Trip reviews

Wave watchers is a gorgeous Bach which allows you to take in all that stunning punakaiki has to offer. Amazing views of the wild sea viewable from all rooms in the Bach & the wild native bush & cliffs from the deck. A beautiful native garden to wander. The ambience of the gas fire is lovely to enjoy. Looking forward to our next stay!

Date of arrival – 2 June 2023

Fantastic property right on the beach. Private garden/grounds and excellently appointed with everything you might need. Only 5 mins walk to Punakaiki Rocks and even closer to lovely little pub/restaurant.

This was the stand-out property from our 4 week north/south island tour and I would 100% recommend. I can’t imagine why anyone would stay in Greymouth when this jewel of a place is less than an hour’s drive along a magnificent coastline. Do however collect groceries etc. in Greymouth before you set off to the house.

Date of arrival – 13 January 2023
Joe, Australia

Hi Mike

Just a very quick thank you!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your space with us, truly spectacular! We can’t believe how well equipped the home was, it had everything we could desire!! Including a stunning sunset, cute weka & a beautiful garden.

We hope to return!!

Thanks again, we all had a brilliant time & enjoyed the space immensely.

Kind regards, Vanessa

Ps: didn’t make it to the pub, by the end of day we enjoyed your deck & a glass of wine instead!

We absolutely loved our stay at Wave Watchers Retreat. The cottage had everything we needed. And after being on a road trip, the added bonus of a washing machine. There are two ensuite rooms, but off the laundry, another toilet and shower. Very well appointed and some very lovely touches, including the bottle of wine left to watch our first sunset with. The sun dropping in to the ocean is something very special to see and photograph. We loved how close the sea was, going off to sleep with the sound of the waves, and in fact, our first night home, in our own bed, we missed the sound of the waves!!. We will return, a fantastic place to stay.

Kia ora Mike,

Our family recently stayed in your beautiful place at Punakaiki and I wanted to let you know it was such a treat. It is such a magnificent spot, and the cottage and garden are just divine, with gorgeous little touches everywhere. It was a wonderful treat for us. I do hope you can make it back here before too long.

We have just spent 3 glorious nights in this slice of paradise! The location is quite simply stunning! Our son made friends with kids from the holiday park a block away and was entertained for hours on the beach.

The gardens are so beautifully maintained and a delightful place to sit, relax and enjoy the views. The place was easily heated with the gas fire place but there are also extra heaters in each room if needed. The electric blankets were greatly appreciated as was the supplied plunger coffee and bottle of NZ wine chilling in the fridge on our arrival!

Lots of board games to keep us entertained in the evenings, along with sky TV. Beds were really comfortable and having 3 bathrooms was a real luxury for us! Great water pressure in the showers also. We cooked dinner in for two of our three nights which was incredibly easy given how well stocked the kitchen is, but we loved having the option of eating out with Punakaiki tavern only a walk away.
We highly recommend this bach and will be booking another stay here soon!

Did not want to leave. Thanks for sharing this special place.

I’ve always dreamed of a cottage by the ocean. My dream has come true. Managed beautifully. Beyond perfect. I never want to leave…

Loved hearing the ocean and even jumped in for an invigorating, morning splash.

We enjoyed our stay here, this is a nice house, we liked the Pancake Rocks

We had a great time, very stormy and sunny also. This is such a great place, we hope to come back again. Thanks. To all that follow, we hope that you have a great time too.

Thanks for a lovely stay and what a superb spot. Perfect.

Lovely, great, amazing, wonderful, exciting…It could not have been better! Many thanks for being allowed to stay in this exceptional place.

A very nice house. A magical place with beautiful views. Thanks for the wine. Thanks for everything.

Had a very nice time, was good to stay over here. Thanks for the wine, enjoyed it!
ps. Loved your music also, the Rolling Stones!

The location & views from Wave Watchers are stunning, the roaring ocean & sunsets – never seen such raw beauty & RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR!! Best of all though is the house; every little detail has been thought of and consumables are very generously provided. One of THE BEST holiday homes we’ve ever rented. Don’t hesitate to book!

Just had a fantastic two nights here with my teenage daughters.  We all loved it. The house was fantastic and the views amazing.  Will definitely be recommending this to friends and family.

We recently had the good luck to stay at this retreat.  What a treat it is.  Absolutely gorgeous 2 bedroom/3 bathroom cottage which is fully self contained.  Fantastic ambiance with a surprise fireplace.  Great comfy beds etc.  Well stocked kitchen and bathrooms, spotlessly clean.  Can’t wait to return.

Well done Wavewatchers.