru on the balcony which was a real treat and also enjoyed peaceful sleeps in a very comfy bed. Sarah was also very accomodating when mechanical issues resulted in us delaying our stay. Thanks again !
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarina D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning sea view
Lovely cosy home. Everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Loved the front deck overlooking the sea watching the boats go by. Comfy bedding and beds. Thanks so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Helen S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Holiday
We loved staying at this lovely bach.Comfortable beds.Beautiful views.Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Clint S.

Great location
Great location, Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Hamish C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place A +++
:)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Josie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved the wee beach cottage.
Great check in but unfortunately the cleaners arrived before the check out time (email said 11am so that’s what we were aiming for).
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lucie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome little batch
Piwakawaka cottage is an awesome little batch, in a great location. The views are great, and can easily be enjoyed from the deck, even when it is raining. We will definitely go back here,but longer then 2 days. Sarah is very responsive to emails and the little surprises in top of the towels were much appreciated
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

6/10 Okay

Paul G.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Short Stay
The proportry had a strong musty smell on arrival which was disappointing, the crockerey was stained and chipped, we had to short through and then wash what we wanted to use. The bedrooms were quite cramped with not much space tpo move around with quite old carpets. The shower floor had a really soft spot which looks like there has been a leak so had to keep away from that? There showewr / laundry area had a spiders web and spider, along with a spider web behind the TV. The location is great with lovely views just disappointing with the general presenetation of the property. To be afir, we didi discuss going home on the wednesday and thursday but did stay. Nga mihi Paul
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Glad you enjoyed the lovely the views from our wee bach by the sea :)

10/10 Excellent

Melanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Piwakawaka paradise
We utterly fell in love with this delightful slice of paradise. Piwakawaka Retreat offered everything we hoped for a relaxing week away to unwind. The bach is fabulously set up with everything you need, the location is spot on with beautiful swimming beach at one end and great wharf for fishing the other end. But the real jewel in the crown is the view...morning, noon, and night it was fabulous. This property also has superb outdoor living areas. Thank you Sarah & Richard, we had an amazing holiday and can’t wait to come back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Incredible guest! Such a pleasure to have you. Take care xx

10/10 Excellent

Simone V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location- super clean and tidy
Great view. Very clean and tidy. Everything you need
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sunrise.
A lovely little house, with a nice open-plan living area. Nice views. Getting up to see the sun rise over the peninsula is well worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful bach
Really great property, close to water beautiful views. House warm and clean very comfortable beds and has everything you need for relaxing holiday. Kitchen really well set up with coffee machine and soda stream.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Fiona B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful getaway
Stunning views of Akaroa Heads. Easy walk to the beach to canoe and paddleboard. Roomy lounge area and beautiful view off the deck. Kitchen had everything we needed. Beds were very comfy. Very relaxing wish it had been longer
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay :)

10/10 Excellent

Brad B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super relaxing bach
We chose to stay in Wainui as a getaway, and it provided a relaxing stay for us over 3 nights. The bach is nice and quiet, with great features like the deck and its amazing view, and an open fire to curl up infront of with a wine. Was nice to walk up the road and explore the great surrounding scenery. Handy to Akaroa also so good for an outing to check out the shops and dine out. Loved the bach, great stay and would recommend for a couples getaway like we did.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

8/10 Good

john p.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls trip away
Had a lovely time- relaxing, beautiful views, comfy bach. Hadn't realised you have to go outside the back door to access the toilet. A bit cold in the middle of the night for 4 women all over 60.. Also the only way to the toilet was through the bathroom/ shower room. Other than this everything was great and had a wonderful time away
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julie C., Redwood, Christchurch. NZ

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay
The views are stunning. The house was very comfortable, clean and tidy. The bird life was great and the bird song beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Angela C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely beautiful.
Very relaxing place to stay, beautiful views, quite. We stayed in September and weather was stunning
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Pip N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful location-great mix of weather-very helpful owner
A wonderful short week to celebrate birthdays and wedding anniversary.Great outdoor morning sun.Heaps of walks and indoor activities for cooler temps.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

jan j.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquil retreat
Beautiful setting overlooking the sea....great to watch the sun rise over the hills and flood into the lovely living space. Warm and comfy beds. Great birdlife and lovely walks, a fantastic place to stay with well equipped kitchen and comfy sofas for lounging on.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Sanura J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Lovely stay, great house. Will book again
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2023
Great guests! Wonderful communication and left our place in fantastic condition. Thanks for so much for staying with us.

10/10 Excellent

Heidi M.

Liked: Cleanliness
The view is sensational
We had the most relaxing stay. The instructions prior to arrival were clear & easy to follow, & the house was so warm & inviting. We spent hours nibbling at a cheese board from Barry’s Bay & just looking out at the view. We would love to come & stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Philip G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wainui
This is a fantastic location. Beautiful sea views across the harbour. Very well set out house for us as a couple, but would also suit families well. Really clean and tidy. We highly recommend booking this house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020