Welcome to Moetapu Bay Scenic Retreat, a stunning, newly built home perched above the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds.
An architecturally designed 2 bedroom lodge, the house is
perfect for discerning couples or small families seeking an escape to tranquility, with stunning panoramic views of the Pelorus Sound.
Nestled among native trees, this serene haven is enveloped by the enchanting sounds of native birds by day, while at night, the haunting call of moreporks (-New Zealand’s native owl) echoes through the stillness. Glow worms can also be found in the banks along the driveway, especially after recent rainfall...
A dazzling array of stars illuminates the sky most nights as the moon rises dramatically over the water. With minimal light pollution, the night sky at the Scenic Retreat is perfect for stargazing.
A luxurious clawfoot bath situated outside on the expansive deck allows you to soak up the experience from the luxury of a warm tub, perhaps sipping a glass of your favorite wine.
Each bedroom has its own queen size bed with separate private ensuites. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide mesmerizing views of the Sounds, and electric blinds allow you to wake up to a vibrant sunrise over the water. A simple touch of a button from the comfort of your bed sets the scene for an unforgettable day.
Every detail at the Scenic Retreat is crafted to enhance your experience. The state-of-the-art kitchen is equipped with premium appliances, including an induction cook top, a modern
dishwasher and a Caesarstone island bench. The freshness of the kitchen invites you to create gourmet meals to enjoy whilst overlooking the view. A glass topped table setting on the
expansive deck also allows you an ‘al fresco’ dining option as the sunset transforms the evening sky.
The open plan lounge and dining area can be heated by either an efficient wall mounted heat pump or a cozy log burning woodstove. There is plenty of dry firewood stored neatly outside the side entrance to the house.
A 50 inch Smart TV with Chromecast, DVD and Free to Air channel options allows for relaxing viewing from the three couches in the lounge. The complimentary WiFi also allows you access your own favourite streaming services if you prefer.
In short, this is the perfect place to relax, to reflect, and to refresh tired minds. Whether you are travelling around New Zealand on holiday or simply needing a break from the stress of everyday life, Moetapu Bay Scenic Retreat provides a wonderful opportunity to find peace and an inner calmness.
Local Amenities:
The Community Jetty is just a 10 minute walk away. Here, you can arrange to take a water taxi to Havelock or join a fishing charter and explore the world-class fishing opportunities in the Marlborough Sounds. A private track from the house leads down to a small, secluded beach where complimentary kayaks are available, perfect for paddling to the nearby Elephant Point beach. Here we find a pristine white sandy shore with a picnic area and toilet facilities. It’s the
perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon on a perfect swimming beach. At low tide it is just a 15 minute walk along the shoreline from the house.
More expansive opportunities to explore the area are woven into the fabric of your stay. Just 200 meters along the road, the Mt. Cawte Track beckons with a steep but rewarding 1.5-hour hike (3hr return) to a summit that offers breathtaking views over the Marlborough Sounds - perfect for a family picnic or a special moment to share with your partner.
For a longer trek, the iconic Queen Charlotte Track, with its stunning trails through lush native forests, is just a 20-minute drive away. If you bring mountain bikes with you, you will find that there are endless possibilities for cycling in the area.
The Moetapu Bay Scenic Retreat is ideally located for exploring the wider Marlborough region. It is just 30 minutes from Havelock, 45 minutes from Picton, and an hour from Blenheim (- the centre for world-renowned vineyard tours).
Just a short 12 minute drive away is the township of Linkwater, with a service station, a small shop and the always popular Queen Charlotte Tavern. Here, you can enjoy hearty pub fare beside the open log fires in the winter, or outside at tables on the sunny lawns in summer.
Often, there is live music to enjoy. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed meal with family or friends, or for a memorable date night in this quaint olde world setting.
Havelock, a vibrant marina some 30 minutes away, is the center of New Zealand’s mussel farming industry. Here, there are several cafes and restaurants that offer creative seafood dishes. The Havelock Museum (free entry) provides insight into the areas maritime and gold
mining history, and you can also take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to admire the boats.
It’s always fun to sit and enjoy a coffee or a meal at the Slip Inn (-situated by the slipway) and watch boats being launched and retrieved with various degrees of success. The rule is not to
laugh out loud…its rude!
The Pelorus Mail Boat cruise, departing from Havelock, is a unique adventure, delivering mail to remote communities while showcasing the stunning scenery of the Sounds – it’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to spend a day on the water, with the lunchtime cruise being the most popular option.
Whether you’re gazing at the stars while listening to the call of the morepork, kayaking to a secluded beach, or exploring the cultural gems of Havelock, the Scenic Retreat is your luxurious gateway to the extraordinary Marlborough Sounds experience. This house is perfectly tailored for couples and small families to enjoy.
Summary:
This brand new home includes:
2 Double Bedrooms with Queen size beds, with separate ensuites and spectacular views.
A large open plan Kitchen, Dining and Living area with a panoramic outlook
A 50 inch wall mounted TV, DVD and Wifi. Also a landline phone.
A modern Laundry with Washer and Dryer
An impressively large outdoor deck including an outdoor room (covered area)
A fully plumbed in outdoor clawfoot bath under the stars
Off road parking for 2 cars
2 x Kayaks, and lifejackets.
Access to a secluded beach
Time to local centers:
3 hr return hike up Mt Cawte track, (entrance to track opposite no 350)
20 minute drive to Queen Charlotte track
12 minute drive to Linkwater gas station, small store and Queen Charlotte tavern
30 minute drive to the cafes and restaurants of Havelock
45 minute drive to Picton
1 hour drive to Blenheim
No smoking
No pets, (we need to protect our bird life sorry)
NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to clean the house and do the dishes before you leave. Please take your rubbish when you leave. You will pass a free rubbish and recycling centre on your way out, 500m along Keneperu road as you head back towards Linkwater.
Thank you for choosing to stay at the Scenic Retreat. We hope that you enjoy your stay and leave refreshed and relaxed. We welcome your feedback, and would hope to see you again one day!