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Stunningly Private Piha Retreat

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Retreat
Deck and view to Lion Rock on Piha Beach
Bath nestled in the forest
Retreat in rain forest
Access via steps

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Noodle Box

1 Queen Bed

Wasabi Suite

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Stunningly Private Piha Retreat

The Miller Family purchased a 7 acre native bush block in 1924. It is now registered with the Queen Elizabeth Trust and has an open space covenant on it i.e. protected native forest. There is a labyrinth of bush tracks and an old dam on the property. The property is 7 kms from Piha Beach with beautiful bush and sea views over the Tasman Sea and Lion Rock.

There is also another original bach on the property which is advertised under "unique bush property" Yes, you can even book out the 2 properties if you require larger separate accommodation. The houses are all private from each other.

This fabulous new Retreat was designed by Chris Tate who won international acclaim for his "Glasshouse" in Titirangi.

The decor is beautiful, you will watch the sun go down from the deck at night; and have an amazing peaceful sleep on the NZ made Cotton and Latex mattresses. The 2 queen-size beds are the only sleeping facilities - no fold-out or portable beds are provided.

It has a special feel about it, with a quirky design "feature" of an outdoor kitchen sink. And our guests love the outdoor bath (with hot water). The open plan living room has an enclosed fireplace (for use of winter months), small tv with freeview & dvd player. There is a heatpump in the lounge and electric blankets on both beds. The lounge has a fireplace with firewood provided over winter months.

What else can we say ..... you will love it

The Retreat is self catering. There is a small Breville bench-top oven - called a "smart oven", an electric frypan, small slow cooker, rice cooker, 2 solid elements, pots and pans + the Webber BBQ (out on the front deck).

We provide:
Filtered drinking water
Tea/coffee/sugar
Salt/pepper/cooking oil
Firewood (provided over winter months only)

As we are part of the Waitakere Ranges we are on tank water so supply may be limited in summer months. The very occasional power outages in the area means that no water will available during any outage because of the electric pump - this doesn't happen often.

This property is not suitable for pets.

A request from us - when you send your booking request please include some details about your group e.g. who they are and what they do - this is very special family land and we like to have a little information about our guests.

My nephew Michael is our custodian and lives in another house on the property - he will usually be there when you arrive.

Our property is not suitable or available for events or parties so please do not be offended when requests such as these are declined. Thank you for your understanding.

Special conditions:
No Smoking inside
No pets
2 car maximum

Transport
We strongly recommend you have a car for your stay. It is highly unlikely that an uber or taxi from the airport will agree to bring you to the Retreat. And you will need a car to be able to do some food shopping for your stay. Also a heads-up that campervans are not able to get up our driveway.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Piha

Located in Piha, this holiday home is by the sea. Waikumete Cemetery and Alberton House are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Auckland Zoo and Whoa! Studios. West Wave Pool And Leisure Centre and Corban Estate Arts Centre are also worth visiting. Surfing/body boarding and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.
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Map
Piha, Waitakere Auckland

What's nearby

  • Waitakere Ranges - 3 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Arataki Visitor Centre - 8 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Piha Surf School - 9 min drive - 10.1 km
  • Piha Beach - 10 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Karekare Beach - 16 min drive - 10.8 km

Getting around

  • Henderson Sunnyvale Station - 15 min drive
  • Auckland (AKL-Auckland Intl.) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Olive Kitchen & Bar - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Tandoori Flame - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Piha Rsa - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Huia Store - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Aryreh - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Stunningly Private Piha Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Stunningly Private Piha Retreat?

As of 25 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Stunningly Private Piha Retreat on 27 May 2026 start from NZ$266, 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 Stunningly Private Piha Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Stunningly Private Piha Retreat?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stunningly Private Piha Retreat?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Stunningly Private Piha Retreat located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Waitakere Ranges and within 6 miles (10 km) of Karekare Beach and Piha Surf School. Karekare Falls and Arataki Visitor Centre are also within 6 miles (10 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. 70 out of 83 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 83 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 83 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 83 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 83 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Once again a great place to stay - we keep coming back for more

Once again a great place to stay - we keep coming back for more
Verified

8/10 Good

Katie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property in a magical setting. The bushwalks and outdoor baths were fantastic to have on the doorstep, and it was wonderful watching the kereru flying by. The interior of the house is beginning to look a little tired, but overall it was a great place to stay, and the fire was such a bonus.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Finn w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
From the moment we booked it till the day we left it was a great experience. Great communication from our host with good information to help us find the place. The place itself was amazing. The views were to die for and the little walks in the area were great for exploring. Perfect for a chill start to our honeymoon after coming all the way from Scotland. Place was well equipped, clean and very comfortable. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone going to Piha. Easy to get to Piha and Karekare from there.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

FNP

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

Perfect getaway.

We stayed for 10 nights while we ventured around the north island. The retreat had everything we needed with stunning views on top of it all.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

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

Friendly and gorgeous environment

The area around the house was gorgeous with bush trails and very lush and tropical. The owner was very nice and we met him both when we got there and when we left and I wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great every time, this place has lovely vibe! Recommended.

Great every time, this place has lovely vibe! Recommended. *****
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adell G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This retreat was simply wonderful. The panoramic views of the ocean and bush, the front door access to the bush trails, just down the road to the magical Piha beach, and the gorgeous outside bath. The bach itself had everything you needed in a minimalistic but highly functional way - it couldn't have been more comfortable yet it was super effective in making the outdoors the star of the stay. The attached photo is not enhanced - that is the raw experience. Simply beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maas M.

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

Summer break

Beautiful property in an unique location. 10/10 recommended
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Derryn G.

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

Great view to Piha. Peaceful

A lovely place to retreat to. Very peaceful and surrounded by bush. Unfortunately the bed was very hard and difficult to sleep comfortably on. Driveway unpaved but short and ok to navigate.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very romantic and beautiful
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine K.

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

Wonderful Retreat

Our stay at this very special property was one super recharge! Absolutely loved every aspect. The family history and journey toward making this home a place to share is so very commendable. Birdlife and clean air will slow you down to the rhythm of your own heart...nothing else matters. Would definitely recommend to friends and would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carmen C.

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

Perfect Place for some Rest, Relaxation & Rejuvenation

Stunning views over beautiful native bush towards Lion Rock at Piha Beach. Has its own bush tracks which we explored all of them. Outdoor bath is a treasure used it every day! Fire place kept us cozy as its winter time and was lovely after each day of walking. We explored all our favourite tramping tracks in the area. Comfortable and cozy beds we liked the kitchenette set up and really enjoyed our stay. Thanks for sharing!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Amelia A.

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

Cool place with great views

The views from the property were amazing. It's also very peaceful there. The outdoor bathtub was not usable, though. There was no microwave at the property but an oven and stoves were available. The beds were not as soft as I'd like but over it's comfortable. Heating was available in all rooms. The bush walk tracks within the property area were really cool. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and wished we had booked for two nights instead of one.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lana H.

Liked: Communication, location

Beautiful spot high with stunning views across the bush towards Piha.

We arrived to a friendly welcome from Mike. We were immensely pleased with the location and setting. The home was tidy and clean, although the windows were quite grubby which impinged on the view. Good kitchen facilities and lots of wood for the fire. The outdoor bath was a special treat to soak in after a day walking in the bush and along the beaches. Comfy lounge furniture and a good outdoor eating area too. A very nice retreat from a busy life.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

leo z.

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

Fantastic Location

Lived up to my expectations. (-:
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda C.

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

A True Retreat

This was truly a relaxing experience... exactly what we wanted. The fire kept us cosy and the outdoor bath and panoramic views were absolutely beautiful. A gorgeous place. We'll be back, for sure!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Sally L.

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

Bliss away

The only thing hard to adjust to was the bed. Everything else was bliss Nature peace quiet secluded Will def stay again when we need to hide from our Auckland business Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara T.

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

Beautiful tranquil setting

We have 6 children and wanted somewhere to relax and unwind without the kids Could not have been a better spot Highly recommend
Verified

10/10 Excellent

johann b.

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

Piha Retreat

Perfect finish to a lovely summer trip around Northland. Loved well designed and stylish bach in bush-clad surroundings of the Waitakere's. The perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature. Looking forward to hopefully returning one day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Raewyn H.

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

Special place

Didn’t want to leave as had many more hidden treasures to find.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon H.

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

Magic Setting

A great escape from the hustle and bustle of life, nestled in native bush with great views through the valley to Piha Beach. Very comfortable but with rustic charm appeal which was relaxing and cute.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Fabulous property in a beautiful location.

Fabulous property in a beautiful location. Secluded in the bush you feel like your in your own private haven but only a few minutes drive to the beach. The retreat is well appointed and has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley H.

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

Slice of NZ HEAVEN! Stylish property!

Exceptional NZ property. Heritage bush and a beautiful build, a rare combination! Hosted well, very friendly and flexible. I will be back and recommend to all on my social media. Stunning location, Karere waterfalls, the beach, the caves, the view! Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan C.

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

Very relaxing getaway

We loved this place! The photos just don't do it justice. The highlight for us was having the fire going on a rainy night, turning all the inside lights off and turning on the outside spotlights that light up the trees, spectacular! Would certainly recommend for any weather.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MArgaret C.

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

A lovely getaway.

The property is really well situated with a great view down to Lion Rock Piha. Lovely tracks through the bush. Barbeque and eating out on the deck watching the sun go down was a treat. Highlight was the moreporks arriving after dark every night sitting in the kauri trees outside the deck hunting for moths and swooping low in front of us! Thank you so much.

About the host

Hosted by Jane Brenan

Host profile image
This unique land has been in our family since 1924 and comes under the Queen Elizabeth Trust which provides extra protection to the rain forest. Managing the 2 houses, on our piece of paradise, is a shared job between 2 sisters, and supported by our nephew who lives on site.

Why they chose this property

The Retreat was completed in 2010. It was built on the one clear piece of land in the entire property. The project included the wonderful Chris Tate, and a long process of approvals and building something very special to share was finally completed. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Because we want to share the experience of staying high in the rain forest with as many people as possible.

What makes this property unique

Architecturally designed Retreat house, the rain forest, the sunsets, the peace and quiet, wood pigeons, the view down to Lion Rock, the 15 mins drive to Piha Beach .... and so much more.
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