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

    
 
 
        
   Michele 
 2024-02-15
 
 
  Great accommodation.
Great 2 bed apartment with exceptional views. Well equipped kitchen with a good store cupboard. Really appreciated the overnight welcome pack which consisted of milk, bread, eggs. water and wine. A bit of a trek from Paihia but well worth it for the privacy and views.
  
 
       
   Luc D 
 2023-06-10
 
 
  Magnifique !
What a view ! Magnifique!! Nice, clean room, everything was ok ! With a great terrace and a table with chairs ! We enjoyed every minute of our last days New Sealand here … The ferry to Picton is nearby, Peter was helpful with info and tips for visits and restaurants
  
 
       
   Debi W 
 2023-02-07
 
 
  Spectacular
Most magnificent view to walk in to, and wake up to! Pristine boutique guesthouse with wonderful large-windowed bedrooms, ultra comfortable beds and tasty breakfasts. Peter had endless patience answering all my emails and questions beforehand about dining options, travel disruptions and date changes, thank you! A wonderful haven in a spectacular setting, with a home-away-from-home feel. We had a wonderful time, and just a short drive from Paihia.
  
 
       
   MJ D 
 2023-01-24
 
 
  Stunning
We are amazed at the views and location at this cozy and elegant inn. The most comfortable bed and linens. Slept so well here! Thank you to Peter for hosting us! Great spot to go for day trips and sailing in this gorgeous Bay of Islands. Enjoy the peace and beauty of this unique Inn
  
 
       
   UteBA 
 2022-12-19
 
 
  Wundervolle Pension in traumhafter Lage
Cliff Edge by the Sea in Opua ist eines der schönsten Bed & Breakfast Hotels das ich je gesehen habe. Es war unsere erste Station in Neuseeland nach dem langen Flug von Valencia und wir waren einfach überwältigt als wir den Blick aus unserem Zimmer geniessen konnten. Wunderschön! Ein grosser Glaserker lässt einem die ganze Bay mit den Segelbooten sehen, es ist ein Traum. Die Zimmer sind gross, sehr ansprechend und gemütlich eingerichtet. Alles sehr sauber und einladend. Der Besitzer, Peter, ein wirklich sehr netter Mann, der uns den Aufenthalt zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebniss gemacht hat. Ein wunderschönes Wohnzimmer mit klassischer Musik am Nachmittag lud zu einer Tasse Tee ein. Eine tolle Atmosphäre mit vielen Büchern und einer unglaublichen Ruhe. Peter machte uns ein super Frühstück mit Müsli, Käse, Schinken, super leckerem Rhabarberkompott, mit diesem wunderbaren Ausblick aufs Meer, es war unsagbar schön und ich würde immer wieder dorthin fahren. Nach Paihia, von wo die ganzen Tagesausflüge losgehen, sind es gerade mal 5-6 Minuten mit dem Auto. Unbedingt zu empfehlen der Waitangi Treaty Ground, die wichtigste historische Stätte in ganz Neuseeland wie uns auch Peter bestätigt hat. Traumlage, herzliche Bewirtung, wunderschöne Zimmer mit Balkon! 100% zu empfehlen, wäre gerne länger geblieben. Peter, vielen Dank für alles.
  
 
       
   Ross G G 
 2022-10-25
 
 
  Stunning views and comfort
Beautiful views large rooms. Well maintained Friendly host with in-house chef dining option. We would happily go there again as it was a very relaxed experience Own transport required given the location. A 5 minute drive to Paihia shops and restaurants
  
 
       
   JLP 
 2022-07-24
 
 
  Cliff Edge by the Sea -Great homely accommodation.
Great little spot overlooking Opua & across the bay to Okaito. Perched fairly high above the water. Owner Peter was an excellent host and around if we needed him. Breakfast was booked to suit our travel plans for the day and Peter did a great job of preparing a cooked breakfast as ordered . Decks outside our room, with panoramic views of the bay. Rooms were nice and clean & well presented. We based ourselves there for a 3 day winter sojourn to the Bay of Islands and it was a great central location for our visits to Pahia, Kerikeri and over on the car ferry to Russell. Recommend Cliff Edge by the Sea.
  
 
       
   Dolma 
 2021-06-20
 
 
  Stunning views and beautiful doggie 😊
My partner booked us a two night stay at cliff edge, by which it was a surprise, i had no idea where we were staying prior to leaving so you could imagine my surprise when we pulled up to Cliff Edge by the sea. Firstly we must apologise to Peter the wonderful host, we were quite late in leaving Auckland and he kindly waited up for us to arrive. When we did arrive i was so impressed by the amazing shared space, the beautiful communal areas has gorgeous curated pieces from both east meets west elements, but still had all the quirks that you would find in a “kiwi bach” such as frames maps of the area, and local books of the Bay of Islands. Peter kindly showed us that we were welcomed in those areas and to also help ourselves to the tea and coffee section in his impressive kitchen area. Peter then showed us to our room, we stayed in the Okiato room, which was massive! And very neatly presented with stunning ocean views. Peter then asked us what time we would like breakfast and little did we both know that Peter is an acclaimed chef! The breakfast was beautiful there was delicious ham off the bone served with heirloom tomatoes, a cheese board, a divine fruit loaf (which Luke forgot to ask Peter where it was from or if he had made it himself) and a selection of muesli served with fruit compote, selection of fruits and natural yoghurt. Peter waited on us and made sure to ask us if we would like more toast etc, lets just say we did not need lunch after this! One thing we are guttered we did not do but would do next time is include the dinner as to have dinner cooked by a legendary chef would be one off the bucket list being a huge foodie myself! A huge plus for me was also meeting Peter’s beloved king charles spaniel Charlie, having her greet you in the mornings and being such a sweet and well behaved pup i wish i could have taken her home! We did not get a chance to see Peter before we left, but we would like to extend our thank you for his hospitality. His property really is one of the most stunning properties i have ever stayed in and being a former flight attendant i have stayed in many hotels! We would love to come back next time
  
 
       
   Haydee-NZ 
 2021-05-28
 
 
  Location, location, location! Gracious host with exceptional breakfast and a comfortable sleep.
Exceptional, generous, breakfast. Cereals, fruits, coconut yoghurt, ham, cheese, croissants, toast and plenty of coffee/tea. View from the room was fantastic - all we could have wanted. Gracious host (Peter) who made us feel welcome. Dinner was a special treat, delightful cooking with fresh ingredients and worth the money. Wines were included in the dinner cost.
  
 
       
   Carl C 
 2021-05-15
 
 
  Awesome and relaxing
For those wanting something s little different with an element of boutique, this is it. Just 4 rooms at this resort with s shared lounge, deck and dining are make for an intimate and friendly experience. Peter is a real character and a fantastic cook steak make sure you eat in at least once. Perfect for those wanting a relaxing experience. We will be back. Highly recommended. Thanks Peter:-)

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.