Entire home

Kawau Island Treetop and Waterfront Holiday Home

Photo gallery for Kawau Island Treetop and Waterfront Holiday Home

View of the house and Kawau Bay.
View from the deck towards the mainland.
View from the deck.
Outdoor dining
The dining room and kitchen.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 675 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Kawau Island, Rodney District
  • Tawharanui Regional Park
  • Mansion House
  • Omaha Beach
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Kawau Island Treetop and Waterfront Holiday Home

A wonderful summer and winter retreat. There are no roads, cars or shops on Kawau so this is truly a place to get away from it all to relax and unwind. Only 1 hour 30 mins from Auckland to Sandspit and then 30 minutes by ferry or water-taxi to the island which drops you off on a wharf right in front of the house. Alternatively you can launch your own boat from Sandspit.
The house is perched behind a large pohutukawa in a quiet and peaceful location directly above the water. It is very comfortable, with 3 bedrooms sleeping 6 and has full white-ware and entertainment amenities.
Relax on the large deck at treetop level and watch the boats go by, listen to the birds, fish or swim from the wharf, kayaks are available, clay tennis court and walks to enjoy. Plenty of grounds for children to play and explore. Relax by the fire during winter.
Full use of the wharf and mooring.
If you don't have your own boat you can arrange to catch the ferry or water taxi to other locations on the island.
Mansion House Bay can be visited any time of year although the house itself is typically closed for entry during winter months.
A full information manual is supplied regarding getting to Kawau Island and use of the house.
HOUSE RULES
NUMBER OF GUESTS: The total number of persons occupying the house and staying on the property shall not exceed six (6) and/or the number stated at the time of booking.
FACILITIES AND BEDDING: The house is fully self-contained including laundry facilities. Basic pantry and cleaning provisions are provided. You are required to bring your own food, consumables, sheets, pillowcases, towels and tea-towels.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: Times of arrival and departure vary depending on whether other guests are leaving or arriving on the same day as you. The owner will notify you and the property must be vacated by the time given on the day of departure.
APPROPRIATE USE OF THE HOUSE & PROPERTY: The house or property is not to be used for any commercial purposes without written agreement from the owner.
CHILDREN: Young children are to be supervised at all times on the property. The deck is very high and hazards exist around the foreshore and wharf.
NEIGHBOURS: It is very possible that neighbours may be in residence, please respect their peace and privacy. This is not a party house.
SMOKING: No smoking is permitted inside the house. Kawau has an extreme fire risk; dispose of cigarette butts responsibly.
DAMAGES: The guests will meet the cost of any wilful and preventable damage to the property or equipment during their stay.
PETS: Cats are not permitted on the property. Dogs are allowed only by previous arrangement. Dogs must be on a lead when on walks and beyond the premises of the house. There are always weka on the property, blue penguins frequently nest and kiwi numbers are on the rise on Kawau. Dogs are not allowed up on the furniture.
MOORING: The mooring is rated for a boat up to 8m in length a draft of not more than 1m. It is a requirement for us to notify the harbourmaster of another vessel using our mooring. Please advise below if you intend to bring a boat.
WHARF USE & RESPONSIBILTY: The wharf is shared. It is to be used for drop-off and pick-up only. Guests with boats must not stay tied up to the wharf for any longer than necessary. Boat owners are liable for any damage and necessary repair costs to the wharf caused by their boat or friends visiting boat whether by negligence or poor decisions or poor skills & handling of the vessel causing damage to the wharf.
CLEANING: Cleaners are currently not available to us at Kawau therefore the guests must maintain and leave the house in a clean and tidy condition. The owner reserves the right to charge guests for the cost of cleaning the property left in an untidy or unclean state. All waste is to be taken off the property. Breakages and loss is to be notified to the owner and replaced if requested by the owner.
CANCELLATIONS: Our cancellation policy is FIRM as the house is on an island and therefore extended planning ahead of time is required. A full refund is issued for cancellations due to covid travel restrictions or if the ferry service is unable to operate due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Property manager

Michael

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
High deck and wharf; young need to be supervised.
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Events

No events allowed
A retreat for families & couples. Not for parties.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Dogs only allowed by prior approval; native birds.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside only. Note Kawau has a very high fire risk
You have to take your own linen (or sleeping bags), pillowslips, tea towels, towels and food. The pantry is stocked with basic provisions.
Tank water supply therefore water must be used conservatively. We maintain our catchment very well therefore the water is clean and safe to drink.
The bach must be left clean and tidy for the next visitors. Cleaners are not available and hence we only charge a small cleaning fee for consumables.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: A retreat for families & couples. Not for parties.
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property
Map
Kawau Island, Rodney District

What's nearby

  • Baddeleys Beach - 21 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Buckleton Beach - 32 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Omaha Beach - 41 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Orewa Beach - 67 min drive - 48.4 km

Getting around

  • Auckland (AKL-Auckland Intl.) - 91 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cafe Sandspit
  • The Farmer's Daughter
  • Omaha Bay Vineyard
  • Little & Local Coffee Kitchen
  • Chairs Cafe & Bar

Frequently asked questions

Is Kawau Island Treetop and Waterfront Holiday Home pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

Where is Kawau Island Treetop and Waterfront Holiday Home located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from Baddeleys Beach and within 12 miles (20 km) of Buckleton Beach and Omaha Beach. Snells Beach and Algies Bay Beach are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 49 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 49 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 49 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 49 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 49 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

kimberly R.

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

Wonderfull Stay

Even though the weather was not great we made the most of the lovley Treehouse . The wood stove was a real bonus . Comuniction from owners was fantastic so we were well prepared as being a remote property it was great to be we informed. Stunning location.Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ros M., Marton

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

Fantastic holiday

Lovely house with fantastic views. Thankyou
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

jarrod G.

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

Kawau Magic

We had a great stay the views can`t be beat, kids loved fishing off the wharf more than the boat, has everything you need and more cheers Michael we will be back
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Richard W.

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

Brilliant Getaway

We boated over from Sandspit to this part of paradise. The house had all we needed for the weekend - very well equipped. The information from the owners was superb - both about the island, mooring and house. We enjoyed great walking, fishing and plenty of tennis. Totally recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robyn N.

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

Fantastic Stay

We had a little long weekend winter stay at the Kawau Treehouse and loved eery second. Michael was incredibly thorough on directions, ferry and parking logistics etc. He also sent through a massive booklet of activities and information so we knew exactly what to take and what not to take across to the island with us. It was such a well set up place and we will definitely be returning. HIGHLY recommend. Great host, great location and lots to do!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phoebe W.

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

Amazing

Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

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

Awsome spot to get away from madness of life

Easy to get to, the kawau Island ferry service is great. A nice place to escape the human race. Lovely walks to go to, especially the light on the point is worth the walk. Views amazing. House has everything you need. Fireplace keeps it very cosy and warm. View from house watching boats is great. We loved our stay there
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Arnela M.

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

Wonderful place

We stayed three nights in this fantastic bach. It is on a beautiful spot with stunning views, very peaceful and private. We cannot recommend this bach enough; it is so nicely presented, a true kiwi bach with everything you need, very well organised and tidy. Fantastic walks around the island and kayaking around the bays. Michael was a great host, very helpful and accomodating. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Donna C.

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

Treetop with bird life

Fabulous outlook through the flowering pohutukawa tree that fed multiple species of native birds. Fishing off the wharf gave us enough to eat each day. The house was great with good walks from the property and the tennis court was a bonus. Excellent communication from the owner.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kris L.

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

Magic spot

Magic spot right on the water. Easy trip from Sandspit to the treehouse jetty and then onto the mooring. Fully equiped kitchen and home. Fenced deck for the pups and amazing views. Michael provided very informative info on absolutely everything from parking on the mainland to what the island has to offer made it a seamless getaway. One of the best.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen V.

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

We loved this place!

Every so often you fall in live with a place you stay at. For me, this was one of those. I loved the beauty: the sea, the trees, the jetty, the birds, the views across to Tawharanui, the sound of the waves lapping on the rocks below the house... And the peace and how relaxing it was to stay there. Then there's the intelligent design - windows you can see the view through, when you're sitting on the couches or lying in bed. And a beautiful old pohutukawa tree that's been pruned to perfection, so you can see the view through the branches, but get shaded by the foliage in the hot afternnon sun. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Hayley M.

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

Fantastic!

A real gem. Highly recommended to all. We had a blast.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Zoe W.

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

Absolute Gem

The house was absolutely lovely and the fully fenced balcony was fantastic in keeping our 2 small pups in. The kitchen was well stocked with all the condiments, pots/pans that you would need. Kayaks and life jackets of all sizes were available for use and you were super close to a lovely quiet little bay. Not a holiday for people who want the convenience of restaurants and catering but I personally found the seclusion from city life delightful. Would absolutely recommend Michael and his Kawau Treehouse for a holiday!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rachael R.

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

Beautiful place for rest and relaxation

We enjoyed our time at Kawau Tree House, the tree house is very quaint, the views are magical at any time of the day. Having the kayaks available was an added bonus. Lots of great walks from the house(particularly the walk to Vivienne Bay), staying on Kawau, it was easy to explore the island and what it has to offer. Will definitely stay again. Thank you for letting us stay at your bach.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Annelies G.

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

Amazing Stay

The property was amazing, perfect location, great hospitality, Michael was such a helpful host. Everything about this stay was EPIC! We will be back for sure.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

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

What a brilliant time away

It's funny, you can go all over the world to find but a handful of quiet, peaceful places. Places where you feel like you have actually had a break. Didn't expect it to be in the Hauraki Gulf. Michael's place is the perfect place to be if you were wanting to get away from it all. The property is in really good condition for its age, its in a beautiful spot with a tonne of things to do. It was raining 50% of the time that we were there, but that made it even more magical. Indoor fire place was fantastic. Cellphone reception is surprisingly good - used for movies. Hearing kiwi, weka and other wildlife at night - was truly amazing. Private beach on a low tide made for an excellent place to tire out our 2 year old - other places to do this were on the bush walks around the property and up at the clay tennis court, just a short walk away from the house. Dolphins, stingray were all at the wharf - very surreal experience being up close and personal with a pod of dolphins, rounding up their dinner. The best thing about the place is that you feel like you are having a holiday. It is really peaceful with the ocean lapping at the front door. Host was fantastic as well. Nothing was an issue and Michael went above and beyond ensuring that we came over safely with the ferry. Will definitely be revisiting Michael's property, when we need another break from Auckland-life.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lewis B.

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

Beautiful location

We spent most of our weekend fishing and the house and its location was ideal for this. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

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

Idyllic NZ getaway

Beautiful house. Stunning view. All the amenities you need. Great communication with the host. Loved our time here!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

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

A real retreat

Our family loved our stay here. An amazing place with fantastic views. Lots of activities but also a great place to just kick back and relax. Plenty of bird life and fish. Owner provided allot of helpful information, im sure we will be back
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Peter E.

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

Paradise

Superb property and location. Fishing was great and dolphins in the bay. Perfect for boat owners with a swing mooring provided.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rod P.

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

Trip down memory lane

Was like going on holiday to your own batch, magical, a great trip down memory lane, thanks micheal!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nicola M.

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

Beautiful spot to unwind

The treehouse makes for a beautiful winter getaway and it would be even more incredible in summer. The house is very comfortable with everything we needed and the fire kept us cosy and warm. We enjoyed fishing, kayaking, and exploring the island on the walking tracks recommended to us. The transport via ferry was much simpler than expected and we appreciated Michael's excellent guidance and communication. We had an amazing time and hope to return someday.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Anne-Marie T.

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

Perfect location to retreat and relax

This was our first time staying at the aptly named tree top and waterfront holiday home. This is an incredibly tranquil setting and yes the views are stunning from the deck and foreshore. It’s easy to be deterred from booking accommodation that’s a little more remote or requires more effort to access but I’d like to reassure any potential first time guests that the support and communication you’ll receive from Michael will make this a totally seamless and stress free experience. And while you will need to take your own food and provisions the kitchen and pantry is well stocked with every implement and extra ingredient you would normally find at home. Look forward to returning in the not to distant future.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Shaun B.

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

Fantastic break

Brilliant if you want to get away from it all
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tracy B.

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

Beautiful and relaxing

A simply beautiful hideaway with gorgeous views. Clean, tidy and so relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

About the host

Hosted by Michael

Host profile image
My name is Michael and my partner is Kate. My family have been coming to Kawau Island since the early 1970's.

Why they chose this property

Kawau Island is the jewel in the crown of the Hauraki Gulf and yet many people are unaware of its existence. It is very accessible from Auckland City; 1:30 minutes drive to Sandspit and then approximately 30 minutes by ferry to our wharf which is right in front of the house. You can be relaxing in complete tranquility within 3 hours from leaving home. There are no roads or cars on Kawau Island. Please see: kawauisland.org website for more information.

What makes this property unique

Staying in this architectural designed pole-house will be a large part of your Kawau experience. You live at treetop level with the birds while being right above the water. It was designed by architect Mason Pepper and built circa 1977.

Languages:

English