Review: A romantic Airbnb on Waiheke Island the perfect couples getaway

Stephanie Holmes stays at Moana Vista Cottage, a cute and cosy Airbnb in Waiheke’s Oneroa.

Location: Queen’s Drive, on the hill overlooking Oneroa and Hekerua Bay.

Style: Country cottage heritage bach.

Perfect for: A romantic getaway for two, with views to marvel at.

Price: From $204 per night, bookable via Airbnb.

Getting there: Buses run from Matiatia ferry terminal and there’s a bus stop at the end of the road. From there it’s a short walk to the cottage, which is an original Kiwi bach, set back from the owner’s more modern house at the front of the property.

First impressions: The cottage is situated among beautifully tended tiered gardens. It’s a compact space inside but the deck gives all the sense of space you need – with 180 views of Oneroa Beach and the overlooking headland, Hekerua Bay, and as far out to Rakino, Tiritiri Matangi, Motutapu and Rangitoto.

Rooms: One living space, one bedroom and one bathroom provides enough room for two. The living room has a small sofa, dining table, kitchenette with microwave, small fridge and double induction hob. The bedroom has a very comfortable bed with a whimsical sheer linen canopy, which adds to the romantic ambience.

On the walls you’ll find vintage black-and-white photos from Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, showing Waiheke’s beaches, Auckland’s Queens Wharf, and Northland Kauri logging.

There’s a TV with terrestrial channels, but why watch the box when you can enjoy that view?

Bathroom: The step-in shower has good pressure. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and insect repellent are all provided. Kiwiana prints decorate the wall of gumboots, jandals and a Kingswood car.

Food and drink: A bottle of sparkling wine and two Ferrero Rocher were provided on arrival. If you want to self-cater, as well as the hob, there’s a barbecue on the deck. Or take a short walk down the bush track to Little Oneroa and get excellent takeaway pizza from Dragon Fired.

Facilities: Free, high-speed wi-fi.

In the neighbourhood: The cottage is set away from bustling Oneroa, but it’s close to bus stops and walking tracks. We hired e-bikes from Waiheke Bike Shop – they dropped the bikes off to us and we spent a day whizzing our way around the island, visiting wineries, breweries and beaches.

Family friendly: There’s only space for one couple.

Accessibility: There’s a series of steps to reach the cottage and it’s very compact inside so not suitable for wheelchair users.

Sustainability: Limited water use is encouraged. No single-use plastics. Ecostore dishwashing liquid provided.

Contact: airbnb.co.nz/rooms/9926735

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