10/10 Excellent
Kevin R.
Jan 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Family xmas holiday
Kevin R.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Entire home
The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds
Vacation home with kitchen
Choose dates to view prices
Photo gallery for The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 13
Popular amenities
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Pet friendly
- Air conditioning
- Gym
Explore the area
Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton
Room options
About the neighborhood
Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific
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);
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);
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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
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 are welcome
- Only dogs are allowed
- Maximum 2 (weight limit: 55 lbs per pet)
- Service animals are exempt from fees
- 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit 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.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit 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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. 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.
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
How close is The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds to the airport?
This vacation home is 25 mi (380-min drive) away from the Picton (PCN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?
As of May 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds on Jun 1, 2026 start from $380, including 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.
Does The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
Does The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?
Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.
Is there free parking at The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers 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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 30 reviews
10 - Excellent
27
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 30 reviews
8 - Good
3
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Susan M.
Dec 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Susan M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brad M.
Aug 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Adventure
Awesome trip and experience
Brad M.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jason C.
Jun 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
Amazing views off Tory Channel. The hosts were great really enjoyed the paua pearl tour.
Jason C.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Matt B., Masterton, New Zealand
Jan 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Matt B.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jonathan K.
Sep 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings
Great hosts and spot, we enjoyed some fishing and the bay. Awesome time had by all.
Jonathan K.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Frank T.
Feb 21, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Frank T.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kathy W., Gadsden, AL
Feb 21, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Biloxi Vacatiom
We were well pleased with our stay. Condo was just as described in the listing. Will rent again when in the area.
Kathy W.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Anne H.
Jan 2, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Family retreat
Lots to do. Relaxing, great hosts, always willing to help.
Anne H.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
8/10 Good
Anne S.
Dec 30, 2021
Stunning location
A very special place
Anne S.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021
10/10 Excellent
Warren D.
Jan 17, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Warren D.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021
10/10 Excellent
scott s.
Jul 1, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Neat spot
Great place everything very handy fishing etc
Nice house very comfortable
Will be back for sure
Thanks
scott s.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
10/10 Excellent
Inika J.
Jan 21, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Kind Owners
Antonia was very helpful! It is a lovely property
Inika J.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
10/10 Excellent
Nicolle P.
Sep 4, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness
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 :)
Nicolle P.
10/10 Excellent
Katie B.
Feb 1, 2019
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
Katie B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
10/10 Excellent
gayna r.
Jan 15, 2019
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 :)
gayna r.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019