A peaceful, serene sanctuary with spectacular views over beautiful Wainui Bay

Our Paradise. Piwakawaka Retreat offers prime waterfront accommodation, in a spectacular coastal location overlooking Akaroa harbour. With uninterrupted views and sunny light filled open spaces, a stay at Piwakawaka Retreat is good for the soul. Swimming beach, rock pools, walks, fishing, boating, exploring. You can do as little or as much as you like whilst staying. There are plenty of options for exploring the area or you can just sit back, relax, and watch the changing view across the harbour.

Perched on a prime location overlooking the volcanic remnants of Banks Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour. Wainui is quiet and secluded, yet only 75 minutes’ drive from the city of Christchurch, 25 minutes from the picturesque seaside village of Akaroa and 15 minutes from the closest store and restaurant at Duvauchelle. Wainui is a peaceful place, overlooking the ocean with plenty of bird and sea life. On occasion, you may even see a dolphin or two!

The boat ramp is only 50 metres from the front of the cottage and a great wharf to fish from about 200 metres away. There is plenty of exploring to be had around the rocks directly in front of the house and around Anchorage Bay. We really enjoy Coasteering at 3 Points just past Anchorage Bay at low tide. There is a rope to get down the steep path. The stunning, sandy Wainui main beach is about 200 metres in the other direction and in summertime, there is a pontoon for swimming out to. At low tide, the rock pools at the far end of the beach hide a myriad of treasures to explore. There is also a court nearby if you enjoy a spot of tennis!

Piwakawaka Retreat provides recently updated, sunny open plan living opening out onto a good-sized deck. The views are spectacular and ever changing with the weather. A heat pump and log burner keep you cosy and warm and there are plenty of games and books to entertain the whole family.


There are three bedrooms (a king, a queen & 2 single bunk beds in the bunk room) and 1 bathroom with a separate toilet (located just outside bathroom undercover - approx. 1 metre). There are duvets, blankets and pillows provided for your use as well as electric blankets on the king and queen beds.

We provide sheets and towels for 2 people per stay and can also arrange bedding and towels for additional guests for a small fee. Everything else you need should be there.

There are 6 stairs on the path leading upward to Piwawaka Retreat and 6 internal stairs connecting the living area to the bedrooms.

Turn on the hot water on arrival - it only takes about 10 minutes to heat up. Turn on the heat pump too and you'll be cosy and warm in no time :)

The toilet is immediately outside the back door into the bathroom, under a porch. Please note, you do need to step outside (but undercover) for 1 metre to reach the toilet. There is a deck with glass balustrades and a slider gate you can put up, however for safety reasons, the property may not be suitable for very small, mobile children/toddlers.

There is Wi-Fi and good cell phone reception. There is a 'smart TV' with Netflix and Chromecast from your device plus

We have favourite places to visit and eat in the area and are happy to send this to you prior to your stay as well as there will be information on hand at our place.

We look forward to welcoming you to Piwakawaka Retreat.