Kaikoura Peninsula Retreat

Kia ora

We’re Tong and Tim, and Kaikoura Peninsula Retreat is our beloved holiday home. We visit as often as we can, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or create special memories, this is your time to unwind.

To make your stay effortless, we’ve created this guidebook. Inside, you’ll find all the essentials—from check-in details and the WiFi code to recommendations for activities and the best local dining spots. It’s all here to help you make the most of your time.

Your Hosts, Tim & Tong

Weather & Safety: All Clear

Your Essentials

Check-in
4:00 pm
Check-out
10:00 am
Emergency
111
Wi-Fi
Network KKPeninsulaHH_2G
Password welovefishing
Tap to Copy
Access
To come

Our Top Picks

BEST FREE SPOT

To come

To come
WORTH THE SPLURGE

Whale Watch Kaikoura

To come

Explore the Area

Departure

Thank you for staying with us, and we hope you enjoyed your stay. If there were any issues with your stay, please don’t hesitate to tell us, as we want to ensure we can resolve them for the next guest.

We love online reviews!

HomeAway, VRBO, and Airbnb auto sends you a review request. All you need to do is click the “leave a review” button, give us a star rating, and write a sentence or two about what you liked the best during your stay.

If you are unable to leave us 5 stars, please don’t hesitate to contact us first to let us know why – you are key to helping our next guests to have a wonderful time.

Thank you!
The Kaikoura Peninsula Retreat Team
021-356-904

Leave the beds unmade. No need to strip them.
Leave used towels in the bathroom.
Load the dishwasher and start it.
Move all furniture and items back to original locations.
Turn all heaters and heated towel rail off.
Check all doors and windows to be sure that they are locked.
Return key to lockbox.
Property Location
6 Austin Close, Kaikōura, New Zealand
Start Navigation via:
Host Support
Need help? Contact your host directly.
Please open your booking app to message.
Urgent Call
Directions

Note that we are on Austin Close, which runs off Austin Street.  You will know you have the right road if it is a cul-de-sac.

Drive out towards the end of the peninsula along Scarborough Street. Along the way, you’ll pass the cemetery on your left and the recycling centre on your right. Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views that this route offers.

When you reach Austin Street, turn left, then take the first right onto Austin Close. If you miss the turn for Austin Street, don’t worry! Continue driving, and you’ll loop around the block and eventually find another left turn into Austin Close. In fact, it’s worth taking the loop intentionally, as the views along the way are truly impressive.

House Rules

House Guide

The main living area is heated by a heat pump, which is very effective at keeping the space warm and comfortable. Each bedroom also has a small heater for added comfort. The house generally stays warm, with only the chilliest winter days occasionally feeling a bit cooler.

Important Reminders:

  • Please avoid placing anything on or against the heaters.
  • Ensure all heaters are turned off when you leave the property.
  • When switching on the heat pump, allow a couple of minutes for it to fully activate.
  • The main switch and circuit breakers are located in the hall.
  • The master switch for the hob is situated next to the microwave.
  • All switches should be turned on and ready for use when you arrive.

In case of a power cut, you’ll find a battery-powered lantern in the pantry.

You are welcome to use the computer in the study. Although it’s my previous PC from late 2022, it’s still perfectly suited for browsing the internet, watching YouTube, and playing less demanding games.

IMG20221211135356.jpg

To Turn It On:

  • Press the power button on the top left of the PC.
  • The computer is running Windows 10.
  • On the login screen, simply click on Visitor to get started.

IMG20221211135517_2.jpg

Speakers:

  • The speakers are powered by the small box on the desk.
  • Use the slider switch on the front to turn them on—the green light will indicate they are powered.
  • The volume wheel is located on top of the box for easy adjustment.

Computer 3 - Speaker switch.jpg

Monitor:

  • The power button is on the bottom edge of the screen, and it can be tricky to find.
  • Run your fingers along the bottom edge to feel the buttons—the power button is the right-most one.

Computer 4 - Monitor.jpg

 

The highchair is usually stored in the study. It’s a sturdy wooden model, though not easily adjustable. If you need to change the height of the seat or footrest, you’ll need to:

  • Loosen the screws on one side to slide them out.
  • Adjust to the desired height.
  • Ensure the screws are properly tightened afterward.

The manual and Allen key are stored in a plastic bag in the cupboard above the fridge.

The property is equipped with a continuous flow gas hot water system. This means water is heated on demand by a gas-powered heater located on the back wall of the house.

There are temperature controllers in the kitchen and bathroom where you can set the water temperature:

  • Press the Transfer button to activate that controller.
  • Use the up/down buttons to adjust the temperature.

Recommended Settings:

  • For showers: Set the temperature to 40–42°C.
  • For washing up: Set it to 55°C.

For maximum efficiency, set the controller to your desired temperature and turn the tap to full hot. This reduces gas usage by minimizing mixing with cold water.

If that feels too complicated, no worries—you can still use it like a standard hot water tap; just be aware it may use more gas.

Troubleshooting:

  • If you suddenly have no hot water, it’s often due to a power cut.
  • You can usually restart it from the bathroom controller.

Kitchen Controller

Hot water controller - bathroom.jpg

Bathroom Controller

Hot water controller - kitchen.jpg

Ask Pio / English

Kia Ora! I'm Pio. I know this property inside out.

Ask Pio / English

Kia Ora! I'm Pio. I know this property inside out.