The Retreat Bay of Islands

Hotels
9.3 (337 reviews)
22 Paihia Road , Paihia , nz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Free beach shuttle
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Terrace
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Tour desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Amazing views
Clean and comfortable rooms
Friendly staff
Cons:
Slight street noise
Some amenities could be improved

Categories

Cleanliness
9.28
Many reviews mention the property being very clean.
Service
9.75
Reviewers consistently highlight friendly and helpful hosts.
Location
9.79
Guests praise the great location and views.
Room Quality
9.24
Apartments are described as very comfortable.
Amenities
9.07
Basic amenities provided, some mention improvements needed.
Value for Money
8.73
Considered worth the price for the views and comfort.
Food and Beverage
8.78
Nothing specific mentioned, considered standard quality for this hotel tier.
Overall Experience
9.75
Overall positive experience with many wanting to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 04:44

Property Description

Breathtaking Views and Comfortable Stay

Luxurious Accommodations: Enjoy stunning sea views from your private balcony in our self-contained studios and apartments, complete with a cozy lounge area and modern amenities.

Convenient Facilities: Take advantage of our tour booking desk, secure parking for your car and boat, and shared BBQ facilities for a delightful outdoor dining experience.

Prime Location: Nestled overlooking the Bay of Islands, just a short drive from Paihia center and nearby attractions like Haruru Falls and Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Experience a relaxing getaway at The Retreat Paihia - book now for an unforgettable stay!

Important information:

If you expect to arrive outside reception opening hours, please inform The Retreat in advance, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.

Please note, the cooking of odoriferous foods is not permitted in the rooms. If the room is unable to be occupied by subsequent guests due to cooking odors guests may incur a charge. Please use the designated BBQ area.

Please note that this property is strictly nonsmoking. If evidence of smoking is found in the rooms, an additional cleaning fee may apply.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 16 years old stay for NZD 60 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for NZD 60 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9.3
Based on 337 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.28
Service: 9.75
Location: 9.79
Room Quality: 9.24
Amenities: 9.07
Value for Money: 8.73
Food and Beverage: 8.78
Overall Experience: 9.75
L
Linda • couple • gb
7
Superb views close to Paihia
Pros:

The view down the bay toward Paihia and Russell is fantastic. The balcony overlooking it is great. We were upgraded so we had plenty of space with our own cabin and parking. Marcel and Jo were great. Marcel gave us a lot of info on restaurants and free places to park.

Cons:

Bathroom and kitchen is a little dated although all were clean and well stocked. It’s been a while that we’ve had separate hot and cold taps.

2026-04-04 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • couple • gb
10
2026-04-03 • via Nuitee
D
Donald • couple • us
9
Exceeded our expectations
Pros:

Views from the room were stunning. Quite and clean. The owner/manger Marcel was a very helpful and friendly.

Cons:

Drive from the main road was interesting. Up a hill on a narrow drive. Google Maps did not properly locate the address. We drove by the entrance the first time having missed the sign on the road.

2026-04-02 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • au
9
2026-04-01 • via Nuitee
A
Angela • couple • au
8
2026-03-30 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • au
8
Very friendly welcome by Marcel and the interactions with family and Jo were all friendly and casual
Pros:

Very Clean and Tidy, Great location with an excellent view. Towels and Sheets were top grade and plenty of towels for swimming.
Upgrade was really appreciated and accommodated our visitor.
highly recommended - a week was not long enough.

Cons:

Nothing significant - a bit of updating and the shower head a bit low for people over 1.85m

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
D
Darel • couple • au
10
2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
R
Rodney • couple • au
9
A most enjoyable 3-day stay, great location & views, and wonderful hosts.
Pros:

We loved the location and the outlook over bush-clad slopes to the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands (especially from the total wall of glass along the seaward side of the premises, and from the long deck with chairs to relax in).
Our hosts (Marcel & Jo) were ultra friendly and full of wholesome advice, such as tourist attractions and dining venues in the area.
Overall a very comfortable and enjoyable 3-day stay, and we are anxious to return on our next visit to Northland.

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • couple • au
9
very relaxing and laid back
Pros:

great view, quiet location, very pleasant stay

Cons:

wetaher was a bit cool

2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
J
John • extended_group • nz
7
Nice place
Pros:

Awesome location and view

Cons:

Needs some way of cooling the rooms.. opening the windows isn't an option due to mosquitoes

2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
F
Friedrich • couple • my
9
Pros:

The place is quiet and peaceful. The room was large with all utensils required. Very close to Paihia. The owners were very friendly, helpful and accommodating. They also gave us a room upgrade, which we truly appreciated. We have only positive points to tell and honestly recommend this place.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-15 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • couple • fr
10
2026-03-12 • via Nuitee
G
Gila • solo_traveller • ch
10
Pros:

The most beautiful view one can imagine and incredibly lovely and helpful hosts

2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
P
Pearl • couple • nz
8
2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
M
Manfred • couple • de
9
Great place to stay a few days.
Pros:

Luckily we had 3 nights in this nice place. We were received very friendly and felt good right away. Good to discover the area. Would have been a pity to stay shorter.
And the place itself needs to be enjoyed .

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
D
Dorit • couple • il
9
2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
H
Heather • couple • gb
8
2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
M
Margaret • couple • au
1
Didn’t stay went elsewhere to better facilitaties lost half our stay but the next place was so much better.
Pros:

Jo

Cons:

The fact that they wanted to charge more.
Not value for money no power on check in.
Old facilities bathroom not up to standard.
Too far from the township.

2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • couple • au
9
Fantastic hosts who were very helpful and knowledgeable about the surrounding areas
Pros:

Up high for a great view across the bay and away from road noise

Cons:

The walls are a little thin where you could hear doors opening / shutting and muffled voices.

2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
N
Nina • solo_traveller • ch
10
2026-03-06 • via Nuitee