Entire home
Ponga House - Kaitoke Waters
Holiday home in Great Barrier Island with kitchen and patio
Photo gallery for Ponga House - Kaitoke Waters
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4100 sq m
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
About this property
Ponga House - Kaitoke Waters
Nestled above the tranquil Kaitoke Creek and surrounded by lush native bush, Ponga House is a modern off-grid retreat on Aotea / Great Barrier Island, thoughtfully designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself in nature.
Dreamed up and handcrafted during the quiet years of the pandemic, the home is a true labour of love. Built by Kevin — a skilled builder and designer — alongside family and close friends, Ponga House balances contemporary comfort with the raw beauty of the island. Elevated timberwork, generous glazing, and dappled sunlight through the native canopy reflect a deep respect for the land and its surroundings.
The Space
Two serene bedrooms: one king bed and one splittable king for flexible sleeping
Fully equipped kitchen and indoor fireplace for year-round comfort
Starlink Wi-Fi, combining off-grid living with modern convenience
Private deck overlooking bush and creek, with BBQ and outdoor dining
Kayaks available to explore the calm waters of Kaitoke Creek directly from the property
Designed for self-sufficiency, the house is powered by solar energy, supplied by fresh rainwater, and well insulated to stay cosy in all seasons — quiet, clean, and comfortable, without sacrificing ease.
Location
Ponga House is tucked away in a peaceful, private spot on Gray Road, yet remains close to everything you need:
Claris township (5 minutes) — airfield, general store, cafés, and medical centre
Golf course and Kaitoke Hot Springs walk — both nearby for easy outings
Some of the island’s best beaches are within easy reach:
Kaitoke Beach – wild and expansive, ideal for walking, surfing, or picnics
Medlands Beach – great for swimming, bodyboarding, and family days out
Awana & Palmers Beaches – more remote, perfect for solitude, surf, or fishing
Explore & Unwind
Whether you’re after adventure or quiet immersion in nature, you’re perfectly placed to:
Surf at Awana, Kaitoke, or Medlands
Snorkel in Kaitoke Lagoon or the reef between Kaitoke and Medlands
Kayak the creek straight from the house
Fish from rocks or beaches
Swim in pristine, uncrowded waters
Ponga House was created as a place to rest, recharge, and share the magic of the Barrier. Secluded yet convenient, off-grid yet comfortable, it’s an ideal base to unplug, explore at your own pace, and soak up the natural beauty that makes this island so special.
Dreamed up and handcrafted during the quiet years of the pandemic, the home is a true labour of love. Built by Kevin — a skilled builder and designer — alongside family and close friends, Ponga House balances contemporary comfort with the raw beauty of the island. Elevated timberwork, generous glazing, and dappled sunlight through the native canopy reflect a deep respect for the land and its surroundings.
The Space
Two serene bedrooms: one king bed and one splittable king for flexible sleeping
Fully equipped kitchen and indoor fireplace for year-round comfort
Starlink Wi-Fi, combining off-grid living with modern convenience
Private deck overlooking bush and creek, with BBQ and outdoor dining
Kayaks available to explore the calm waters of Kaitoke Creek directly from the property
Designed for self-sufficiency, the house is powered by solar energy, supplied by fresh rainwater, and well insulated to stay cosy in all seasons — quiet, clean, and comfortable, without sacrificing ease.
Location
Ponga House is tucked away in a peaceful, private spot on Gray Road, yet remains close to everything you need:
Claris township (5 minutes) — airfield, general store, cafés, and medical centre
Golf course and Kaitoke Hot Springs walk — both nearby for easy outings
Some of the island’s best beaches are within easy reach:
Kaitoke Beach – wild and expansive, ideal for walking, surfing, or picnics
Medlands Beach – great for swimming, bodyboarding, and family days out
Awana & Palmers Beaches – more remote, perfect for solitude, surf, or fishing
Explore & Unwind
Whether you’re after adventure or quiet immersion in nature, you’re perfectly placed to:
Surf at Awana, Kaitoke, or Medlands
Snorkel in Kaitoke Lagoon or the reef between Kaitoke and Medlands
Kayak the creek straight from the house
Fish from rocks or beaches
Swim in pristine, uncrowded waters
Ponga House was created as a place to rest, recharge, and share the magic of the Barrier. Secluded yet convenient, off-grid yet comfortable, it’s an ideal base to unplug, explore at your own pace, and soak up the natural beauty that makes this island so special.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Parking available
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Glenfern Sanctuary and Kaitoki Beach.
Great Barrier Island / Aotea, Auckland
What's nearby
- Kaitoki Beach - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
- Blind Bay - 11 min drive - 5.4 km
- Medlands Beach - 12 min drive - 11.5 km
- Whangaparapara Harbour - 16 min drive - 8.2 km
- Glenfern Sanctuary - 32 min drive - 23.9 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Tipi And Bobs - 18 min drive
- The Burger Shack - 7 min drive
- Barrier Social Club - 18 min drive
- Mulberry Grove General Store - 20 min drive
- Stonewall Store & Bottle Store - 18 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Your host
We’re two families who’ve been connected across generations through friendship, land, and a shared love for Aotea / Great Barrier Island.
We (Kevin and Patrick) are sons of lifelong best friends from Ōtorohanga who took different paths in life but reunited here on the Barrier to bring Ponga House to life — a home we dreamed up, designed, and built with our own hands during the quiet years of the pandemic.
Kevin is a builder and creative problem solver with a deep connection to the island. His wife, Maree, is a recently retired schoolteacher with a passion for travel and for connecting with people from all walks of life.
Patrick lives with Sarah on their sheep and beef farm back in the King Country. Originally from the U.S., Sarah has fully embraced rural New Zealand life and brings a strong focus on sustainability and the environment to everything she touches.
Ponga House is our shared retreat — a place to reconnect with nature, unwind, and experience the rhythms of island life. We feel incredibly lucky to be able to share it with you and hope you love it as much as we do.
We (Kevin and Patrick) are sons of lifelong best friends from Ōtorohanga who took different paths in life but reunited here on the Barrier to bring Ponga House to life — a home we dreamed up, designed, and built with our own hands during the quiet years of the pandemic.
Kevin is a builder and creative problem solver with a deep connection to the island. His wife, Maree, is a recently retired schoolteacher with a passion for travel and for connecting with people from all walks of life.
Patrick lives with Sarah on their sheep and beef farm back in the King Country. Originally from the U.S., Sarah has fully embraced rural New Zealand life and brings a strong focus on sustainability and the environment to everything she touches.
Ponga House is our shared retreat — a place to reconnect with nature, unwind, and experience the rhythms of island life. We feel incredibly lucky to be able to share it with you and hope you love it as much as we do.
Why they chose this property
Kevin and Maree first ventured to Great Barrier Island on their honeymoon back in 1989. Captivated by its wild beauty, they returned again and again — eventually building a self-sufficient family getaway close to one of Kevin’s favourite surf beaches. The island became woven into their family’s story: a place to unplug, recharge, and reconnect.
So when a quiet, elevated section just down the road came up for sale, they recognised a rare opportunity — a chance to design and build something enduring. A house that would honour the land, embrace the elements, and stand the test of time. That vision became Ponga House.
Sarah and Patrick came into the picture a little later — late to the party, perhaps, but instantly hooked when they finally experienced the magic of Aotea / Great Barrier Island for themselves. One visit was all it took.
Together, the two families now share this special place — not just a house, but a continuation of friendship, connection, and deep appreciation for the island.
So when a quiet, elevated section just down the road came up for sale, they recognised a rare opportunity — a chance to design and build something enduring. A house that would honour the land, embrace the elements, and stand the test of time. That vision became Ponga House.
Sarah and Patrick came into the picture a little later — late to the party, perhaps, but instantly hooked when they finally experienced the magic of Aotea / Great Barrier Island for themselves. One visit was all it took.
Together, the two families now share this special place — not just a house, but a continuation of friendship, connection, and deep appreciation for the island.
What makes this property unique
While many off-grid homes ask you to sacrifice comfort, Ponga House offers the best of both worlds. Powered by solar, supplied by fresh rainwater, and thoughtfully insulated, it runs clean and quiet — all while offering:
Starlink Wi-Fi
A fully equipped kitchen
Indoor fireplace
Smart TV and modern amenities
You’ll feel remote, but not disconnected.
Starlink Wi-Fi
A fully equipped kitchen
Indoor fireplace
Smart TV and modern amenities
You’ll feel remote, but not disconnected.
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