About this property
Sleeps: 8 | Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 3 | Minimum stay: 3 nights

>> Download Oruawharo Bay Info Sheet

Located only 50 metres from a secluded swimming beach in Oruawharo bay, this stunning 16 acre property on New Zealand’s pristine Great Barrier Island, provides everything you need for an idealic getaway.

Designed by world-renowned architects FearonHay, the multi-award winning 2000 square foot retreat is nestled protectively into the base of a hill by the sea. The glassy, minimalist one storey structure blends subtly into the surrounds while keeping you in close contact with the landscape. In calm weather the exterior walls slide completely open, removing any barrier between you and nature.

The L-shaped house features four guest bedrooms with expansive ocean views through full length glass sliding doors.
A stunning central courtyard entertainment area provides shelter from prevailing winds while retaining its spectacular views through the house to the sea. A separate guest suite set into the hillside provides a private retreat away from the main living area.
Facilities
One king size bed
Three queen sized beds
Three spacious bathrooms
(two ensuites)
Spacious living and dining area
Integrated with kitchen space
Modern stainless steel kitchen
Coffee machine - Nespresso
Gas stove and oven
Dishwasher
Cutlery and crockery
Outdoor BBQ
One wood burning stove
Indoor open wood fire
Outdoor open wood fire

Indoor/outdoor stereo system
Land line telephone
Washing machine and dryer
Linen and towels supplied
Outdoor shower
Parking
Basic pantry items available
Note: there is no municipal water, electricity or wastewater services on Great Barrier Island. Electricity is supplied by solar power, and water by filtered rain collection tanks, therefore, conservation of water and electricity is needed.
Pricing
NZ$1600 per night. Minimum 3 nights stay. These rates include accommodation, on-island meet and greet. Longer term rates available.
Reservation and Cancellation Policies
Payment is required in full, at the time of booking, to secure your reservation.
  • Changes to booking dates incurs a $100 administration fee.
  • If you cancel 14-30 days before arrival, 50% of your booking will be refunded.
  • If you cancel 14 days or less before arrival, your booking is non-refundable.
Bed layout
The house has four bedrooms, three with a queen-sized bed and one with a king-sized bed. Two bedrooms are situated next to the main living area each with their own ensuites, and two are in a separate guest wing accessed through the central courtyard.
How to get there
The journey to Oruawharo is all part of the experience. You can travel by ferry or scheduled small aircraft some 56 miles northeast from Auckland to Great Barrier Island.

It is important to be flexible when going on holiday to Great Barrier Island as it is isolated and weather conditions can result in delays and/or cancellations in extreme conditions. However, the isolation is what makes it such a unique destination.

Flight times from Auckland Airport or North Shore Airport at Silverdale to Great Barrier’s Claris Airport are approximately 30 minutes. The house is only 10 to 15 minutes from the Claris Airport.

Ferry sailings to Great Barrier Island are seasonal, with a sailing time of approximately 4.5 hours. The house is then 40 minutes drive from the Tryphena Wharf.

Helping preserve the house’s privacy, the property can only be accessed by 4-wheel drive vehicle or on foot across an estuary and farmland. A footbridge provides pedestrian access at all tides, but at high tide and in times of flood vehicular access is not available.

You will be met at the carpark next to Medlands camping ground and taken to Oruawhero. There are several car hire places on the island. Please refer to the Great Barrier Island website. Note: hire cars cannot be driven across the estuary.

Catering and Provisions
The Ourawharo Beach House has a fully equipped kitchen, and there is an outdoor BBQ for your use.

Meals are self-catered, with most food and beverage items available from the local Claris shops, or the Port Fitzroy and Tryphena stores. If you want specialty items however it is suggested you bring these with you to the island. The water supply is filtered and very drinkable.

Additionally, an “in house” caterer can be arranged, subject to bookings and availability. This can be confirmed and menus provided at the time of booking.

Entertainment and Activities
The house is less than 50 metres through grassland to a secluded swimming beach, with many other beautiful beaches and coastal walks within easy reach. There are a number of world famous surfing spots along the east coast of Great Barrier, one of which is straight in front of the house. For the keen anglers, there is good fishing within minutes of the house and fishing charters can also be arranged. If you wish to explore further afield, the Mount Hobson (Hirakimatā) summit and Kaitoke natural hotsprings are worth the walk.
Phone and internet
There is a landline phone in the house, which also provides access for high speed internet should you have a laptop with you. Mobile phone coverage on the island is limited, therefore do not expect to rely solely on mobile phones for your communication needs while on Great Barrier Island, although there is good 4G coverage at the house.
Laundry
There is a washing machine provided for your use. Because of the restrictions on the use of power, there is no electric dryer. However, there is a clothes line directly outside the Cottage. There is a laundromat in Claris.
Meet and Greet
Jono Stapleton, our property manager, will meet you at a pre-confirmed time at the carpark next to Medlands Beach Camping Ground. Please be punctual. He will transfer you and your luggage to the cottage.
Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island, also known as Aotea, lies 56 miles northeast of New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland.

With only 800 permanent residents and no electrical grid or public water supply system, this mountainous 110 square mile landmass remains mostly rugged and untamed. Its dense bush, rare fauna and flora, and spectacular white beaches are still undiscovered, even by New Zealanders.

The formation of dramatic coastal dunes and bluffs, as well as the survival of native forests, deep bush and Maori archaeological remains, make it an extraordinary place for hiking, fishing, diving, surfing, and animal watching. Or, if you’re feeling lazy, you can sit back and bask in the peaceful, pristine landscape.

If you want to know more about Great Barrier, tours or travel, check view the following links:

www.greatbarriernz.com
www.barrierair.kiwi
www.sealink.co.nz
www.helilink.co.nz
www.flymysky.co.nz