Step out the door and onto the sand—this location is perfect for paddling adventures, with the option to bring your paddleboards and kayaks to use directly from the beach thanks to open water access at your doorstep. For boating enthusiasts, there’s a boat launching ramp just 500m around the corner, and you can moor your boat directly in front of the beach, making it easy to explore the Sounds by water. Inside, the bach features cosy open-plan living with a wood-burning fireplace, ideal for relaxing winter stays while enjoying uninterrupted views of the tranquil Sounds. In summer, the easy indoor-outdoor flow makes BBQs on the deck a must, with stunning beach and bay views as your backdrop. Bedroom 1 includes a queen bed while bedroom 2 has a bunk with a queen base and single top, making this a great setup for couples or families. Outside, the location is simply magical. Wake to the chorus of native birds, stroll along the pristine beachfront, or enjoy a morning paddle in the calm waters. For the more adventurous, there are nearby walking and cycling tracks, additional beaches, fishing spots, and local wineries to explore. All this is just a short drive on sealed roads from Havelock. With its unbeatable beachfront access, native birdlife, and easy waterway access, Sounds Magic is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy everything Moetapu Bay has to offer. As the property has unfenced access to the bay, adults should closely supervise young children while outside to ensure safety around water.
Access to the property is via three steps leading up to the deck, which then provides entry to the bach. This may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
The top bunk bed is only suitable for children.
This property sleeps a maximum of 4 adults and 1 child.
Absolutely no dogs permitted on the property.
A bond may be charged at certain times of the year. One of our team members will contact you if this is required for your booking.
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Cosy modern two bedroom off-grid cabin, in the Marlborough Sounds
Moetapu Bay
Cosy modern two bedroom off-grid cabin, in the Marlborough Sounds
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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
About the area
Moetapu Bay
Located in Moetapu Bay, this cottage is near the beach. Picton Museum and Edwin Fox Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Lochmara Lodge Arts Centre and Pelorus Eco Adventures. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.
How much does it cost to stay at Sounds Magic - Moetapu Bay Bach?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sounds Magic - Moetapu Bay Bach on 16 May 2026 start from NZ$357, 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 Sounds Magic - Moetapu Bay Bach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sounds Magic - Moetapu Bay Bach?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sounds Magic - Moetapu Bay Bach?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sounds Magic - Moetapu Bay Bach located?
Situated near the beach, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Mahakipawa Arm, Okiwa Bay and Kenepuru Sounds. Lochmara Lodge Arts Centre and Pelorus Eco Adventures are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
8.4
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A magical short stay. Exactly what we were looking for - isolated, off grid, on the water, but striking distance to Nelson, Wairau valley and the Picton Ferry. Simple and isolated Bach retreat. Very highly recommended.
Stephen H.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 March 2025
We truly appreciate your review, Stephen. It’s great to know the bach offered the secluded, off-grid retreat you were looking for while still being within easy reach of Nelson, Wairau Valley, and the Picton Ferry. The peaceful waterfront setting sounds like it made for a magical stay. Thank you for your high recommendation—we’d love to host you again in the future.
Reputation & Resolutions Coordinators, Bachcare.
Verified
8/10 Good
Kaye C.
27 May 2025
Liked: Location
Disliked: Check-in
Sounds Magic Bach
Lovely weather and views. Older bach but very comfortable and everything you need. Great woodburner kept bach cozy and warm. Gate number needs to be made more visable as was hard to find on road side
Kaye C.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 June 2025
Thank you Kaye for taking the time to share your thoughts on your stay at Sounds Magic Bach.
It is great to hear you enjoyed beautiful weather and stunning views, and that the woodburner helped keep things cosy and warm throughout your visit. We are also pleased the bach had everything you needed for a comfortable stay. Your comment about the gate number being hard to spot is much appreciated and we will make sure steps are taken to improve its visibility from the roadside.
We would be glad to host you again whenever your travels bring you back.
Reputation & Resolutions Coordinators, Bachcare.
Couldn’t be a more beautiful and peaceful location. This is a true Kiwi bach. Basic and comfortable. Would be helpful when arriving for the first time to have some more details about the location. If the owner/manager doesn’t want to post this in the listing, then provide in an email to the tenant.
Suzanne P.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 March 2025
Thank you for your feedback, Suzanne. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the stunning and peaceful location and that the bach provided a comfortable stay. We appreciate your comments about finding the property and will pass this along to see if arrival details made via email can be made clearer for future guests. We’d love to welcome you back again.
Reputation & Resolutions Coordinators, Bachcare.
We loved our stay at your batch. Went swimming everyday, a perfect slice of paradise. Close enough for day trips to Havelock , Picton, Blenheim and Nelson
Would love to come stay again
Thanks
Fantastic location with easy beach access, stunning views and everything needed for a relaxing stay. Fished from the beach and caught mullet and one decent snapper for our tea. The birdsong and sheltered, quiet location was just bliss. Spark network from deck, though intermittent, was a nice surprise. Sandy, the caretaker of the property was very helpful. Very clean and tidy property and a logburner with plenty of wood just ready to light was a lovely addition. Highly recommend this magical place.
We have had such a lovely time at this bach. It is perfect being so close to the water as the kids can potter on the beach while still being supervised from the deck. Clean and cozy we highly recommend it. Wish we could live here ☺️
Great place to rest up. Also caught two fish off the beach.
Winter time and cold but the stove kept the place warm.
Very restful view - could look at it all day.
Bob R.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020
Verified
2/10 Terrible
ben p.
31 January 2020
Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Property in poor state for our stay
Very Disappointed in cleanliness of property. We paid a cleaning and management fee & then had to clean it ourselves. From mars bars wrappers through house to dirty dishes and fridge - place was not up scratch for renting.Wld not rent another property managed by Bachcare on Bookabach again. Made a time to meet Bachcare to check in (which they requested) and property wasnt ready. Perhaps not their fault but we we’re made to feel like it was our fault for turning up on time when they asked us to. Not what you need after a big day travelling with family.
Juliette, we appreciate you taking the time to leave a rating. If there’s any feedback you’d be open to sharing about your stay, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email so we can take it into account.
Reputation and Resolutions Coordinators, Bachcare.