The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds
Boat or water taxi only access to the island ensures your peace and privacy for those who wish to get away from it all. For your pleasure of arriving here, there will always be someone to meet and greet you as this is a working family farm, and the house will always be open to access on your arrival!
The Arapawa homestead, or Gunyah as it is also known, is the original house built in 1945 by Joe and Patty Perano as their retirement home. Refurbished in keeping wth the original 1940s character, the homestead is a fully equipped, private and cosy.
The front bedroom is furnished with an antique walnut bedroom suite that includes a double bed with feather duvet and a single bed for an extra guest. Warm and pleasant, this room offers dramatic views of Tory Channel and the West Head. Suitable for children and visiting friends, the second bedroom contains two sets of single bunks with duvets. This room features stunning ocean views. The sleep-out contains a queen size bed with a nearby shower - very handy first thing in the morning! The sleep-out also doubles as a laundry and is equipped with double concrete sinks, a washing machine and a clothes dryer.
The bathroom inside the house has a comfortable bath, from which you can admire an etched glass depiction of the Tory Channel entrance showing both an underwater scene and a view of whalers above the water. The bathroom has a separate toilet.
Gunyah has full amenities with all you need for a comfortable stay. The kitchen contains a number of modern appliances, including a microwave oven, fridge/freezer and bread maker, and the living area has a wood burner a TV, stereo and CD player. Special conditions: Tarrif | Gunyah - Arapawa Homestead Minimum stay 2 nights Summer Season (November - April inclusive) $300.00 per night up to 5 people | $22 per night each additional person Off Season (May - October inclusive) $245.00 per night for up to 5 people | $22 per night for each additional person Off Season Special - Stay 6 nights and get a 7th night FREE.
Dinghy and mooring are included in Tariff. One nights payment confirms your booking. All prices include GST.
Extras: Cleaning (Optional, NZ$120.00 per stay); Linen (included);
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Is The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?
As of 14 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds on 12 May 2026 start from NZ$348, 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 The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?
Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.
What time is check-out at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 20 miles (32 km) of Mabel Island, Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary and Edwin Fox. Picton Foreshore and Edwin Fox Museum are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a wonderful stay at Gunyah with wonderful incredibly helpful hosts. Very responsive communication. Accomodation was retro and delightful loved every bit of our stay here. Fabulous!
Susan M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 January 2025
Susan, it was fabulous having you stay at Gunyah Accommodation!
Even with Henry, your dog,was lovley to have come ansd stay.
You all felt connected to what we do here as a family business.
Thanks for coming to visit our Paua pearl farm during your stay!
Until Next time xxx
Excellent location and hosts, be prepared for a bit of a walk, but the location and view make it all worthwhile. Lovely sheltered house site overlooking the entrance to Tory channel.
Kevin R.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 January 2025
So glad you made it out to the Island with the ever changing view made it better with you guys here✨🙏🤩
Wonderful location and property. Nothing was a problem for hosts Antonia and Mike. They are such lovely people. Selfishly I’d like to discourage people from staying here as I’d like it available any time for us to return.
Frank T.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2024
Hi Frank, You're very funny! Lots of room to come anytime for you!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Catherine C.
7 January 2018
A wonderful spot that suited our group (2 families) really well.
A wonderful spot that suited our group (2 families) really well. We enjoyed the old-school feel of the house, with its awesome floral carpet and green kitchen cupboards etc, and you could sit for hours in front of that view. Heaps of good walks, fishing, kayaking, great paua farm tour, Smokey the Friendliest Horse in Existence... Only downside was very soft bed in main house that also has footboard (problematic for tall people). The sleepout bed is really good though. Loved Gunyah - you must go!
Lovely family gathering for Christmas. Stayed for 8 nights. Relaxing and plenty for us to do. We brought our own boat and had a mooring provided.
Our hosts were amazing, everything was thought of. They met us at the jetty and transported all our gear up to the bach and were available whenever we needed to get out to the boat.
The beach where you land is beautiful and there is enough walking and views to keep you busy doing lots or a little.
Just a warning they sell beautiful pāua pearl jewelery which may hit your back pocket a little!
Wonderful stay! Can’t recommend enough.
Matt B.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 September 2024
Thanks, Matt! You're the Best! Love your humor and honesty! See you soon!
The only thing I would change is next time, I am bringing my dive gear!
Lovely hosts and a quaint cottage that has a one of a kind view.
Ask for a tour of the Paua Farm, it's incredible!
Warren D.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 January 2021
Was wonderful to have you come part of Arapawa Homestead and what is available here to see and do!
YES come back, with your diving gear it will be a pleasure to show you where to go diving!@
Brilliant stay! Thank you so much to Antonia and Mike. Made us feel very at home and were so accommodating and easy to deal with. Highly recommend the Arapawa Homestead for future stays :)
Nicolle P.
Response from VrboOwner on 17 March 2020
It was such a pleasure having you come and spend so time out here on Arapawa Homestead. Thanks so much. Look forward to having you out here again:-))
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Katie B.
1 February 2019
Outstanding .. simply amazing
What a place to call paradise... and to the beautiful family who welcomed us .. opened up there home and shared there amazing life with us ..so much to do for the children and relaxing as much as you possibly want .. look forward to many more trips there .. highly highly recommend all going to this piece of paradise
Katie B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 17 March 2020
Thankyou so much for coming to visit our historical landmark.
It was such a pleasure to share it with you and your outstanding family.
We throughly enjoyed your company, and so definitely look forward to your return!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
gayna r.
15 January 2019
Unforgettable!
Our brief stay was all we wanted and more. The landscape, the views, the historic homestead, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the ocean, and even the weather, all were wonderful. The Radon whanau made us feel very welcome on their island home. Would highly recommend to those who want to get away from it all. We will return :)
gayna r.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
28 September 2017
Fantastic property with amazing views.
Fantastic property with amazing views. Loads to see and do in this area. Well worth a visit to the whaling station. We would highly recommend this place to anyone.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
12 September 2017
Arapawa Homestead ticked so many boxes for us!
Arapawa Homestead ticked so many boxes for us! Fantastic secluded location, surrounded simply by nature and history. The homestead itself is a fantastic period home with stunning views of the Tory Channel. Rain or shine the island has a lot to offer. Would love to go back!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
8 March 2017
Same as above
Same as above
Archival
10/10 Excellent
3 November 2016
A few of the words we used to describe our stay, in our nightly diary.
A few of the words we used to describe our stay, in our nightly diary.....stars, sunshine, sunrise, history, paua culture.picket fence, pohutukawa, weka, stunning, beacons, ferries passing.
A most memorable stay and we all hope to return for a longer stay.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
30 October 2016
amazing- stunning view, well set up with everything you need.
amazing- stunning view, well set up with everything you need. Whole family enjoyed it and a lt of this was due to the hosts family being so welcoming and friendly as well.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
16 October 2016
We loved the 1960's look of Gunyah.
We loved the 1960's look of Gunyah. Watching the ferries pass by and reminiscing with one of our group about living on this farm in the 60's made it all extra special. Great tour guide for our visit to the Paua Business too. We hope to return!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
1 October 2016
Great place to visit and stay and highly recommend to all, we have rebooked for a weeks holiday alre
Great place to visit and stay and highly recommend to all, we have rebooked for a weeks holiday already and cant wait to come back
Archival
10/10 Excellent
2 March 2016
We loved our time at the farm, was very relaxing, awesome views and fishing.
We loved our time at the farm, was very relaxing, awesome views and fishing. The Radons couldn't do enough for you. Thank you for an awesome stay.
About the host
Hosted by AntoniaRa2
We have lived now here at Whekenui since 1993. We my husband and I are both divers and have a passion for the sea. We enjoy sharing our farm and what we do to others like yourself. We are passionate about what we do and love to share with your our knowledge .
Why they chose this property
Gunyah has the most amazing outlook and is like a home away from home. The moment you arrive it's a feeling very hard to describe, you have a feeling of relaxation, peace and beauty. Gunayh's views from the property allows you to see everything. A writers dream. Great of reconnecting with family, nature and history. Totally worth the experience!
What makes this property unique
Whaling and WWII historical sights are very close by just short walks to view the Gunning Placement and the Whaling Station at the next bay south of Gunyah.