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The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds

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Escape to the secluded Arapawa Homestead, where peace and privacy await. This 1940s character-filled homestead is fully equipped with modern appliances, including a microwave oven and wood burner, offering dramatic views of Tory Channel from the front bedroom.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 13

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds

Boat or water taxi only access to the island ensures your peace and privacy for those who wish to get away from it all. For your pleasure of arriving here, there will always be someone to meet and greet you as this is a working family farm, and the house will always be open to access on your arrival!

The Arapawa homestead, or Gunyah as it is also known, is the original house built in 1945 by Joe and Patty Perano as their retirement home. Refurbished in keeping wth the original 1940s character, the homestead is a fully equipped, private and cosy.

The front bedroom is furnished with an antique walnut bedroom suite that includes a double bed with feather duvet and a single bed for an extra guest. Warm and pleasant, this room offers dramatic views of Tory Channel and the West Head. Suitable for children and visiting friends, the second bedroom contains two sets of single bunks with duvets. This room features stunning ocean views. The sleep-out contains a queen size bed with a nearby shower - very handy first thing in the morning! The sleep-out also doubles as a laundry and is equipped with double concrete sinks, a washing machine and a clothes dryer.

The bathroom inside the house has a comfortable bath, from which you can admire an etched glass depiction of the Tory Channel entrance showing both an underwater scene and a view of whalers above the water. The bathroom has a separate toilet.

Gunyah has full amenities with all you need for a comfortable stay. The kitchen contains a number of modern appliances, including a microwave oven, fridge/freezer and bread maker, and the living area has a wood burner a TV, stereo and CD player.
Special conditions:
Tarrif | Gunyah - Arapawa Homestead Minimum stay 2 nights
Summer Season (November - April inclusive)
$300.00 per night up to 5 people | $22 per night each additional person
Off Season (May - October inclusive)
$245.00 per night for up to 5 people | $22 per night for each additional person
Off Season Special - Stay 6 nights and get a 7th night FREE.

Dinghy and mooring are included in Tariff. One nights payment confirms your booking. All prices include GST.

Extras: Cleaning (Optional, NZ$120.00 per stay); Linen (included);

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Car available
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 55 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Farming classes
  • Gym
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Annual offsets purchased for at least 10% of carbon footprint
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Composting
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Farming classes
  • Garden
  • Grey water recycling system
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Water-efficient showers

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Exterior
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:30 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 55 lbs per pet)
Note from host: Pets must be on a leash and have a travel cage.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Have a Highchair and Portacot

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Folk can pitch a tent as well for extra space.

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 13
Note from host: Folk can pitch a tent as well for extra space.
This property uses a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Dramatic Views Tory Channel West Head House
Dramatic Views Tory Channel West Head Queen Charlotte Sound
Dramatic Views Tory Channel West Head
Dramatic Views Tory Channel West Head House
Dramatic Views Tory Channel West Head Queen Charlotte Sound
Dramatic Views Tory Channel West Head House
Dramatic Views Tory Channel West Head Queen Charlotte Sound
Dramatic Views Tory Channel West Head
Dramatic Views of Tory Channel the West Head
Dramatic Views of Tory Channel the West Head

Frequently asked questions

Is The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 55 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?

As of Mar 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds on Mar 10, 2026 start from CA $292, excluding 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?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

What time is check-out at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 20 mi (32 km) of Mabel Island, Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, and Edwin Fox. Picton Foreshore and Edwin Fox Museum are also within 20 mi (32 km).

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The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

9.4

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings

Great hosts and spot, we enjoyed some fishing and the bay. Awesome time had by all.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family xmas holiday

Excellent location and hosts, be prepared for a bit of a walk, but the location and view make it all worthwhile. Lovely sheltered house site overlooking the entrance to Tory channel.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Amazing views off Tory Channel. The hosts were great really enjoyed the paua pearl tour.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

Lovely family gathering for Christmas. Stayed for 8 nights. Relaxing and plenty for us to do. We brought our own boat and had a mooring provided. Our hosts were amazing, everything was thought of. They met us at the jetty and transported all our gear up to the bach and were available whenever we needed to get out to the boat. The beach where you land is beautiful and there is enough walking and views to keep you busy doing lots or a little. Just a warning they sell beautiful pāua pearl jewelery which may hit your back pocket a little! Wonderful stay! Can’t recommend enough.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brad M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Adventure

Awesome trip and experience
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Biloxi Vacatiom

We were well pleased with our stay. Condo was just as described in the listing. Will rent again when in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best stay

We had a wonderful stay at Gunyah with wonderful incredibly helpful hosts. Very responsive communication. Accomodation was retro and delightful loved every bit of our stay here. Fabulous!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Wonderful location and property. Nothing was a problem for hosts Antonia and Mike. They are such lovely people. Selfishly I’d like to discourage people from staying here as I’d like it available any time for us to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
This review is from a guest who booked and stayed through a partner site and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

A wonderful spot that suited our group (2 families) really well.

A wonderful spot that suited our group (2 families) really well. We enjoyed the old-school feel of the house, with its awesome floral carpet and green kitchen cupboards etc, and you could sit for hours in front of that view. Heaps of good walks, fishing, kayaking, great paua farm tour, Smokey the Friendliest Horse in Existence... Only downside was very soft bed in main house that also has footboard (problematic for tall people). The sleepout bed is really good though. Loved Gunyah - you must go!

10/10 Excellent

Anne H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family retreat

Lots to do. Relaxing, great hosts, always willing to help.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Anne S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning location

A very special place
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Warren D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

The only thing I would change is next time, I am bringing my dive gear! Lovely hosts and a quaint cottage that has a one of a kind view. Ask for a tour of the Paua Farm, it's incredible!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

scott s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Neat spot

Great place everything very handy fishing etc Nice house very comfortable Will be back for sure Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Inika J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Kind Owners

Antonia was very helpful! It is a lovely property
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nicolle P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Weekend

Brilliant stay! Thank you so much to Antonia and Mike. Made us feel very at home and were so accommodating and easy to deal with. Highly recommend the Arapawa Homestead for future stays :)

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

Outstanding .. simply amazing

What a place to call paradise... and to the beautiful family who welcomed us .. opened up there home and shared there amazing life with us ..so much to do for the children and relaxing as much as you possibly want .. look forward to many more trips there .. highly highly recommend all going to this piece of paradise
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

gayna r.

Unforgettable!

Our brief stay was all we wanted and more. The landscape, the views, the historic homestead, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the ocean, and even the weather, all were wonderful. The Radon whanau made us feel very welcome on their island home. Would highly recommend to those who want to get away from it all. We will return :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic property with amazing views.

Fantastic property with amazing views. Loads to see and do in this area. Well worth a visit to the whaling station. We would highly recommend this place to anyone.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Arapawa Homestead ticked so many boxes for us!

Arapawa Homestead ticked so many boxes for us! Fantastic secluded location, surrounded simply by nature and history. The homestead itself is a fantastic period home with stunning views of the Tory Channel. Rain or shine the island has a lot to offer. Would love to go back!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Same as above

Same as above
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

A few of the words we used to describe our stay, in our nightly diary.

A few of the words we used to describe our stay, in our nightly diary.....stars, sunshine, sunrise, history, paua culture.picket fence, pohutukawa, weka, stunning, beacons, ferries passing. A most memorable stay and we all hope to return for a longer stay.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

amazing- stunning view, well set up with everything you need.

amazing- stunning view, well set up with everything you need. Whole family enjoyed it and a lt of this was due to the hosts family being so welcoming and friendly as well.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

We loved the 1960's look of Gunyah.

We loved the 1960's look of Gunyah. Watching the ferries pass by and reminiscing with one of our group about living on this farm in the 60's made it all extra special. Great tour guide for our visit to the Paua Business too. We hope to return!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Great place to visit and stay and highly recommend to all, we have rebooked for a weeks holiday alre

Great place to visit and stay and highly recommend to all, we have rebooked for a weeks holiday already and cant wait to come back
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

We loved our time at the farm, was very relaxing, awesome views and fishing.

We loved our time at the farm, was very relaxing, awesome views and fishing. The Radons couldn't do enough for you. Thank you for an awesome stay.