The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands
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The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands

Traveller (108)
Room with a view
Room & Suite (24)
Infinity plunge pool
Pool & Beach (13)

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About

#1 of 3 lodges in Opua
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
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Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Business
Languages Spoken
English, Arabic, Hindi
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Non-smoking hotel
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Infinity pool
Bar / lounge
Special diet menus
Ironing service
Room features
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms

Location

State Highway 11, Opua 0241 New Zealand
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 45 out of 100
45
Kerikeri Airport
18.1 km
See all flights
Whangarei Airport

Reviews
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Traveller rating
  • 158
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Detailed Reviews
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
Urlaub142014 wrote a review Nov 2024
Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
5.0 of 5 bubbles
At the beginning of our trip to New Zealand we were lucky enough to be guests for 4 nights in this great cottage. From the road the very well maintained complex is not visible, and even if you have mastered the quite narrow driveway, you have no idea from the outside how spectacular the house is from the inside.
A total of 4 rooms offer magnificent, breathtaking views of the bay and an infinity pool highlights the uniqueness of the house. The bathroom floor is heated, and in the room itself a mobile radiator provides warmth on cold nights. We enjoyed the tranquility, were able to recover from jet lag and used the many tips of our hostess to explore the Bay of Islands.
The breakfast offer we found good and the wine and the other drinks at the expense of the house we greatly appreciated.
Of particular note is the kindness of Glennis, who has been running the house with a lot of passion for many years together with her husband. Now it is for sale and it remains to be hoped that a new owner will keep this gem alive.
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dibden wrote a review Mar 2024
Blackburn, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We arrived after a long drive to be welcomed by Glennis who showed us to our luxurious rooms with fantastic views. Minutes later we were relaxing in the small but perfectly formed infinity pool with a complimentary drink from the oft-replenished room fridges. Glennis and her husband Dave were perfect hosts, happy to provide information about the local area and even run us to the local town Paihia (about 5 mins drive away). Breakfast was good and extensive, beds comfortable and the setting and accommodation first rate.
Do walk down to Opua Cruising Club, good cheap drinks and food on the quayside. Race nights are busy and the local welcoming.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol C wrote a review Dec 2022
Mississauga, Canada
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I spent three wonderful days with our hosts, Glennis and Dave at The Sanctuary. Everything was "as advertised" from the room itself to the glorious view. We were made to feel welcome from the beginning and we felt like part of the family. Breakfasts were shared with the other guests, which gave us an opportunity to share ideas about exploring the area (and Glennis had all kinds of wonderful suggestions). The highlight for us were two exceptional dinners that Glennis prepared for us. These were an added option, but worth every penny. If you let her know of any dietary requirements, she will adjust the meal according. Staying at The Sanctuary was a fabulous way to spend our anniversary.
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Date of stay: December 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: There are only 4 rooms and all are wonderful.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel805819 wrote a review Sept 2022
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I cannot explain how wonderful it was to enter this “home”. Glennis (the owner) was welcoming us and made a fantastic dinner - home cooked - and tasted like a real home cooked dinner. Rooms were very clean, super beds, bathroom with all you need and we both (mom and son - separate rooms) had rooms with a beautiful view over the hills and the bay. You do need a car to go almost anywhere, so that is recommended. We went fishing and came back with fresh fish which Glennis then cooked for us 2 days in a row. Wonder place, wonderful owner. Please just go there.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tr4vellover wrote a review Aug 2022
Auckland, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a welcoming and warm luxury experience. Glennis is a fantastic host who takes care of her guests with every comfort, wonderful breakfasts and dinners, and make you feel at home. India the cat is a cute little menace but we and she survived! This was a lovely start to our Bay of Islands holiday.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare W wrote a review Jul 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We both loved our stay at the Sanctuary and didn’t want to leave. A mid winter getaway for us and we are already planning a spring visit. The location is very quiet and peaceful. The accommodation has a calming relaxing feel about it which strikes you the moment you walk in the door. Each of the four rooms are spacious and comfortable all with a private sunny balcony and glorious views. So lovely to arrive to find a Complimentary bottle of wine and some beer in our fridge waiting for us and a great selection of teas and coffee. The communal living, dining area and balcony upstairs also has a fabulous vista of the sea and islands. With the fire roaring, plenty of cozy seating areas it made you feel like you were at home. Along with a delicious breakfast each morning Glenys provided two fabulous evening meals for us. There’s no need to go out to dine, the food at the Sanctuary is first class. Glenys’ attention to detail was evident in every aspect of our stay from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. We highly recommend this retreat.
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Date of stay: July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K&T wrote a review Sept 2021
Waipu, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Relaxing atmosphere & awesome hospitality. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. Breakfast provided each day was delicious, home made muesli & a variety of fresh fruit. Just what we like. Glenys (owner) cooked us the most delicious three course dinner on our last night, this was better than restaurant quality food. Our room had a lovely outlook & everything we needed. Immaculately clean & serviced daily. A lovely homely stay. Highly recommended & would most definitely return.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tjc143 wrote a review Mar 2020
London, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A wonderful place close to Opua and Paihia. There are very few rooms and each one is a lovely lodge feel room with balcony and spectacular views across the countryside towards the sea. The service is very friendly and informal and you are really well looked after. It’s not cheap and it’s a bit tired in places but it is relaxing if you accept it for what it is.
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Date of stay: March 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Only 4 rooms so book quickly
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HelenMN wrote a review Mar 2020
Berkhamsted, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Sanctuary is a little piece of paradise! The first thing you notice is the stunning view; the rooms are very comfortable with every thought and consideration given to the details that helped to make our stay just perfect.
Breakfast is really good with lots of choice.
Our host Glennis recommended some good local restaurants for dinner and also places to visit and things to do.
Just wish we could have stayed longer than two days!
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Date of stay: March 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JSN87 wrote a review Feb 2020
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed 3 nights at the Sanctuary. A hidden gem. Inspiring location with great views. First class hospitality from our host Glennis, who cooked us a delicious meal one evening and gave good local advice on things to do and other places to eat. A perfect start to our New Zealand adventure.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Robin C wrote a tip Feb 2023
Simcoe, Canada37 contributions16 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"willing to meet and socialize with others"
Read full review
Carol C wrote a tip Dec 2022
Mississauga, Canada16 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"There are only 4 rooms and all are wonderful."
Read full review
Diamonds2 wrote a tip Dec 2021
Northland43 contributions8 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"All rooms have fabulous views"
Read full review
tjc143 wrote a tip Mar 2020
London, United Kingdom13 contributions7 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Only 4 rooms so book quickly"
Read full review
Martin T wrote a tip Mar 2019
Ardens Grafton, United Kingdom7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"all have great views"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Opua area.
PRICE RANGE
$432 - $645 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
bay of islands hotel opua
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Bay of Islands Lodge
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandNorthland RegionBay of IslandsOpua
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE SANCTUARY @ BAY OF ISLANDS | UPDATED 2024 Lodge Reviews & Price Comparison (Opua, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands
Which popular attractions are close to The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?
Nearby attractions include Pompallier Mission and Printery (5.3 km), Waitangi Treaty Grounds (5.7 km), and Flagstaff Hill (6.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?
Conveniently located restaurants include Third Wheel Coffee Co., Terra Restaurant, and Sage @ Paroa Bay Winery.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 km away from the centre of Opua.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Arabic.
Does The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the bay view available here.
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