The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds
The Home
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);
Home Features
What's Included
- Internet
- Printer
- Computer monitor
- Towels provided
- Linens provided
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Shampoo
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Basic soaps
- Iron & board
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Fitness room / equipment
- Desk
- Desk chair
Amenities & Features
Kitchen
- Kitchen
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Stove
- Oven
- Grill
- Kitchen island
- Dishes & utensils
- Dining table
- Coffee maker
- Kettle
- Blender
- Toaster
- Lobster pot
Outdoor
- Fire pit
- Outdoor furniture
- Beach chairs
- Beach towels
- Boat
Entertainment
- Books
- Television
- Smart TV
- Stereo
Laundry
- Washing machine
- Dryer
Parking
- Parking
Safety
- Carbon monoxide detector not reported
- Smoke detector not reported
- Fenced yard
Accessibility
- Wheelchair inaccessible
Bedrooms
Bunk Room
1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Futon
Master Bedroom
1 Double Bed and 1 Child Bed
Sleepout
1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed
Bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Spaces & Areas
House Rules
Pets
- Pets allowed: dogs less than 55 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
- Pets must be on a leash and have a travel cage.
- Check out before 11:00 AM
- Check in after 2:30 PM
Events
- Folk can pitch a tent as well for extra space.
- Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Children
- Children allowed: ages 0-17
- Have a Highchair and Portacot
Smoking
- Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Policies
Damage Policy
You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.
Important Information
You need to know
- Note from host: Folk can pitch a tent as well for extra space.
- Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
- Property # 20024343ha
- Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
- Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
- Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 13
- Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
- Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Gunyah Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 55 lbs per pet.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Gunyah Retreat?
Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.
What time is check-out at The Gunyah Retreat?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Gunyah Retreat 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).
How many guests can this venue host for a wedding?
It can host up to 13 guests for a ceremony and reception, and sleeps up to 13 overnight.
Can I hold both the ceremony and reception here?
Yes — there is space for both the ceremony and reception.
Can the wedding party stay overnight?
Yes, it sleeps up to 13 guests across 3 bedrooms, so the wedding party can stay on-site.
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