Woodpecker Bay Bach - life on the edge.
Perched dramatically on the rocky edge of the South Island, Woodpecker Bay Bach offers a memorable escape. This historic bach sits right beside the crashing waves. Perfect for couples seeking a unique digital detox, the property combines character with modern conveniences like wireless internet, Netflix, and Bluetooth speakers. Every booking also contributes to protecting native wildlife, with a portion of your stay donated directly to the West Coast Penguin Trust.
Inside, the open-plan studio layout transports you back to simpler times with a collection of historic treasures. Classic landscape paintings cover the walls, creating a warm gallery atmosphere. A comfortable queen bed faces the living area, which features a cosy sofa and a traditional wood burner. The dining table view offers a front-row seat to dramatic rolling swells.
The self-contained space includes a rustic kitchen equipped with a gas stove, microwave, and essential cookware for preparing meals. One of the highlights: a clawfoot bath sits directly against a picture window. You can enjoy a hot soak while watching waves crash over the rocky shore below. Please note that the flush toilet is situated just outside, accessed via a short garden path.
To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should come fully prepared for a secluded experience. The nearest shops are a 30-minute drive away in Westport, so please bring all food and supplies with you. The water is sourced from collected rainwater and a local waterfall, which can sometimes have a natural amber tint from organic tannins. While safe to use, you are welcome to bring bottled water for drinking.
Guests enjoy exclusive access to the entire property. Located on the scenic Coast Road between Punakaiki and Westport, you are perfectly positioned to explore the wild shoreline. After a day of exploring local walking tracks, return to your private sanctuary to watch the sunset over the Tasman Sea.
Kitchen & Dining
Prepare meals in the rustic kitchen, which includes a gas hob, electric oven, large fridge and a microwave. When it is time to eat, the retro dining table for two offers front-row views of the crashing surf.
Bedrooms
The bach features an open-plan layout containing a queen bed. This sleeping space integrates with the main living area, allowing you to wake up to coastal vistas.
Bathrooms
The large clawfoot bath is positioned perfectly to soak up views of the crashing waves onto the rocks below, and a great shower is also provided next to the bath. Note that the flush toilet is located outside, accessed by a short garden path; it has the best ocean view!
Outdoor Areas
The property is surrounded by wild greenery and dramatic rock formations. A wooden bench sits outside, offering a quiet spot to watch the sun set over the water. A gravel path winds through flax bushes to the external (flush) toilet.
Entertainment
For quiet evenings, the living area offers a television equipped with Netflix streaming. You can also listen to music using the Bluetooth speaker or browse the selection of books stacked on the wall shelves.
Nearby
Perched right on the coast, you are just a 15-minute drive from The Pancake Rocks and the Truman Track at Punakaiki. Fox River is just down the road with the Sunday Markets (in Summer) and good surfing all year round.
Luxury Amenities
A wood burner provides warmth and cosy comfort during cooler days. The standout feature is the clawfoot bath, where you can soak while watching waves crash on the rocks. Free wireless internet is also provided to keep you connected.
House Rules
Sorry – strictly no pets allowed due to conservation land lease.
Upon check-out: Please do your dishes and leave the bach tidy – we will do the rest.
Linen & towels provided – the bed will be made ready for your arrival.
Smoking outside only – please use ashtrays provided.
Outside (flush) toilet via a short garden path- mind your step at night, use torches provided.
Before you leave
Please do your dishes & leave the bach tidy, we will do the rest – we strip the bed.
Safety Features
Smoke alarm, CO2 alarm, first aid kit.
Booking Cancellation Policy
Guests may cancel their booking up to 30 full days before check-in to receive a full refund of the booking amount. Cancellations made less than 30 full days before check-in are non-refundable. The 3% bank payment fee is non-refundable in all cases.