Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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
The Sanctuary @ Bay of Islands
178 reviews
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.
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
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.
Read more
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.
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.
Read more
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.
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.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
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.
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.
Read more
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.
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.
Read more
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.
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.
Read more
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.
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.
Read more
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.
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.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
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!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
Location
Service
Sleep 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.
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.
Read more
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.
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.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.