A secluded self-contained apartment with stunning ocean views in Ōpua, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

An accommodation experience like no other

Sitting majestically on top of a cliff overlooking Ōpua Harbour in the beautiful Bay of Islands, Cliff Edge by the Sea is a peaceful hideaway where you can relax and recharge to your heart’s content. It is just an 8km drive from the town of Paihia, 10km from the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds, and a short ferry ride and drive to the historic town of Russell.

This beautiful 2-bedroom apartment offers the perfect accommodation if you are looking for a peaceful retreat that offers seclusion and privacy with all the comforts of home.

The perfect Bay of Islands holiday retreat

Built in 1996, Cliff Edge has been home to its original owners and operated as holiday accommodation, hosting travellers from all over the world, since 2001. Clean, comfortable and freshly decorated, the apartment is the perfect home for a relaxing Bay of Islands holiday.

The two-bedroom guest apartment is a peaceful retreat nestled amongst nature and overlooking the ocean. The master bedroom has a four-poster Balinese bed and spacious ensuite bathroom. The second bedroom has Super King split system bed and its own separate bathroom.

You will find an open lounge, dining area and kitchen which is fully equipped with a wall oven and gas cook top, dishwasher and large fridge/freezer. Basic cooking ingredients are supplied, with complimentary breakfast provisions and beverages provided on arrival.

Next to the lounge and dining area is a balcony which overlooks the ocean, and a large deck area below the apartment offers an outdoor dining space with a dining table and chairs, lounge chairs and a barbeque. The apartment is fully self-contained and has laundry facilities which include a washing machine, dryer and iron/ironing board.

Cliff Edge apartment can accommodate up to four guests at one time, so your privacy is guaranteed. There is ample parking available for two cars on the upper deck area. Please note, as there are stairs to the apartment, the apartment is unfortunately not ideal for guests with mobility issues.

How to get here and what you’ll find nearby

Cliff Edge is an approximately 3-hour drive north of Auckland CBD and 3.5-hour drive from Auckland International Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Kerikeri/Bay of Islands Airport from Auckland. The flight time is approximately 45 minutes, and it is a 30-minute drive to Cliff Edge from the airport. Rental cars are available at the airport with Avis/Budget/A1 Rentals and Hertz. Taxis are also available, but a rental car is a better option due to our location.

There are two supermarkets in nearby Paihia, and Ōpua has a general store for the essentials. There are two larger supermarkets in Kerikeri, 30 minutes’ drive north, and a visit to the Farmers Markets on Saturday and Sunday, where you’ll find fresh local produce and so much more, is highly recommended.

There is access to the beach with just a short walk from the property, where there is a walking track along to the Ōpua Marina. If you feel energetic, you can explore the beautiful coastal walk to Paihia and beyond.

What Our Guests Say

Things to see and do while staying at Cliff Edge by the Sea

Charming towns to visit

Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and Kerikeri are all within easy reach of Ōpua. A passenger ferry service runs between Paihia and Russell, and a vehicle ferry provides a link between Ōpua and Russell. Russell has a fascinating history. You will love wandering the town, tracing the history and browsing a range of boutique and speciality stores. Kerikeri is a friendly town with a local community of orchardists and artists, and Paihia is the perfect place to go if you want to discover the stunning coves and beaches of the Bay of Islands.

Water Activities

A visit to the Bay of Islands would not be complete without some time on the water. You are spoiled for choice with kayaking, swimming with dolphins, cruises, sailing trips, fishing excursions and more. Famous for its fishing, and depending on what time of year you visit, there is an abundance of options from Snapper, Kingfish to Marlin fishing.

Golf

Tee off with a view in the Bay of Islands! It’s home to one of the world’s most famous golf courses, Kauri Cliffs.  This is a par 72 championship golf course with ocean views from 15 holes and ranked in the world top 100. Kauri Cliffs is an easy 1-hour drive north of Cliff Edge by the Sea, and Waitangi Golf Club and Bay of Islands Golf Club in Kerikeri are also within easy reach.

Walks and Hikes

There are so many wonderful walks to enjoy when visiting the Bay of Islands, providing an unbeatable variety of scenic coastal views and serene forest landscapes. Here are some suggested walks which we are happy to provide further information on during your stay:

  • Mahinepua Peninsula Track – 4.8km, 1-hour 20min return
  • Rainbow Falls Walk and River Track:
  • Rainbow Falls Walk – 400m return
  • Rainbow Falls River Track – 8.2km, 2hr 5min return
  • Dukes Nose via Wairaku Stream Track – 10.8km, 3hr 40min return
  • Waitangi to Haruru Falls Walk – 10.5km, 2hr 20min return

Historical Sites

Pēwhairangi, or the Bay of Islands, is steeped in history. It is believed that the first Polynesian voyagers arrived here during the 11th century, but it wasn’t until after the landing of the British sea voyager Captain Cook in 1769 that missionaries, whalers and traders arrived. The Treaty of Waitangi, the document that founded bicultural New Zealand, was signed in the Bay of Islands in 1840.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is recognised as the birthplace of the nation, and the most historically significant site in Aotearoa New Zealand. While being treated to amazing views, you can enjoy an interactive full-day experience through Waitangi’s two contemporary museums, Māori cultural performances, guided tours, the visitor centre, native forest and gardens, an art gallery and carving studio, hāngi and more. Open daily from 9am -5pm, a visit to Waitangi is a must.

Cape Reinga Lighthouse is located at the very tip of the North Island of New Zealand. It is a not-to-be-missed excursion when visiting the Far North. Cape Reinga is a significant cultural landmark that sits at the tip of the Te Paki Recreation Reserve. It marks the point from with Māori wairua (spirit) return to their traditional homeland. The site offers unbeatable panoramic views and allows visitors to witness the meeting of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is a 3-hour drive north, either by car or tour bus, or a short flight with Salt Air.

For more information on what to see and do in the Bay of Islands, visit Bay of Island Tourism or northlandnz.com

Reservations information

A 2-night minimum stay is required from 1st October – 31st April.

  • Maximum occupancy is 4 guests only.
  • No children under the age of 12.
  • Cliff Edge Apartment is serviced every 2 days, other times at an extra cost.
  • Check-in is from 3pm, and check-out is 11am
  • No meals are provided at Cliff Edge, however there are many restaurants in nearby Paihia, Russell as well as 2 casual restaurants in Ōpua

Cancelation Policy

  • Cancellation within 30 days of arrival date: 25% forfeit of the total booking price.
  • Cancellation within 14 days of arrival date: 50% forfeit of the total booking price.
  • Cancellation within 7 days of arrival date: 100% forfeit of the total booking price.
  • Travel insurance is advised.

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Rich in history and culture, there’s so much to explore in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

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