You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The Lazy Sailor - slow living retreat
The Lazy Sailor is a slow-living retreat on Aotea, a Dark Sky Sanctuary, off-grid island. Enjoy the union of luxury with remote; beautiful linen, hot water and a cosy fire while listening to birdsong and the ocean lapping the shore. Magical ocean views from the deck, conquer spectacular walking tracks, dive into mermaid pools or soak in natural hot springs, just a short stroll to Okupu beach, easy living at the Lazy Sailor.
Staying at The Lazy Sailor can be a romantic getaway for two or a fun family escape for four. Two cosy rooms fitted with beautiful stonewashed 100% cotton sheets and quirky touches adding to its coastal cottage feel.
This stay is designed for off-grid island living at ease.
Our bedroom has a king bed with a large window overhead, looking onto rolling hills and a ranch slider opening to a deck with ocean views. Our second bedroom is a double bed, too boasting mountain views.
The equipped kitchen and breakfast bar allow for cooking and dining while capturing you with her magical bay view. Open plan to the a dining table, lounge and fireplace.
Flushing toilet and hot water? The Lazy Sailor has it all along with great pressure. Precious water supplied from our local creek (awa) makes for the a shower of dreams, all rather luxurious on an off-grid island.
The outdoor deck areas offer protection out back, a wonderful alfresco dining experience as well as a seated deck out front to take in the ocean views.
Wake up to tui singing in the trees and the calls of kaka flying overhead, all while immersing in the remote beauty of Aotea.
For those who crave off-grid living but enjoy the comforts of luxury, The Lazy Sailor is for you.
Our remote island is precious in so many ways and so are her resources;
The water is all sources from our local creek (awa) and makes for the most tasty drinking water you'll find around. It is very important that you are mindful with the usage of our precious water as many locals use the same creek to nourish their families.
The Lazy Sailor is completely solar charged and just like our water, our power is precious too. Useful tips we advise is only switching on lights when using that room or area and making sure everything is turned off when leaving. We advise staying away from any high power drawing appliances such as hairdryers and straighteners too. The Lazy Sailor is perfectly fit out for power but being mindful is important.
If you do have any water or power issues please reach out straight away and someone will be around to help you out.
Being on an island we recommend stocking up on supplies before heading over and don't skip travel insurance - weather can be unpredictable; flights and ferries may be cancelled. But staying a little while longer isn't always a bad thing.
The vacation home features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. The vacation home also includes a washing machine.
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What can I see close to this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Great Barrier Island within a short 4-minute walk of Blind Bay. Kaitoki Beach is also within a driving distance of 4.5 mi.
Will I be able to park at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.
Is this vacation home associated with a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What do couples enjoy most about The Lazy Sailor - slow living retreat?
Couples staying at this vacation home will value amenities like a kitchen, kitchens in some accommodations, as well as a garden.
Are there hot tubs at The Lazy Sailor - slow living retreat?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home provide breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
How close is the airport from this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Great Barrier Island (GBZ), which is 3.2 mi away (10 minutes by car).
Can I book a room with a balcony at The Lazy Sailor - slow living retreat?
Yes, every accommodation at The Lazy Sailor - slow living retreat comes with a deck with some featuring mountain or water views.
The Lazy Sailor - slow living retreat Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 1 out of 1 reviews
10 - Excellent
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Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 1 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 1 reviews
6 - Okay
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Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 1 reviews
4 - Poor
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Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 1 reviews
2 - Terrible
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10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Michael W.
Jan 25, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Ashleigh was a brilliant host. Each communication she had with us was quick, thoughtful, warm and spot on for what we needed. She is one of the best hosts we have encountered. The house has superb views of the bay and was well position to safely ride out a major storm event we got caught up in. We knew we were safe from any risk of flooding or slips.