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Classic Kiwi Bach In Blissful Urquhart Bay - Relax and Recharge

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You will never want to leave with most days ending as beautiful as this one!
Newly extended deck for soaking up the sun
Clean, modern well equipped kitchen, updated just 12 months ago
Room
The Bay makes a tranquil “work from home” location.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Sofa Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Classic Kiwi Bach In Blissful Urquhart Bay - Relax and Recharge

Escape to a classic Kiwi bach "Pen Bryn" (house on the hill) with farm views at the front, and 180 degree water water views at the back, nestled on Urquhart Bay, at the mouth of Whangarei Heads.

Perfect budget friendly, but still comfortable getaway for families, couples, or small groups, this coastal retreat offers stunning sea views, easy beach access, and all the comforts you need for a relaxing wind down.

The Space:
Wake up to the sound of the ocean, using the remote control blinds in the main bedroom to reveal your stunning view. Get up and enjoy your morning coffee from the "one press" automatic coffee machine, and sit on the deck with uninterrupted views of the sparkling Urquhart Bay.

This charming bach is nearly a century old, and has been in our family for 5 generations. Comfortably renovated it features:

🌅 Open-plan living and dining: With large windows framing the ocean and plenty of natural light, the space invites relaxation and connection to nature.
🍳 Fully equipped kitchen: Cook up a family feast with ease or enjoy a barbecue on the spacious deck. Convenient deep freeze and fridge freezer for storing food for longer stays.
🛏️ 3 cosy bedrooms: Sleeps up to 6 guests with 1 queen bed in the main bedroom, 2 single beds in the middle bedroom and a double pull out sofa couch in the "sun room”. There is an additional sofa bed in the living room with inner sprung mattress for those who want to stretch out – perfect for families and friend groups alike.
🚿 Bathroom: A cosy well-maintained space with a shower, basin and separate toilet for convenience.
🌴 Outdoor living: A generous deck, outdoor furniture, and a large grassy lawn for games of petanque, lawn games and the like.
🌊 Beach Access: Directly out the front is Urquhart Bay, perfect for swimming at high tide, and beach combing at low tide, or for the surfers, joggers and morning dippers the stunning Ocean Beach is a 4 minute car ride away and definitely a feature of this location.

Amenities:
📺 Smart TV for streaming your favourites (no wifi but Starlink can be provided for longer stays at an extra cost)
🎲 Board games for family fun
🧺 Washing machine and clothes line

On request:
🐾 Dogs welcome with prior approval although the Bach is in a Kiwi zone and property is not securely fenced so all pups will need to be supervised by owners 24/7 and droppings picked up by owner.

Neighbourhood:
Located at the edge of Whangarei Heads, Urquhart Bay offers a peaceful escape with plenty to see and do:
🏊 Swim, kayak, paddle board right off the beach out front, or bring your boat and go fishing in the Bay from the boat ramp.
⛰️ Hike the iconic Mount Manaia or explore local walking tracks around Smugglers Bay, Peach Cove, and Mount Lion.
☕ Visit local cafes and enjoy fresh seafood or dinner at the Parua Bay Tavern, just a short drive away.
🌅 Experience breathtaking sunsets and stargazing on clear nights.

Guest Access:
🔑 The entire bach is yours to enjoy with self check in and check out.
🚗 Off-street berm parking for two cars and a boat.

House Rules:
🚭 Strictly No Smoking or Vaping Anywhere on the Property
🐾 No Pets without prior approval and pet droppings must be removed by owner of the pet.
🤫 No parties or loud music between 10 PM and 7 AM.
🌏 The Bach is situated in a protected area, so respect for the environment and local community is appreciated.

Rates:
💲 Rates vary depending on the season and availability. Special rates apply for regular guests or longer stays – please enquire.

Why You'll Love It:
✨ Our Family Bach is more than just a place to stay – it’s a modernised trip back in time - the classic family Bach our family has grown up in generations. You will see what we mean as soon as you pull into the drive. Spend quality time and memory making moments exploring the bay, relaxing on the deck, or sharing stories by the sea - we know you will leave feeling refreshed and inspired to come back.

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About the area

Whangarei Heads

Located in Whangarei Heads, this cottage is next to a golf course and on the waterfront. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Waipu Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Taurikura Bay and Ocean Beach. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Whangārei Heads, Northland

What's nearby

  • Taurikura Bay - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Town Basin Marina - 34 min drive - 38.5 km
  • Ruakaka Beach - 49 min drive - 23.7 km
  • Tutukaka Marina - 54 min drive - 67.5 km
  • Whangaumu Bay - 56 min drive - 70.7 km

Getting around

  • Whangarei (WRE) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Smith & Local - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Land & Sea - ‬57 min drive
  • ‪Two Birds Cafe & Restaurant - ‬54 min drive
  • ‪McLeod Bay Fish and Chips - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Ainga - Asian Fusion Restaurant - ‬55 min drive

Reviews

9.4

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. 14 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lori was a great host, and the location was stunning.
Stayed 28 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 December 2025
Thanks so much Donald! It was a pleasure to host you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tessa E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay here. Lovely place, amazing view. We booked last minute and the host was very accomodating. Thanks for the perfect stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 October 2025
Glad you enjoyed Tessa!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trish D.

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

Great gettaway

A really cool place to stay and relax.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sanet B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication. Bach is as described, with everything needed fir a comfortable stay.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Roni M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our third stay at Pen Byrn. We love that it is a truly authentic Kiwi Bach in a beautiful location. A new kitchen bench and cabinets, along with a television have been added and the bedding has been upgraded since our previous stays. Easy communication with the owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and environment for chilling out or hanging out at Ocean Beach.Old school Bach. Simple, but effective.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 February 2026
Gary, thanks for the review, we really appreciate it and so pleased you enjoyed your stay!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Orly B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Furniture are outdated and the interior needs good clean
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 February 2026
Thank you for your feedback. Pen Bryn is over 100 years old, and it is thoroughly cleaned before and after every stay by our excellent turnover team, so while the furnishings are intentionally simple and well-loved, cleanliness is something we do take care of seriously, and regularly. We know this style won’t be for everyone, but our regulars come back season after season for its lived in, relaxed feel. It’s very much our family bach, not a hotel, and it’s priced and advertised with that in mind.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Blair R.

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

Weekend away

Lovely wee bach in a great location. Private and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 March 2025
Thanks Blair, we are thrilled you enjoyed Pen Bryn!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth G.

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

Paradise

An amazing locationComfortable and cosy bach.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Alison B.

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

Quiet stop

Our stay here was perfect, the location was ideal for a couple of rainy days we had pre-planned as restful days before our big tour of NZ. The views were lovely and the charm of this long loved Bach felt like we were part of the family. Thanks for the stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Shannon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely host that qas responsive. Property is a historic old school kiwi batch. Small in size big on love. Perfect for our needs. As we were out most days.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah D.

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

Beautiful spot!

What a magic place to stay! It was like stepping back in time staying in one of the original baches in the bay. Comfy, clean, quiet and the bach has everything you need. We miss the stunning view!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 March 2025
Thanks Sarah! We are thrilled you enjoyed your stay! Come back soon!
Verified

8/10 Good

Dan B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A classic kiwi Bach with incredible views to watch the sunset. Location is great with a short drive to Ocean Beach and walking distance to smugglers bay. Worth getting groceries on your way out as there are no shops nearby (20min drive). Old couches, some dirty dishes and filthy dish brush which wasn’t great, but otherwise comfy bed and has all the basics for a relaxed weekend away.Some outdoor loungers / furniture to go on the deck would be great to make the most of lounging at the Bach. Thanks so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Richard C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We knew there were no shops nearby so brought everything with us. We were advised that there would be tea and coffee but there was not. We had brought our own so it didn't matter. Otherwise it was comfortable and clean and we enjoyed our stay thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Flo H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful location stunning views. Authentic kiwi beach bach wouldnt want it any other way. Exactly as described in the property description. Everything you ever needed was made available. A real home away from home. Comfy beds and awsome shower. Lori is a fantasic host and easy to communicate with. I wish her all the best for the future
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 October 2025
Thanks so much much Flo :)
Verified

8/10 Good

Robin S A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is an old and quirky property with lots of history! The views are spectacular and the neighbors are friendly. The grounds are well cared for; however, there were many cobwebs inside the house and some of the kitchen drawers were not cleaned. We had basic communication with our host, providing instructions for check-in and check-out. Note: this property does not have WiFi so access to all instructions must be done using your own cellular data.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 October 2025
Kia ora Robin, Thanks so much for taking the time to share your feedback. I’m really glad you enjoyed the views, the friendly neighbours, and the unique character of our little bach. It’s one of those true Kiwi classics with plenty of history and heart! It’s been in our family for five generations, and while we don’t get to use it as often these days, it’s lovely that others can experience the same sense of bliss we’ve always loved. I’m sorry to hear about the cobwebs and the kitchen drawers. That’s not the experience we, or our wonderful turnover team, want for our guests. I’ve let them know so they can take care of that for future stays. We’ve tried to make it clear in the listing that the bach is a traditional Kiwi getaway — simple, peaceful, and unplugged, without WiFi — but we’ll take another look at how we can make that even clearer. Entry and key instructions are automatically sent through the booking platform three days before arrival. We agree the format can be a bit basic, as it’s limited by the system, but your comment has sparked a great idea. We’ll look at creating a more detailed printed guide to leave in the bach, to make things even more personal and welcoming for future guests. Thanks again for the feedback, and we truly hope you enjoyed your stay. Warm regards, Lori & family
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jemma S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication from host, and great little place to stay. Was better than expected. Good amenities and close to many activities
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

chelsea S.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tatijana M.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kay R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy-Anne F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
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