Island Escape | Stay Waiheke

Summary:
Set high above Sandy Bay and Enclosure Bay, Island Escape captures 180 degree sweeping ocean views, all-day sun, and the easy rhythm of Waiheke life. A short stroll brings you to the beach, while generous decks and a private cabin make this coastal retreat ideal for families and friends wanting space to relax and reconnect.

The Space:
Island Escape by Stay Waiheke is set in one of the island's most sought-after locations, this idyllic renovated mid-century beach house boasts safe beaches, fantastic coastal walks and stunning views. Island Escape is a perfect holiday haven. Just a 150 metre stroll to the gorgeous beaches of Sandy Bay and Enclosure Bay, and Hekerua Bay via a lush track, this holiday home offers a tranquil and relaxing getaway.

The house has an open-plan layout in the living area with large bifold doors and a seamless indoor and outdoor flow; both the indoor and outdoor spaces are drenched in all-day sun. The kitchen and dining area connect to the main living area and the entire space opens out onto an expansive north-facing deck with outdoor furniture and stunning panoramic water views. The house is furnished with stylish art and furniture, and has all the modern requirements of wireless fibre and a smart TV.

Island Escape is a beautifully restored mid-century home, designed for open, effortless living. The main lounge and dining area flow together beneath timber beams, with large bifold doors opening onto a wide north-facing deck that catches every bit of sunlight. From morning coffee to evening wine, the sea is always in view.

The kitchen is modern and practical, fully equipped for group meals and easy breakfasts before heading to the beach. The interiors mix natural wood, contemporary art, and relaxed furniture, creating a space that feels warm and lived-in, stylish but never formal.

Down the hall are three calm, comfortable bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master suite opens to a private deck with panoramic sea views and includes a king bed and ensuite. The second bedroom has a queen, and the third features a super-king that can be split into twins on request, ideal for families or friends.

Outside, a detached cabin adds flexibility for larger groups. With its own deck, a queen bed, and bunk beds, it’s perfect for a couple seeking privacy or a small family wanting their own corner of the property. Altogether, Island Escape sleeps up to ten guests.

Bed & Bath Configuration
• Master – King bed + ensuite
• Bedroom 2 – Queen bed
• Bedroom 3 – Super king bed (can be split into two singles on request)
• Cabin – Queen bed + bunks
Sleeps 10 guests

Minimum Stays
7 nights mid-December to mid-January | 3 nights rest of January & holiday weekends | 2 nights at all other times

Bookings accepted on request

Guest Access:
Check-in is from 2 pm, and check-out is by 10 : 30 am. Early check-in or late check-out may be available for an additional fee; we’ll confirm closer to your stay. Please note that if there’s a same-day guest changeover, these can’t be offered.

There’s off-street parking at the property, with room for multiple vehicles.

The Neighborhood:
Island Escape sits in one of Waiheke’s most loved coastal pockets, just a short stroll from Sandy Bay and Enclosure Bay, and an easy bush track away from Hekerua Bay. Each bay has its own charm, Sandy Bay for calm swimming, Enclosure Bay for rock pools and snorkelling, and Hekerua for its tucked-away feel and soft evening light.

A few minutes’ drive brings you into Oneroa Village, the island’s main hub for food, coffee, and boutique shopping. Start your day with breakfast at Wai Kitchen, and make sure you get yourself a coffee, the coffee out here is incredible. For lunch or dinner, Fenice serves wood-fired pizza and Italian plates, while Vino Vino and The Courtyard Garden Bar offer relaxed evening dining with wine and ocean views. Between meals, wander the local boutiques and galleries along Ocean View Road, everything from island-made jewellery and ceramics to casual resort wear and homewares.

You’re also within easy reach of Waiheke’s iconic vineyards, Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Tantalus Estate, and Stonyridge, each perfect for long, unhurried lunches and tastings surrounded by vines.

By evening, you’re back on the deck, the sea quiet below and the island easing into that familiar slow rhythm.

Getting Around:
You’re about ten minutes by car from Oneroa Village and the Matiatia ferry terminal, and a short drive to the island’s most popular beaches and vineyards.

The nearest bus stop is within walking distance and connects directly to the ferry, beaches, and the main Onetangi vineyard route. If you’re planning a day of tastings, leave the car at home, the buses are a great way to explore, stopping at favourites like Tantalus Estate, Stonyridge, Casita Miro, and Wild on Waiheke.

Taxis and rideshares operate across the island but can be expensive, especially in the evenings or during busy weekends. For something slower and scenic, hire an e-bike or scooter in Oneroa and cruise the coastal roads at your own pace.

Wherever you’re heading, nothing on Waiheke is ever far away, beaches, cafés, vineyards, and home again by sunset.

Other Things to Note:
Like most Waiheke homes, Island Escape runs on rainwater, so we ask guests to use it thoughtfully during their stay.

There is a detached cabin set apart from the main house, offering privacy and flexibility for families or friends staying together.

Minimum stay requirements apply, seven nights from mid-December to mid-January, three nights for the rest of January and all holiday weekends, and two nights at all other times.

Interaction with Guests:
Our Stay Waiheke team is available seven days a week from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with after-hours support for anything urgent. Once you’ve checked in, the home is yours to enjoy, private, calm, and fully set up for a relaxed stay