Bachcare

An idyllic holiday home offering all the sought after rarities of the Marlborough Sounds: absolute waterfront, all-day sun, a (virtually private) safe swimming beach and quick road access from the major centres.

The location is often described as one of the best in the Marlborough Sounds. The house is surrounded by native bush and has a large flat lawn at the front (perfect to play soccer or cricket on) which slopes down to join the beach. A creek fringed by ferns and glow worms runs along the back and side of the property.

You'll be completely relaxed, sitting on the expansive deck, the water lapping in front of you, a local wine in your hand while your food cooks on the BBQ. For the ultimate romantic indulgence soak in the outdoor bath under the stars or visit our glow worm grotto along the drive.

Enjoy the landscaped native garden and the visits from tui, kereru (wood pigeon), bell birds, piwakawaka (fantail), quail, the local heron and the occasional weka. The beach provides for safe swimming, waterskiing, fishing or sailing and kayaks and dinghies can be launched from right in front of the property. There are two beaches for launching boats within 5 minutes drive, and a marina with a concrete boat ramp 20 minutes drive away in Havelock. You can watch children play on the lawn or beach from the comfort of a deckchair or just relax in the outdoor beanbags or hammock with a cold drink and one of the many books from the library.

This secluded retreat is only a 35 minute drive from Picton (along the Queen Charlotte Drive), 45 minutes from Blenheim and just over an hour from Nelson. This means that despite feeling like your own private sanctuary it is a great launching pad for exploring the Sounds as well as the wineries and restaurants of Marlborough. The Queen Charlotte track is 10 minutes drive away for great walking and mountain bike riding. At low tide, fresh oysters are 200m down the beach!

This Mahau Sound accommodation is very well appointed with all the mod-cons for gourmet chefs and for those who just want to relax. It comprises two buildings with three bedrooms; the main building sleeps 4 (one double bedroom, the other bedroom containing two single bunks). A separate sleep-out contains another double bed and two single bunks for children/teenagers.

The place is absolutely perfect as both a romantic retreat for adults or as an action-packed holiday location for one or two families. The easy accessibility, cosy wood-burner and sunny north-facing position make it an equal joy in winter and summer.The bach has been on Bachcare since 2009. Here's what the first Bachcare renters had to say: "What a wonderful spot!! Thank you so much for sharing it." (H&T, New York City, USA) and "We have fallen in love with the Marlborough Sounds, absolutely divine. Perfect bach, we love it!" (J&T, Hawkes Bay, NZ).