Entire home
Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat
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Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6120 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Wainui, Canterbury
- Wainui Banks Peninsula1 min walk
- Akaroa Wharf29 min drive
- Akaroa Lighthouse29 min drive
- Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bunkroom
2 Single Bunk Beds
King Bedroom
1 King Bed
Queen Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront haven - Piwakawaka Retreat
Our Paradise – Pīwakawaka Retreat
Step into a world where sparkling Akaroa Harbour is just steps away. Pīwakawaka Retreat is a sun-drenched haven where everyday worries drift away. Many of our guests return again and again.
Our waterfront sanctuary blends relaxation and adventure: explore rock pools, swim at the sandy beach, fish from the wharf, take a boat out, or simply unwind on the deck as the sun sets. On lucky days, you might even spot Hector’s dolphins. Surrounded by birdlife, rural landscapes, and the sea, there are plenty of walks and hidden spots to explore right from your doorstep.
Perched above Banks Peninsula and overlooking Akaroa Harbour, Wainui is peaceful and secluded yet close to everything:
* 75 minutes from Christchurch
* 25 minutes from Akaroa
* 15 minutes from the nearest store and restaurant at Duvauchelle
The boat ramp is just 50m from the cottage, a wharf for fishing is 200m away, and Wainui’s main sandy beach with summer pontoon is about 200m in the other direction. Low-tide rock pools, coastal tracks, and nearby bays offer endless exploring — all set against a backdrop of native bush, and ocean views.
Space & Comfort
Inside, a sunny open-plan living area opens to a spacious deck with ever-changing harbour views. For cooler evenings, a heat pump and crackling log burner create a warm, cosy atmosphere. Settle in with a book, board game, or movie on the Wi-Fi-connected smart TV.
Bedrooms:
* King room with electric blanket
* Queen room with electric blanket
* Bunk room (2 single bunks)
Fresh sheets and towels are provided for two guests as standard. Additional bedding and towels can be arranged for extra guests.
Good to Know
Layout: Stairs to the entrance, and internal stairs between the living area and bedrooms.
Toilet: Classic Kiwi bach style — in a separate private room just outside the main bathroom, fully undercover, only 1 metre away.
Toddlers: Deck has glass balustrades and a safety gate, but the layout may not be ideal for very young, mobile children. Please enquire if unsure.
Extras: Wi-Fi, smart TV (Netflix/Chromecast), CDs, games, and books.
Whether exploring Banks Peninsula or watching the light shift over Purple Peak, Pīwakawaka Retreat is the perfect place to slow down, connect with nature, and soak in the beauty of Akaroa Harbour — a sanctuary for the soul.
Step into a world where sparkling Akaroa Harbour is just steps away. Pīwakawaka Retreat is a sun-drenched haven where everyday worries drift away. Many of our guests return again and again.
Our waterfront sanctuary blends relaxation and adventure: explore rock pools, swim at the sandy beach, fish from the wharf, take a boat out, or simply unwind on the deck as the sun sets. On lucky days, you might even spot Hector’s dolphins. Surrounded by birdlife, rural landscapes, and the sea, there are plenty of walks and hidden spots to explore right from your doorstep.
Perched above Banks Peninsula and overlooking Akaroa Harbour, Wainui is peaceful and secluded yet close to everything:
* 75 minutes from Christchurch
* 25 minutes from Akaroa
* 15 minutes from the nearest store and restaurant at Duvauchelle
The boat ramp is just 50m from the cottage, a wharf for fishing is 200m away, and Wainui’s main sandy beach with summer pontoon is about 200m in the other direction. Low-tide rock pools, coastal tracks, and nearby bays offer endless exploring — all set against a backdrop of native bush, and ocean views.
Space & Comfort
Inside, a sunny open-plan living area opens to a spacious deck with ever-changing harbour views. For cooler evenings, a heat pump and crackling log burner create a warm, cosy atmosphere. Settle in with a book, board game, or movie on the Wi-Fi-connected smart TV.
Bedrooms:
* King room with electric blanket
* Queen room with electric blanket
* Bunk room (2 single bunks)
Fresh sheets and towels are provided for two guests as standard. Additional bedding and towels can be arranged for extra guests.
Good to Know
Layout: Stairs to the entrance, and internal stairs between the living area and bedrooms.
Toilet: Classic Kiwi bach style — in a separate private room just outside the main bathroom, fully undercover, only 1 metre away.
Toddlers: Deck has glass balustrades and a safety gate, but the layout may not be ideal for very young, mobile children. Please enquire if unsure.
Extras: Wi-Fi, smart TV (Netflix/Chromecast), CDs, games, and books.
Whether exploring Banks Peninsula or watching the light shift over Purple Peak, Pīwakawaka Retreat is the perfect place to slow down, connect with nature, and soak in the beauty of Akaroa Harbour — a sanctuary for the soul.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
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House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Stairs and balcony not safe for very young kids
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Wainui
Located in Wainui, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Akaroa Museum and Maori & Colonial Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Akaroa Lighthouse and Britomart Monument. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Wainui, Canterbury
What's nearby
- Wainui Banks Peninsula - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Akaroa Museum - 27 min drive - 23.7 km
- Linton The Giant House - 28 min drive - 24.4 km
- Akaroa Wharf - 29 min drive - 24.8 km
- Akaroa Lighthouse - 29 min drive - 25.1 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Little Bistro - 22 min drive
- Grand Hotel - 22 min drive
- Crater Cafe Akaroa - 23 min drive
- Bully Hayes - 24 min drive
- La Thai Restaurant - 24 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Sarah Campbell-Simpson
We are a family of four who live in Christchurch and love our bach by the sea in Wainui! It's our home away from home, and we love being able to share it with our guests.
Why they chose this property
Wainui is a very special place, by the beach, peaceful and rural yet so close to Christchurch and Akaroa. We love being by the water, watching the changing light and moods over the bay, and exploring all the walks and adventure activities nearby. We also love chilling out in front of the log burner with some good games or a tv program and just relaxing.
What makes this property unique
Piwakawaka Retreat is a sun-drenched haven that feeds the soul with views that wash away the everyday. Our waterfront sanctuary blends relaxation with adventure; whether exploring rock pools, the sandy swimming beach, fishing on the glassy water, or unwinding on the deck watching sailboats and Hector's dolphins. The perfect base to explore Banks Peninsula, or haven to watch the light change over Purple Peak.
Languages:
English
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