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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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
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 Whoa! Studios and West Wave Pool And Leisure Centre. Corban Estate Arts Centre and Crystal Mountain 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.
How much does it cost to stay at Stunningly Private Piha Retreat?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Stunningly Private Piha Retreat on 17 June 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.
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.
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.
Finn w.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 December 2025
It was great to meet guests from Scotland even if they weren’t truly Scottish😂sorry about the language mix-up Belinda
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!
Sarah M.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
10 April 2013
Great every time, this place has lovely vibe! Recommended.
Great every time, this place has lovely vibe! Recommended. *****
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Amelia A.
Stayed 1 night in May 2022
Verified
6/10 Okay
Lana H.
13 August 2021
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
Sharon H.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
6 October 2020
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.
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.
Shelley H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
About the host
Hosted by Jane Brenan
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.