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The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands

5.0 star property
5-star luxury hotel near Bay of Islands

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Photo gallery for The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands

Balcony
Premium bedding, individually decorated, desk, iron/ironing board
Property grounds
Interior detail
Terrace/patio

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
State Highway 11, Opua, 0241
  • Place, Bay of Islands Marina
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Paihia Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Paihia Wharf
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, Sea View

Deluxe Suite, Sea View | Premium bedding, individually decorated, desk, iron/ironing board

Deluxe Suite, Sea View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Opua

Seaside stay .Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Opua hotel, you'll find Bay of Islands and Bay of Islands Marina. Makana Chocolate Boutique and Paihia Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Bay of Islands - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Bay of Islands Marina - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Paihia Beach - 4 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Paihia Wharf - 4 min drive - 3.0 miles
  • Russell Beach - 19 min drive - 6.4 miles

Getting around

  • Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Orange Frog - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Charlotte's Kitchen - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Mako Beach Bar - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bad Habits - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪El Cafe - ‬5 min drive

About this property

The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands

5-star luxury hotel near Bay of Islands
There's a restaurant on site. WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. An outdoor pool, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the luxury The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Opua hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 4 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 2005
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Dining venue
The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands offers 4 accommodations with DVD players and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies. These individually decorated accommodations include desks. Beds feature premium bedding. 33-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include showers, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. This Opua hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and irons/ironing boards.

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Exterior
Cliff Edge by the Sea
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 57 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • Elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 33-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • DVD player

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children 12 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 12 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 50 per night.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 50 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card 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
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children 12 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • Certain facilities might have restricted access. For details, you can contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Sanctuary Bay Islands
Sanctuary Bay Islands Hotel
Sanctuary Bay Islands Hotel Opua
Sanctuary Bay Islands Opua
Bay Of Islands Hotel Opua
The Sanctuary @ Bay Of Islands Opua, New Zealand
Sanctuary @ Bay Islands Hotel Opua
Sanctuary @ Bay Islands Hotel
Sanctuary @ Bay Islands Opua
Sanctuary @ Bay Islands
The Sanctuary @ Bay Of Islands Opua
The Sanctuary Of Islands Opua
The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands Opua
The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands Hotel
The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands Hotel Opua

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands to the airport?

The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands is 17.1 mi (23-min drive) away from the Kerikeri (KKE-Bay of Islands) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands.

How close is The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands to the beach?

This hotel is 2.7 mi (4-min drive) from Paihia Beach and 6.5 mi (24-min drive) from Russell Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands offer free breakfast?

The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands have a pool?

The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands features an outdoor pool.

Does The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands to downtown Opua?

The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands is 0.2 mi away from Opua.

The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bobby

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a beautiful property overlooking the Bay of Islands and less than 10 min drive to Paihia where you can find restaurants and activities. Our room and bathroom were spacious and comfortable. The host was welcoming and went out of her way to make us feel at home. I definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rowan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
5 Stars – A Perfect Weekend Getaway with Breathtaking Views My wife and I had a truly wonderful stay over the weekend. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Glennis, Jagger, and Dave, which set the tone for a relaxing and memorable visit. The room was spotless, cozy, and beautifully maintained—returning to it each day after exploring the region felt like coming home. The property itself is stunning, with breathtaking views that are worth the stay alone. We especially enjoyed relaxing in the covered pool while soaking in the scenery—it was the perfect way to unwind. The thoughtful touches throughout the accommodation and the genuine hospitality made our experience even more special. We highly recommend this boutique hotel to anyone looking for a peaceful escape, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay, very comfortable room, great place to relax with amazing views and the Jaeger and the other staff made us feel so welcome. Would love to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rasesh

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is an amazing place. Staff excellent. Relatively convenient to Paihia dining. Wonderful views.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Perry

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gail

Traveled with partner
Wonderful stay at the sanctuary. The staff were so friendly. Would definitely go there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic location and accommodation. Such great hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel, Carbondale

Traveled with partner
The place was just wonderful
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Host and Hostess were lovely people. The details.., Glenish thought of everything! One of the highlights of our trip! If I could give them 6 stars or 10… I would!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Not super close to shops but not that far either. Highly Recommend! One of the nicest B&B’s we’ve stayed at
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gaute

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Annie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cassie

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Could not have wanted more!

Beautiful accommodation in a great location and great hosting - everything we needed for our stay was available.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The decor and location were awesome. Sitting out on the patio with a wonderful view was a worthwhile experience. The food was exceptional.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Chris, Christchurch NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic views & warm welcome

The Sanctuary is an oasis of tranquility and Glenys & Yogi are consummate hosts. By the way the cooking is fantastic as well. The Sanctuary’s rooms are finished to a high standard and each has its own balcony with views over luxuriant forest to the bay. I would have no hestitation in recommending the Sanctuary to travellers wanting a high end accommodation experience in the Bay of Islands.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stunning views

Great Boutique hotel with stunning views from the bedrooms and from the lovely open plan dining/lounge area. The excellent hosts were both welcoming and helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

anirudh , auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing - 5 star , read why below

Have stayed at many luxury properties around the world. Among the best ! Rudi and ash
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Philip, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A delightful, family-run guest house

Very good experience indeed. Nice, family-run hotel.

10/10 Excellent

Liz, Leek

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stunning Location

Rather a unique hotel! On arrival we were warmly greeted by Glennis & Yogi the proprietors & taken to our delightful room. The view was fabulous, as it was from all the rooms. Glennis cooked a great meal for all the guests the first evening of our stay. We had complimentary wine with dinner. Certainly a delightful place to stay.

10/10 Excellent

Niall, Scotland.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Sanctuary is an appropriate name.

A unique house, set in from tHe road overlooking the bay with four rooms, each with fantastic views. Large communal area with the kitchen and dining area with a large verandah, again with superb views and a small plunge pool. There was only myself and one other guest staying there but the host was friendly, very knowledgeable about the area and a great cook. One of the most relaxing places I have stayed in. I was originally only going to stay the one night, but as soon as I saw the place decided to stay a 2nd, I only wish I could have stayed longer. Was able to sleep with the patio doors fully open looking out over the trees to the bay - almost like sleeping outside but a lot more comfortable. Very hard to think of any negatives - slight bit of road noise when out on the verandas, but dies away in the evening and maybe the bread for breakfast could have been a bit more interesting - but that's being very picky. Definitely on the "must return to" list.

10/10 Excellent

Marty, Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful views, tranquil location.

Nice to wake up to an elevated view of the bay through bushland, with natural sounds and not traffic noise. Very comfortable room and bed. We enjoyed the piano and a glass of wine before retiring. Friendly hosts who accommodated us well. All smiles...

10/10 Excellent

Peter, toronto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Spectacular views and exclusive location

Great 5 room Boutique hotel perched on the side of a hill with breathtaking views. On site ownership ensures attention to detail. Go and relax....

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent

Good location. Very luxurious accommodation and friendly hosts.