Title: Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&selected=34276510&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest Holiday home in Auckland with kitchen and balcony ## Photo gallery for Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest ![Property grounds - Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest (Bethells Beach)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34280000/34276600/34276510/a32e1d5c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Property video](https://mediaim.expedia.com/video/9A1CB9973399C0715D59CB4C219CD018/33e3e2a9-ef8f-4ebb-9d20-1177620c39d1-thumbnail.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=1280) ![Beach - Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest (Bethells Beach)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34280000/34276600/34276510/50485657.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest (Bethells Beach)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34280000/34276600/34276510/8d8762ab.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior - Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest (Bethells Beach)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34280000/34276600/34276510/c7ed7810.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies North-facing and nestled in a secluded spot, The Rainforest Retreat offers the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. Surrounded by lush rainforest, this two-storey house features an air-conditioned lounge, open plan kitchen/dining room, large balcony with views of nature at its best. ## Reviews 9.4 Exceptional ### Entire home 4 bedrooms2 bathrooms1399 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest The Rainforest Retreat is a two-storey house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious, air-conditioned lounge, an air-conditioned open plan kitchen/dining room and a large balcony overlooking the rainforest. There is room for up to 8 people. It is ideal for family vacations and the perfect base from which to explore Auckland. There is a 2 bedroom house next door which can be rented in combination subject to availability. Please note that we have recently added a good internet connection providing 50 Mbps, sufficient speed to work from the premises or watch a movie. There is a smart TV which received digital TV via WIFI. This house is located a 5 minutes drive from Bethells Beach, lake Wainamu, caves and sand dunes. The location is 15 minutes from Swanson train station which operates regular trains to/from Auckland CBD. A drive to Auckland CBD will take about 35 minutes. The house has recently been renovated and offers accommodation for up to 8 people. It is north facing, sunny, privately secluded and surrounded by stunning nature in tree tops. There is a 2 bedroom house next door which can be rented in combination subject to availability. Body boarding, sand boarding, bush walking, fishing and bird watching are just some of the activities to be found on the doorstep. ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in the house: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Car required ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Electric kettle - Hob - Microwave - Oven - Refrigerator - Toaster ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 4 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 2 bathrooms - Bathtub - Shower - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table ### Entertainment - Smart TV ### Outdoor areas - Balcony - Garden - Outdoor furniture ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Air conditioning - Heating ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoke-free property ### Location highlights - In a rural location ### Things to do - Ecotours nearby - Fishing nearby - Surfing/bodyboarding 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 (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) ### General - Garden - Grey water recycling system - Living plant wall - Unit size: 1,399 square feet ## Similar properties ![Apartment | 1 bedroom](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/115000000/114330000/114321700/114321649/d4864fcb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### 1 Double 1 Single 2 Sofa Beds Suite 2 New Lynn - Free Wi-Fi £81 includes taxes & fees 17 Feb - 18 Feb [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-17&endDate=2026-02-18&selected=114321649&PinnedHotelID=114321649&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Apartment | 2 bedrooms](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/115000000/114470000/114468900/114468821/80512832.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### 1 Double 2 single 2 Sofa Beds Suite 4 New Lynn - Free Wi-Fi 2.0 1 review £71 includes taxes & fees 22 Feb - 23 Feb [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23&selected=114468821&PinnedHotelID=114468821&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Apartment | Living area | 42-inch TV with cable channels](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83300000/83295000/83294907/3187e595.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Bright 3-Bedroom Unit - WiFi & Parking Saint Johns - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer - Parking included [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-02&endDate=2026-03-03&selected=83294907&PinnedHotelID=83294907&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![House | In-room dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/88000000/87020000/87014000/87013983/a1f8a5e0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Kohi Family Home- Netflix & Gardens View St. Heliers - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer - Parking included 9.2 Wonderful 5 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-02&endDate=2026-03-03&selected=87013983&PinnedHotelID=87013983&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Terrace/patio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/117000000/116670000/116664800/116664704/598754c0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### La Casa Al Mare Onetangi - Ocean view - Parking included - Free Wi-Fi - Outdoor space 9.0 Wonderful 2 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-02&endDate=2026-03-03&selected=116664704&PinnedHotelID=116664704&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![House (2 Bedrooms) | 2 bedrooms, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42150000/42143700/42143644/8d6e8e09.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Sunny, Character 2 Bedroom Home - Mission Bay Orakei - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer - Parking included 10 Exceptional 1 review [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-02&endDate=2026-03-03&selected=42143644&PinnedHotelID=42143644&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Smart TV](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/38000000/37996600/37996546/3549df26.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Private Accommodation in the Eastern suburbs. 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EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking. 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 This property uses a grey water recycling system 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 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 ### We should mention A car is required for transport to and from this property ## About the area Located in Waitakere, a neighbourhood in Auckland, this holiday home is in a rural area. Waitakere Golf Club and Kerr Farm Wine are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Crystal Mountain and CraftWorld. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Trusts Stadium or Paradice Ice Skating. Discover the area's water adventures with surfing/body boarding, fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours. [Visit our Auckland travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Auckland.dx178233) [View more Holiday homes in Auckland](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Auckland-Private-Holiday-Homes.d178233-aaPrivateHolidayHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C-36.87525%2C174.48009&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=ghymOvbXr3ReJ9bInG0C73t0fKw=) Bethells Beach, Auckland Region ### What's nearby - ![Any visit to Auckland should include a visit to Bethells Beach. This pic is different because green is not a colour normally associated with the black sand beaches of Auckland's west coast. A lot to see at Bethells, the Te Henga walkway (best walk in Auckland), Lake Wainamu including the biggest sand dune I have ever seen.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6353299/f7db2a8a-7ac0-4003-b237-ca3f733d63e5.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Bethells Beach 8 min drive \- 3.4 miles - Waitakere Golf Club 9 min drive \- 4.3 miles - Crystal Mountain 17 min drive \- 9.2 miles - Kumeu River Wines 18 min drive \- 12.6 miles - RNZAF Base Auckland 23 min drive \- 14.3 miles ### Getting around - Waitakere Station 11 min drive - Auckland (AKL-Auckland Intl.) 47 min drive ### Restaurants - Swanson RSA 15 min drive - Swanson Station Cafe 14 min drive - Picollo Pizza Pasta 14 min drive - Piha Rsa 33 min drive - Cafe Redwood 14 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest pet-friendly? ### What time is check-in at Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest? ### What time is check-out at Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest? ### Where is Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Sun, Surf, Mountain Views & NZ Native Rainforest Reviews ## Reviews ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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. [More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 11 8 - Good 4 6 - Okay 1 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10 Cleanliness ### 10 Location ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Andy S. 18 Dec 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beautiful, Peaceful, Calm bush setting We had a fantastic stay , a great environment, clean functional and easy. So mauch to do close to this venue. We will definatley book again. ##### Andy S. Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Joe c. 17 Aug 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely place Very easy, friendly greeter, lovely house and great location. Good family house ##### Joe c. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Peter M. 5 Dec 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy #### Thank you Thank you for the stay. We had 8 of us stay for 3 nights. ##### Peter M. Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Justin L., Auckland 5 Oct 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Magical This place was stunning and as soon as we arrived we wished we’d booked for longer. No complaints at all. ##### Justin L. Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020 ### 8/10 Good #### Dean S. 2 May 2019 #### Te Aute Ridge Road Had a great but all to brief stay. The pictures probably don't do the house and setting justice. Bethell's beach and the sand dunes are stunning - take a boogie board to the dunes! ##### Dean S. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019 ### 8/10 Good #### Jared M. 7 May 2019 #### Great place and layout. Comfortable, warm and enjoyed staying. Only one downer. Nice layout to the place, comfortable beds with loads of linen and well equipped. Nice and warm (or cool) and different areas to gather. Only one downside is the Wifi strength and internet connection. Poor connection and strength means the internet was unreliable. Great host and on site support, and s place that’s close to Auckland but feels like it’s miles away ##### Jared M. Stayed 2 nights in May 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Bryony M. 6 Jan 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely and peaceful Lovely location and setting. The house was great with everything you need. Except internet which didnt work as advised due to the location. Along with spotty mobile service this forced us off our devices which was liberating once you go t used to it! Piha was a short day trip away - recommend Kitekite Falls walk - awesome. Comfy beds and rooms decorated and set up nicely. Only hiccup was not being able to drive down the driveway to unload and load up. I understand this was due to an earlier incident but it was a hard slog up and down that steep driveway. A small sacrifice for a lovely few days of rest and relaxation. Thanks. ##### Bryony M. Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Scott C. 9 Jan 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Bethells We have a lovely stay in the bach at Bethells Beach /Te Henga - quiet location surrounded by bush, and close enough to the beach ##### Scott C. Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Toby M. 6 Apr 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### great location and value very pleased with our stay, lovely house, kitchen adequate, parking on road with drop-offs not an issue, linen and beds great. All very easy,would definitely stay again. ##### Toby M. ### 6/10 Okay #### renata m. 24 Feb 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy #### major details missing. Great house, well presented, beautiful location, simply instructions for check in, would have been great to know before booking. 1- The Driveway to the house, is steep and down hill which was fine, except we were not allowed to drive down or park on it, so we had to carry everything to the house from the top of a steep hill, including one quest who had a broken ankle. 2- we were not at ALL advised of the neighbour who literally shares the same ROOF, untill we were walking down the drive, he is less than a wall away. He was grouchily sifting around the day we arrived (he compained about the noise & threaten to call the police if we didn't evict!! ) at the time we were a party of 5, including one child playing cards. To assist with him id already shut all the Windows & Doors & kept everyone inside as advised. 3- There was no Wifi or home phone. ( Bethels has never had phone reception & we knew that) This would have been fine, had we known before booking or even once the booking was accepted, that the property had wifi & a booster but the system was being repaired. & was out of order. Communication with non-arrived quests, was hopeless. It was a really lush space & a beautiful location, well decorated house, with everything you could need & Quick drive to the beach. House, just missing few critical details, especially for people still working while on holiday. ##### renata m. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Amanda C. 3 Dec 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Perfect spot Great spot. Highly recommend !! ##### Amanda C. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Dale N., Ashburton 1 Nov 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Forest Retreat A great property with the house surrounded by the bush and bird life. Plenty of space for a group. The house being split into two levels worked really well for two families. The house was well equipped and had everything we needed. ##### Dale N. Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Amanda C. 14 Oct 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great spot. Would come back. Really enjoyed the house. Only downfall was mobile service. ##### Amanda C. Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2019 ### 8/10 Good #### Pei Yu G. 2 Sept 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Waitakere bush retreat Overall a very good experience. Great property with nice big rooms and comfortable furniture. Linen were all provided and the view/location was amazing. A few hiccups were there. Wi-Fi coverage intermittent but that did encourage everyone to be more social. The oven was not working during our trip and there was nothing the property manager could do about this. Did cause a few problems with providing food for the group. I'm sure the owners will sort the above out before the next group arrives! ##### Pei Yu G. ### 8/10 Good #### Corinne F. 30 Aug 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great stay in a lovely location It was a lovely bach to stay out - there was enough room for a room each for my friends and being in the bush was very tranquil. The beds were all comfortable - there was enough bedding. There is two on wall HRV heaters which were good but unfortunately do not heat up the bedrooms for the night-time (probably just a "winter" comment) . It was a little disappointing that the fireplace was not working as this was one of the main features that made us book this bach (along with the lovely views :-)) and that is why I have scored 4 rather than 5 star overall. Saying that when I enquired about further heating for a friend - the host was more than willing to assist. It was a delightful stay and we thoroughly enjoyed being in the bush and the views. Would highly recommend. Thank you :-) ##### Corinne F. Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Janet S. 5 Aug 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Family gettogether Had a wonderful experience despite the weather. A cosy restful spot for a family catch up among the beautiful trees and Bush of waitakere. ##### Janet S. ---