Title: Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. ## Photo gallery for Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. ![Beach - Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. (Urquharts Bay)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37920000/37912900/37912862/8e7e2e04.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Outdoor dining - Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. (Urquharts Bay)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37920000/37912900/37912862/60f66192.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior - Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. (Urquharts Bay)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37920000/37912900/37912862/67537fbf.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![TV - Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. (Urquharts Bay)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37920000/37912900/37912862/d2a9dd12.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds - Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. (Urquharts Bay)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37920000/37912900/37912862/60646517.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Escape to Getaway by the sea, nestled in Urquharts Bay, just a 35-minute scenic drive from Whangarei CBD. Enjoy safe swimming beaches and surf on your doorstep or explore Northland's best coastal tracks. With ample parking for boats and vehicles, tennis courts nearby at Taurikura Bay and McLeod Bay fish and chips close by. ## Reviews 9.6 Exceptional ### Entire home 1 bathroomSleeps 5861 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Washing machine - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space - Parking available ## 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. ### Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. A 35 minute scenic drive from Whangarei CBD will bring you to Urquharts Bay. Once there go over the bridge and veer left and 300m up the hill on the right you will find our accomodation awaits you. You will pass a golf course, a great pub and local cafes. The closest store is the 4square in Parua Bay, which is small but very well stocked. You can refuel your car / boat and get your bait at Parua Bay shops on your way out to us. There is easy access to the harbour from Urquhart's Bay boat ramp. Our local wharf will entertain you and the kids with some hand fishing if you don't have a boat. Safe swimming beaches and surf are just on our doorstep. For those of you who like to walk, we have some of Northland's best coastal tracks. The property has ample parking for boats and vehicles. Near by at Taurikura Bay there are tennis courts. And further back at McLeod Bay is McLeod Bay fish and chips / takeaways and the Mania Club. We live near by and are always happy to help you out with information or anything you may require to make your stay an enjoyable one. Special conditions: . If you require Linen we have a small fee of $80.00 per stay . (Payable to owner) Please advise after booking. We would supply bath towels and bath mat, tea towels and sheets . No sleeping bags. Bring your own beach towels please.There are pillows, duvets and blankets supplied. We also have electric blankets for each bed if you require them We do not charge a cleaning fee. Crack open a cold drink and kick back and relax at Getaway by the sea. NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave; Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/tea towels); ## Property amenities ### Ski - Close to skiing ### Internet - Available in the house: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Car required - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Hob - Microwave - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Toaster ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Hair dryer - Shower - Toilet paper ### Entertainment - TV ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Outdoor furniture - Patio ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Air conditioning - Heating ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoke-free property ### Location highlights - In a rural location - Near the bay - Near the sea ### Things to do - Birdwatching nearby - Ecotours nearby - Fishing nearby - Golfing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Jet skiing nearby - Mountain biking nearby - Mountain climbing nearby - Sailing nearby - Scuba diving nearby - Snorkelling nearby - Surfing/bodyboarding nearby - Swimming nearby - Water skiing nearby - Windsurfing 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) - First aid kit - Fire extinguisher ### General - Unit size: 861 square feet ## Similar properties ![Standard Apartment, 2 Bedrooms (Number One) | Living room | Flat-screen TV](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17060000/17052800/17052728/cf74f092.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Whitesands Karkari Peninsula - Kitchen - Washing machine - Pet-friendly - Parking included 8.4 Very good 26 reviews £66 includes taxes & fees 8 Mar - 9 Mar [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-08&endDate=2026-03-09&selected=17052728&PinnedHotelID=17052728&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/49000000/48350000/48347600/48347584/1eb20f89.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Come and Relax @ Rose's Retreat (with WIFI) Whangarei Heads - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer - Pet-friendly 10 Exceptional 97 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12&selected=48347584&PinnedHotelID=48347584&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/38000000/37998900/37998810/164a0874.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Sea, bush and gardens surround Mason Lane Apartment Onerahi - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer 10 Exceptional 38 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12&selected=37998810&PinnedHotelID=37998810&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor spa tub](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34830000/34821800/34821748/1d7e9fff.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Beachside Cabin with view of Mount Pataua and Surf bar Pataua - Ocean view - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washing machine 9.6 Exceptional 44 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12&selected=34821748&PinnedHotelID=34821748&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/32000000/31550000/31548100/31548008/c7216c82.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Ripples-n-Tide Waterside Studio Parua Bay - Kitchen - Washing machine - Free Wi-Fi - Outdoor space 9.8 Exceptional 251 reviews £76 includes taxes & fees 25 Mar - 26 Mar [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-25&endDate=2026-03-26&selected=31548008&PinnedHotelID=31548008&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Terrace/patio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60610000/60608500/60608407/b97c2016.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Barbs Bach Mangawhai - Pool - Kitchen - Air-conditioning - Parking available 9.4 Exceptional 81 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12&selected=60608407&PinnedHotelID=60608407&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [Compare similar properties](/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12&selected=37912862&PinnedHotelID=37912862&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2&comparePropertyIds=37912862,17052728,48347584,37998810,34821748) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 2:00 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 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 private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). 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 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 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 Whangarei Heads, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Waipu Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Taurikura Bay and Ocean Beach. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking. [Visit our Whangarei Heads travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Whangarei-Heads.dx6353304) [View more Holiday homes in Whangarei Heads](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Whangarei-Heads-Private-Holiday-Homes.d6353304-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-35.84262%2C174.53853&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=wa-6ldhvT_CnY3C_ei3K74VPVDg=) Urquharts Bay, Whangarei Heads ### What's nearby - ![Ocean Beach which includes a sandy beach, island images and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532610971/56fc8d19-634b-44bf-897c-37ecd41e7466.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Ocean Beach 4 min drive \- 2.7 miles - ![Whangarei which includes a bay or harbour, a marina and sailing](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621563223482/be6eb1b5-4dab-4aaf-8d22-a062deaf6860.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Town Basin Marina 34 min drive \- 23.9 miles - ![Whangarei Falls featuring forests, a cascade and a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111704/555e10f4-2cc5-4b38-93bf-c320c9480ed9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Whangarei Falls 38 min drive \- 27.5 miles - Taurikura Bay 2 min drive \- 1.4 miles - Ruakaka Beach 49 min drive \- 13.6 miles ### Getting around - Whangarei (WRE) 28 min drive ### Restaurants - Smith & Local 12 min drive - Two Birds Cafe & Restaurant 54 min drive - McLeod Bay Fish and Chips 6 min drive - Ruakaka Tavern 55 min drive - Land & Sea 59 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. pet-friendly? ### How much is parking at Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay.? ### What time is check-in at Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay.? ### What time is check-out at Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay.? ### Where is Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Getaway by the sea,fishing, surfing,swimming and a happy safe place to stay. 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 41 8 - Good 9 6 - Okay 3 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.8 Cleanliness ### 9.6 Location ### 9.6 Property conditions & facilities ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Nicky F. 23 Jun 2019 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### White sandy beaches, native bush and birds, and clear swimming water within 2km's - Ahhh Paradise! A lovely clean and warm, family friendly property. It has everything you need and is so reasonably priced. ##### Nicky F. Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gaelyn & Scott D., Ocean Beach, Whangarei Heads 22 Apr 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Awesome spot My family rented this place. Superb location close to many beautiful beaches and walking tracks. Lovely clean and well appointed place to stay with awesome hosts. Highly recommend to others visiting the area😀 ##### Gaelyn & Scott D. Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021 This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent 8 Jan 2016 #### Close to beautiful beach and bush walks, property has every thing you need including a great space f Close to beautiful beach and bush walks, property has every thing you need including a great space for boat. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Mary S., New Zealand 23 Jan 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing stay Great hosts! Very hospitable and accommodating. Location was A+. We are looking forward to come back! ##### Mary S. Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Alan B. 11 Jan 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Beautiful Great place great people to deal with. Will be back! ##### Alan B. Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Marcel V. 2 May 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely hosts,very nice stay Close to the beach and boat ramp.Mark and barb are fantastic hosts.the bach has everything you need for either a relaxing getaway or a fishing experience.nice and close to the harbour entrance.plenty or room in the bach and good facilities to wash down boats and clean fish.overall great spot ##### Marcel V. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller 27 Apr 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication While this was one big open plan space, appliances were new and clean, outside amenities pleasant and position to Ocean's beach and walks spot on. Could not fault the hosts. We pulled our campervan up outside and joined the kids for a weekend. Price good, single mattresses could be firmer. Otherwise highly recommended. ##### Verified traveller Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Eric P. 8 Apr 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great place for family stay! Thank you for Barb and Mark! They are great hosts very kind and friendly. Our family really enjoyed our stay. In great location! Beautiful beach, good trekking place. We will definitely back! ##### Eric P. Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Adele H. 1 Feb 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Wonderful An amazing bach in a beautiful location. Great fishing. Mark and Barb are wonderful hosts. Enjoyed our stay very much and hope to stay again ##### Adele H. Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Senka T. 15 Jan 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great hosts Mark and Barb are warm welcoming hosts. We loved our stay. The proximity of both the Ocean beach and the harbour was ideal. The studio Bach was perfect for us. I loved the private outdoor area. ##### Senka T. Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller 9 Jan 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication We really enjoyed our stay. Barb and Mark were great hosts very friendly and great with communicating. House had everything that you need when away from home. Very quiet and peaceful location but close to the beaches and bays for day trips. ##### Verified traveller Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gareth E. 6 Jan 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Likely to return Really enjoyed our stay here, hosts were very accommodating, ideal place to stay if you have a boat, local to alot Whangarei Heads has to offer, thanks again Mark and Barbs ##### Gareth E. Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Keith R. 27 Dec 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Xmas Holiday Clean Tidy Compact with everything you needed. Excellent Hosts and very helpful etc. Hope to come back soon ##### Keith R. ### 10/10 Excellent #### James B. 1 Dec 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great location Close to some beautiful beaches and walks, great hosts ##### James B. Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Michael P. 22 Nov 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely stay in the Heads We had a lovely time staying at Mark and Barb's. The bach is perfect to explore Ocean Beach and hike the Bream Head track. We'd definitely look to stay again in the future! ##### Michael P. Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Lorenzo C. 25 Oct 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Nice group stay Its right near an amazing bay which can be accessed in minutes on foot, communal type set up which is awesome. There's a nice BBQ and outdoor seating. The owners are friendly too. Recommend for a group trip ##### Lorenzo C. ### 8/10 Good #### Natascha, Kaitaia 4 Oct 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication The place was clean, warm and comfortable and quite. I meet with the owner Barbara and she was lovely and accommodating. In a few of the sites that this property is with, the sites have falsely represented this place, so to get the real story your better off speaking with Barbs directly. Thanks for everything Barbara and I keep a eye out for you up north ##### Natascha Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020 ### 8/10 Good #### Litala E. 14 Sept 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely Place The property was great nice and tidy however if only a close room would be great! ##### Litala E. Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kareariki H. 5 Sept 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Property managers are awesome people lovely and such a homely feeling Beautiful place to be simply loved it thank you so much for having us 5stars from us ♥️ ##### Kareariki H. Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sophie G. 6 Aug 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### awesome place to stay such a pretty area, stay was good - liked how there was multiple heaters to warm up the room as it is obviously in a garage. everything you need :) ##### Sophie G. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Joseph H., Paparoa 4 Jun 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great Garage Batch Not the best view and kinda expose to the neighbors but a great place to stay as a base to do the Whangarei Heads Walks or to chill on wet days!! ##### Joseph H. Stayed 2 nights in May 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### luke R. 2 Jun 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Thank you for everything Really easy and helpful ##### luke R. Stayed 2 nights in May 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Holger B. 30 Jan 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Perfect base to explore the Heads! What a great place to stay for our family of four! Plenty of space inside and outside, fully equipped kitchen and DISHWASHER!!! Set in a tranquil surrounding, 3 minutes drive from beautiful Ocean Beach. Don't forget to explore the many walks in the area and make sure to hike across to Smugglers Cove (bring toggs!). ##### Holger B. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Adam B. 6 Jan 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Amazing Looking forward to our next trip already ##### Adam B. Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Georgie D. 1 Jan 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely hosts, peaceful spot We stayed here as a group of friends for New Years. It’s a nice, quiet spot and is a short drive away from Ocean Beach and some lovely walks. Very hospitable hosts. Thanks for a great stay! ##### Georgie D. ---