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- SQM 80
- Pool
COVID19
The Auckland region (including Great Barrier Island) has moved to Alert Level 3 until midnight Wednesday 26 August. At this stage, XSPOT is closed until 27 August. Please do give us a ring for an update. You can find the most up to date information on the Unite Against COVID-19 website.
Solitude is made of this....
This modern self-contained apartment provides awe-inspiring panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf and is part of a comfortable eco-house mainly run on solar- and wood power. In 2013 it was awarded the Bookabach New Zealand's Gold Winner Golden Piwa BEST IN ECO-FRIENDLY!
The comfortable apartment is semi-hosted:
We live next door and are keeping an eye on the power system. We also know the island well and are very happy to give suggestions or advice on things to do and places to eat. The apartment itself is self-contained, it has it's own entry and is fully self-catering.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge freezer, a gas stove and oven and a wood stove and oven, so that you can take your pick. For outside cooks, there is a BBQ available on request.
You really do need a 4WD as the XSPOT is situated north of Schooner Bay, 8 kms by road to Tryphena, 11 kms to Tryphena Wharf and 17 kms from the airport in Claris, on Great Barrier Island. From Tryphena, the roads are mostly unsealed, and in part steep. On arrival, you will realise how special the XSPOT is... Remote luxury is rare.
Expect sweeping 270 degree panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf. Whether you are honeymooning, celebrating your anniversary or just having a break to recharge, once you walk into your apartment, you'll become part of the expansive vista. The spacious and comfy couch is yours for the duration, and gazing out over the ever-changing scenery is a favourite activity. And once you have taken in the view, don't forget to listen to the waves breaking on the rocks below.
Minimum stay is two nights.
There is a shared unheated swimming pool with a view
is available for a splash in summer and the large sun deck with picnic table is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for stargazing, or other astronomic activities.
A set of quality binoculars can be used to keep an eye on frolicking dolphins, whales working schools of fish, graciously gliding gannets and on cray fisherman checking their pots. You may occasionally have to check that your book is still in your lap and that your drink is still at hand, but you may completely forget about them, too.
Good Heavens Dark Sky Experience
Hilde is part of the Good Heavens team and she can provide a private dark sky experience on site. Go to www.goodheavens.co.nz to book your experience.
Tourist information available.
If you want to explore the island, there are tourist maps available, books with info on the island, but also other books, in Dutch and German also, please ask.
The apartment has a spacious bedroom with ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin and is also provided with a walk-in wardrobe, so that you can store your luggage out of the way. Towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided.
Again, access is 4WD only: our access road is not sealed and steep! Bring your own 4WD car on the ferry or rent one through Aotea Rentals, Airport Rentals or Claris Rentals.
Travel to the Barrier by Sealink ferry, Barrier Air or FlyMySky
Helicopter landing available close by. Please enquire.
1 Bathroom, 1 Bedroom, 1 Kitchen
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Sleeping1 Double bed
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Heating/CoolingFireplace, Wood/Tiled stove
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OutsidePrivate Balcony
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EntertainmentBroadband Internet
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SanitaryTowel-set
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1 Bathroom, 1 Bedroom, 1 Kitchen
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Spa & GymUnheated Outdoor swimming pool (Shared)
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OutsidePrivate Garden
2:00 PM
11:00 AM
421 Schooner Bay Road, Tryphena Great Barrier Island, Great Barrier Island, 0991, New Zealand
ROUTE DESCRIPTION XSPOT
Our address is 421 Schooner Bay Rd, Tryphena. Ph. 09 4290876
Route description:
When you drive away from the airport, turn left, toward Tryphena. Follow the main road for several kms, past Oceanview Rd, Sugarloaf Rd left, with the quarry on you right and Medland’s Beach on your left. Carry on over Medland’s Hill. (On top of the hill there is a place to stop and do a quick 30 min return walk (Station Rock) with great views over Tryphena). Continue down the windy road into the Tryphena catchment, and at the bottom, at the T-crossing, turn right,* leaving the Tryphena Hall with it’s beautiful mosaic, on your right, onto Puriri Bay Road.
Follow this coastal road for another 2 to 3 kms. You’ll pass Bob ‘n Tipi’s Waterfront lodge on your right.
When the road turns land inward, turn right around the puriri tree following the main road (don’t go over the little bridge towards Paddles and Saddles) and drive past the Elephant Gallery on your left. 100m further, take your first left over the bridge, onto Schooner Bay Rd. Follow Schooner Bay Rd until you get to Schooner Bay (you’ll pass Maungatawhiri Rd with the bus stop at the corner on your right and 100 m further Te Rangatawhiri Rd on your left as the road gradually descends into Schooner Bay, a rocky bay).
In Schooner Bay, go straight over the bridge, up a steep concrete patch and past the Black Cow Gallery. Follow the road for another 200m or so and turn right at the 4WD sign. Then follow the road for another 2 kms to the turn off to the XSPOT. (After a paddock with a flash wooden fence and then a rocked driveway, both on your left, it’s the next driveway on your left, with a white XSPOT sign which you can see from the main road).
Follow this driveway down till you come to an open gate and another XSPOT sign. Turn right before the gate, follow the road down and you will arrive at your destination after another 600m.
See you at the XSPOT! J
When coming from Tryphena Wharf, follow the coastal road through Tryphena and follow the route description from here.
External certificate
When I came to Great Barrier in 1999, I fell in love with the island and with Roger, so I decided to stay. Great Barrier is a stunningly differently place, because of its spectacular natural environment, its superbly dark skies and because it's off the grid. Both Roger and I know the island well, so please do ask if you would like some tips on things to do.
We enjoy sharing our slice of paradise and are looking forward to have you stay.
