Title: Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&selected=121417951&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat ## Photo gallery for Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat ![Exterior - Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat (Ruatapu)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121420000/121418000/121417951/8fbbd03b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![TV, fireplace, offices - Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat (Ruatapu)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121420000/121418000/121417951/6b25cb75.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat (Ruatapu)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121420000/121418000/121417951/e2386661.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior - Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat (Ruatapu)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121420000/121418000/121417951/003ce843.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat (Ruatapu)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121420000/121418000/121417951/b2a7bf03.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat provides a garden and more. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi. ## Reviews 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 2 bedrooms2 bathrooms861 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer - Free Wi-Fi - Outdoor space - Parking available £303 includes taxes & fees 1 Mar - 2 Mar ## 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. ### Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat Welcome to Big Heart Beach - Your Peaceful Coastal Retreat. Nestled between the wild ocean and the majestic Southern Alps, Big Heart Beach offers the perfect retreat to relax, rejuvenate, and create cherished memories. Located just five minutes south of Hokitika, this haven of tranquility blends breathtaking natural beauty with the peace and quiet you’ve been seeking. We are just an email or message away if you require any assistance during your stay. We have a very busy focused team and trying to reach us by phone can be challenging so for a swift reply please use the reservation platform you booked through. Beach access – Guests can enjoy a nearby beach. Close to town and all amenities. Big Heart Beach is really designed for adult relaxation and although it’s high decks are not suited for small children the choice is yours when deciding the limitations of your guests. Please note, the large deck is raised off the ground and has no handrails and there are stairs to access both sides of the dwelling. Our beautiful two-bedroom beach home is nestled in a serene farm-like setting, offering private access to a secluded stretch of beach. Guests have described their stay as a "home away from home" and the perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and privacy. Enjoy peaceful mornings with the sound of crashing waves, and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the spacious deck - it's an experience unlike any other. Big Heart Beach pays homage to the stunning "ocean to alps" view, a unique feature that guests adore. The ski lift chair, thoughtfully positioned for breathtaking sunsets, provides a one-of-a-kind spot to relax and soak in the beauty of the West Coast. Whether you're taking a stroll along the beach to collect beautiful stones, enjoying a meal al fresco on the grand deck, or simply relaxing indoors with the smart TV, you'll find every corner of Big Heart Beach designed to help you slow down and savor the moment. We're also conveniently located on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, it's an ideal base for exploring the region’s scenic wonders. Come experience the magic of Big Heart Beach, where you'll find the perfect balance of seclusion, natural beauty, and modern comfort. Whether you're here for a romantic escape, a family adventure or a restful retreat, we can't wait to welcome you. Book your stay today and create memories in this beautiful piece of New Zealand's West Coast. Big Heart Beach is only a 10 mins drive in a car or taxi from Hokitika airport. From Christchurch - It is a 3.5 hour stunning drive over the Alps through Arthur"s Pass. From Nelson - It is a 5 hour drive along an amazing coastal road. From Queenstown - It is a 7 hour drive through ever changing scenery. Additionally the wider property and paddocks are not fully fenced so please note these details and accessibility features before making your reservation. As a guest, you'll have access to the entire Big Heart Beach property, including the outdoor areas and your own private beach. If you need more space or have a larger group please check out my other eight beach retreats or reach out to see how I may find you the perfect fit for your vacation. Come, stay, and experience the best New Zealand has to offer! ## Property amenities ### Beach - On the beach ### Internet - Available in the house: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Hob - Microwave - Oven - Refrigerator - Toaster ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 2 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 2 bathrooms - Hair dryer - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Dining table - Fireplace ### Entertainment - TV ### Outdoor areas - Garden - Patio ### Laundry - Washing machine ### Work spaces - Office ### Comfort - Heating ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoke-free property ### Services and conveniences - Iron/ironing board ### Location highlights - On the waterfront ### 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) - 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22 Mar [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-21&endDate=2026-03-22&selected=519238&PinnedHotelID=519238&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [Compare similar properties](/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-14&endDate=2026-03-15&selected=121417951&PinnedHotelID=121417951&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2&comparePropertyIds=121417951,519239,3429768,99596019,7060401) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM ### Check-out Check-out before 10:00 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 not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. 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 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 Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room 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 If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### Property is also known as 98a18be6-3236-4eaa-a5e4-0eece1a11dcd ## About the area Located in Ruatapu, this holiday home is on the beach. Hokitika Clock Tower and Hokitika Lighthouse are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre and William Steyn Stonepainter. The Gold Room and Westland Greenstone Ltd are also worth visiting. [Visit our Ruatapu travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ruatapu.dx553248635926198455) [View more Holiday homes in Ruatapu](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ruatapu-Private-Holiday-Homes.d553248635926198455-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-42.75672%2C170.92052&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=g708x612avYdh7EwYZ4st2HuuM4=) Ruatapu, West Coast ### What's nearby - Hokitika Beach 8 min drive \- 4.3 miles - Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre 8 min drive \- 4.3 miles - National Kiwi Centre 8 min drive \- 4.3 miles - Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve 8 min drive \- 4.5 miles - Sunset Point 8 min drive \- 4.5 miles ### Getting around - Hokitika (HKK) 7 min drive ### Restaurants - The Hokitika Sandwich Company - West Coast 5 min drive - Katsu Sushi And Noodle House 5 min drive - Cafe 39 4 min drive - Stumpers Bar & Reasturant 5 min drive - Fat Pipi Pizza 5 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat pet-friendly? ### How much does it cost to stay at Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat? ### How much is parking at Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat? ### What time is check-in at Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat? ### What time is check-out at Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat? ### Where is Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Big Heart Beach - Private Ocean to Alps Retreat 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 3 8 - Good 0 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10 Cleanliness ### 10 Location ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Marcel L. 5 Jan 2026 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy The host was very friendly and easy to communicate with. The bach was a delight: modern, clean and with a great layout. We wanted to feel close to nature and to have peace and quiet and we definitely got what we wished for. ##### Marcel L. Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gayle A. 15 Feb 2026 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy Great place to stay. Everything we needed. Clwan and tidy ##### Gayle A. Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Michelle C. 19 Dec 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy The host and the accommodations were top notch! We immediately wished that we were staying for more than two nights. Such a beautiful home and location! ##### Michelle C. 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