Unplug and unwind, chilling in our two vintage 1960's caravans nestled up in the bush in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. Wake up to spectacular water views and enjoy the tranquility of the native bush & birdsong.
This unique setup offers not one but two caravans - a bedroom caravan & a separate kitchen/living dining caravan, both in original & tidy condition.
Enjoy the rustic charm & views from the hot water bush shower and the novelty of the separate 'loo with a view' in the hut above.
The space
These caravans are completely separate from the main property, located 50 metres above the house amongst native bush. Enjoy views of the Pelorus Sound below and watch the boats go by.
The smaller bedroom caravan has a newly installed innerspring mattress and sitting area. The gas and water are not connected in this caravan.
The larger caravan has been set up as the kitchen / living / dining room with everything you'll need for your stay including a dining area, hot and cold running water, gas cooking, gas fridge and another seating area down at the back.
Outside there is a patio dining setting, sun loungers and an umbrella for you to soak up the sun and views. A weber BBQ is provided for cooking outdoors also.
Please note that this Airbnb is off grid. The power is a 12 volt battery / solar setup, however there are USB plugs in both caravans for you to be able to charge your devices. While there is no WIFI, mobile phone signal is available here.
In regards to the bathroom facilities, enjoy a refreshing hot water outdoor shower while taking in the magical views below. The toilet is separate in the A Frame shed above and there are some great views to be had while sitting there too.
Beach access is a 5 minute walk down a track that leads past the main house and down to the water. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing and fishing. There's a picnic table on the foreshore and a double and single sea kayak available for your use too.
If you'd like to bring your boat, there is 12 metre swing mooring available for a small additional fee if you require this. Our boat is permanently on the mooring so we would need advance notice to be able to move it onto another mooring.
Things to do:
- Swimming at the beach below
- Kayaking (Life jackets are available).
- Fishing off the beach. Typically you can catch Kahawai and Snapper from the rocky point at low tide.
- Check out the glowworms on the banks down our driveway.
- It's a 30 minute drive to the Te Mahia Bay resort along Kenepuru Road. Food and coffee available.
- Two beautiful sandy beaches are just a 5-10 drive away. Moetapu Bay and Double Bay beaches.
- Boat launching is available locally. The ramp is adjacent to the the community jetty, 5 minutes away in Moetapu Bay.
- If you're into your walking we're close to several of the entry points to the Queen Charlotte track and the link pathway walks.
- Just opposite from 350 Moetapu Bay road is the entrance to the Mount Cawte walk. This is a 45 minute walk to the peak of Mt Cawte where you can take in breathtaking views of the Pelorus Sound.
- Bird watching. Native birds are abundant around here. Typically you'll see and hear Tuis, Bellbirds, Fantails, Moreporks and Wekas.
- A classic New Zealand country pub, The Queen Charlotte Tavern is in Linkwater which is a 15 minute drive from us.
- Havelock is the closest town (30 minutes drive). Here you can find a supermarket, pubs and restaurants.
Guest access
You are renting both caravans and have use of the outdoor area around these, the outdoor shower and toilet. There is parking adjacent for 1-2 vehicles. The beach below is shared with one neighbour who are rarely at their holiday home. You're free to borrow one of our two sea kayaks but please don't use any of the other boats on the beach as some of these belong to our neighbour.
Other things to note
Some things that you should be made aware of:
- These 1960s caravans have been lovingly preserved to maintain their original charm and character. Recently repainted and with new flooring, they offer a unique retro experience while providing the basic comforts of a cozy & secluded rural stay. Please treat these vintage gems with care and respect as you enjoy their timeless appeal.
- Please note, while staying with us, you may hear the sounds of boats passing by on the water below. Additionally, our resident Moreporks (owls) can sometimes be heard at night and the native birds provide a beautiful morning chorus. The serene environment is perfect for nature lovers, however please be aware that the above are part of the experience of staying in a caravan in such a tranquil, coastal setting.
- Our family (mum, dad and three children) live permanently in the house below. We will be respectful while guests are staying but from time to time you may hear some chatter. On week days we will be going to and from work each day, taking the children to school etc so you will see us driving past from time to time.
- Access to the beach is a scenic 5-minute walk down a track that leads past the main house. Please note, the track has several steps and can be steep in places, so we recommend that guests be in good physical condition. Please take care on your way down.
- This is a typical Marlborough Sounds gravel driveway which can be steep in places so vehicles being AWD or 4WD is recommended. Small 2WD cars are absolutely fine but if you have a heavier 2WD front wheel drive station wagon or a van you may wish to just park up on the roadside. The airbnb is 150 metres down the driveway.
