Summary:
Set above a quiet, privately accessed beach with uninterrupted views across the Hauraki Gulf, Mawhiti is a high end architectural home designed for privacy, space, and unhurried coastal living. Composed of connected pavilions and finished with contemporary New Zealand artworks, the home suits discerning groups who value design, outlook, and a sense of calm close to Oneroa.
The Space:
Mawhiti is an exceptional architectural home designed by Stevens Lawson Architects, arranged as a series of light-filled living pavilions linked by covered walkways and oriented toward the sea. High vaulted ceilings, natural materials, and a restrained interior palette create a calm, composed atmosphere that feels intentional and quietly luxurious.
At the heart of the property is the main living pavilion. Floor-to-ceiling glass and wide sliding doors open fully to the deck, allowing the living spaces to extend outdoors and keeping the connection to the water constant throughout the day. The lounge is arranged around an open fireplace, while the chef’s kitchen is fitted with quality appliances and supported by an extended scullery that keeps preparation and storage out of sight. Multiple indoor and outdoor living areas allow guests to gather together or find quieter corners to relax.
The architectural design intentionally complements the Gateway Pavilion, an architectural sculpture originally created as New Zealand’s submission to the 2012 Venice Architectural Biennale and later commissioned for Sculpture on the Gulf 2017, which the owners acquired for the property. Contemporary New Zealand art and sculpture feature throughout the home and sit naturally within the architecture.
Four large, equal-sized bedrooms are positioned in their own private wings, each offering strong separation and privacy. All bedrooms feature super king beds, luxurious ensuite bathrooms, and direct outdoor access to private courtyards with sea outlooks. Morning light, sea air, and uninterrupted views define these spaces.
Outdoor living is an integral part of the experience. A large entertainment deck provides space for shared meals and evening drinks, while smaller sheltered areas invite quiet moments throughout the day. The property slopes down toward a quiet, privately accessed beach below, offering a rare sense of seclusion while remaining just minutes from Oneroa’s restaurants, vineyards, and ferry.
Bedroom Configuration
Bedroom 1: Super-king bed + ensuite + private courtyard
Bedroom 2: Super-king bed + ensuite + private courtyard
Bedroom 3: Super-king bed + ensuite + private courtyard
Bedroom 4: Super-King + ensuite + private courtyard
Guest Access:
Guests have full private use of the entire home, all decks and courtyards, outdoor entertaining areas, and the private path leading down toward the beach. Parking is available on site.
Check in is from 2:00 pm and check out is by 10:30 am. Early check in or late check out may be available for an additional fee and will be confirmed closer to your stay. These options cannot be offered when there is a same day guest changeover.
Helicopter access can be arranged on request and is subject to conditions and prior approval.
The Neighborhood:
Mawhiti sits just a few minutes from Oneroa Village, offering a rare balance of seclusion and convenience. Oneroa is the island’s main village hub, home to cafés, galleries, boutiques, and essential services, all set along the curve of the bay.
For breakfast or coffee, Wai Kitchen is a long standing favourite with views over the water, while Akito offers refined, plant focused dishes and excellent coffee. Solar Eating House is a relaxed daytime option with a sunny garden setting well suited to slow lunches.
Evenings are easily spent close by. The Oyster Inn is known for polished coastal cooking and a relaxed dining room overlooking the bay, while Fenice offers classic Italian dishes in a comfortable, unfussy setting.
For vineyard dining, Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant and Cable Bay are both a short drive away and are well regarded for long lunches, tastings, and harbour views. For something more casual, The Heke provides relaxed food, craft beer, and an open garden atmosphere.
Despite the privacy of the setting, beaches, village dining, vineyards, and ferry connections are all close, making it easy to explore during the day and return to the quiet of the property in the evening.
Getting Around:
The closest bus services run through Oneroa Village and connect to the Matiatia passenger ferry, Palm Beach, Onetangi, and the island’s main vineyard routes. Buses stop near most major wineries, including The Heke, making it possible to explore without driving.
For guests with a vehicle, parking is available at the property and access to Oneroa and the island’s main routes is straightforward. Taxis, private drivers, hire cars, e bikes, and scooters are all available on the island.
Other Things to Note:
Eco design and natural cooling
Mawhiti is a deliberately designed eco home and does not have air conditioning but does have a Dyson Hot + Cool fan in each room and an indoor wood fireplace for use in winter. The architecture is intended to work with the coastal environment rather than against it. During the day, the home is designed to be opened up to allow sea breezes to move through the pavilions and for warm air to escape naturally via the high ceilings and wide openings.
In the evenings, we recommend closing the house at dusk. This is when mosquitoes and small insects can be more active, and closing the doors helps keep the interior comfortable. On particularly warm nights, doors can be left open if you prefer, however to minimise insects coming inside we recommend keeping interior lighting to a minimum, as lights are what tend to attract bugs.
This home is best suited to guests who appreciate architectural design, natural airflow, and an indoor–outdoor style of living, rather than a sealed, air-conditioned environment.
Minimum stay requirements apply. Bookings require a minimum of seven nights from Christmas to mid January, three nights on holiday weekends, and two nights at all other times.
Pets are welcome on request only and must be approved prior to booking.
Events are not permitted at the property.
The home runs on rainwater tanks, as is standard on Waiheke Island, so guests are asked to use water thoughtfully during their stay.
Interaction with Guests:
Our team is available seven days a week from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with after hours support for urgent matters. In the event of a life threatening emergency or urgent property issue such as fire or medical emergency, please call 111 immediately. For other urgent concerns outside business hours, please use the after hours contact number provided in your check in information.
