Moon Gate Villa
Kerikeri, Bay of Islands
Award-winning B&B
Moon Gate Villa nestles amongst tropical foliage within one-and-a-half acres of formal gardens. It reflects Kerikeri's history of abundant fruit orchards and market gardens. Within walking distance are stalls selling local produce, markets, wineries, and delightful restaurants.
Your host Lionel is New Zealand Maori. He and partner Rob will ensure you will have a unique experience of traditional hospitality – Manaakitanga. Learn a little te reo Maori over breakfast!
Located in the heart of the Bay of Islands, close to traditional water attractions as well as spectacular Kauri forests and important cultural and historic sites. Northland’s famous beaches are located north on the ‘Hidden Harbours’ scenic drive, where you can find a white sand beach all to yourself. Excursions to Cape Reinga, the top of New Zealand, and over to the Hokianga Harbour and Waipoua Forest are easy day trips. Many organised day tours will collect guests directly from the property. Moon Gate Villa is ideal for travellers seeking tranquil accommodation with nearby quality restaurants, wineries, artisan crafts and arts.
The villa was commissioned by one of New Zealand’s most successful romance novelists. It was designed by renowned European architect Martin Evans in the shape of Cupid’s bow and arrow, and faces north into the spacious gardens.
1.5 acre formal gardens were designed to complement the graceful ‘bow and arrow’ shape of the main villa, and have featured in architectural magazines and garden shows since their design in 1990. The lush lawns divide the gardens into distinct rooms and destinations, each with their own theme: tropical, native New Zealand, bromeliad and European. The interior atrium garden features a flowing stream, waterfall, and Maori taonga.
Accommodation
Each suite has internal entrances as well as outdoor access that spill out into the gardens and private relaxation spaces to enjoy. The solar-heated ‘lagoon’ pool is surrounded by lush, tropical trees and plants; popular with guests to relax and enjoy a dip and cool drink during the warmer months
All suites offer:
- Super King beds
- Full air-conditioning
- Spacious indoor & outdoor sitting and dining areas
- Private ensuite bathrooms with walk-in shower, heated towel rails
- Luxury towels and additional beach/swimming towels, bath robes, hairdryer, handmade soaps, Bird & Forest eco amenities
- Espresso coffee & tea making facilities. Mini fridge, microwave and cutlery.
- Iron and ironing board.
- Large flat-screen TVs with surround sound, complimentary movie streaming and dedicated high-speed WiFi
- In-room telephone for contacting the hosts, with complimentary phone calls within New Zealand
- Daily room servicing. Evening turn-down service (Villa rooms only)
Each guest bedroom suite is unique.
- The Writer’s Retreat was the original master bedroom in the main villa and the romance novelist’s writing room. Overlooking the terrace pond, garden lawns, it offers a full-sized marble bathroom with a deep soaker bath and separate shower.
- Cupid’s Curl is also a spacious villa suite and delights guests with wrap around windows overlooking a private zen and secret garden, surrounded by graceful ferns and colourful foliage. This suite may also accommodate a third guest in a king single bed.
- The Orchard Cottage, part of the original orange orchard, is located a short distance from the main villa. Overlooking a private corner of the gardens, adjacent to the tropical pergola and garden swing. Fully equipped with a kitchenette for preparing light meals, it is perfect for guests looking for longer stays.
Meals
- A superb fresh fruit buffet, freshly prepared baking & cereals, and cooked-to-order breakfast is available to all guests.
- A full cooked-to-order and buffet breakfast is offered to guests staying in the villa suites.
- A breakfast basket is prepared to order nightly for cottage guests, who also have the option to join the villa guests for a hot breakfast on request.
- All rooms are equipped with plates and cutlery, microwave ovens, refrigerators, kettles, Nespresso machines, quality tea and coffee provisions.
- Evening dining is available, and must be organised when booking, along with any dietary requests.
- Excellent restaurants nearby. Several offer takeaway and delivery. Ask your hosts for recommendations or to make bookings.
Facilities
- Solar-heated lagoon pool, open to all guests from September to May.
- Dedicated guest lounge and garden terrace with games, books and magazines
- Daily advice on tours, and tour booking
- Secure, off-street guest parking
- A same-day guest laundry service
Price: $350 to $450
ROOMS 3 | MAX GUESTS 7
Directions
By air:
Fly to the Bay of Islands Airport, only 4 minutes’ drive from the airport. Transfers are complementary according to your check-in times.
By car:
Driving from Auckland on SH1 and SH10 (Twin Coast Discovery Route) we are only 3 minutes from the turn off into Kerikeri township, with our property entrance located on Kerikeri Road.
Terms
CHILD POLICY Children over 14 are welcome. Children 6-13 years are welcome when a family books both villa rooms. (conditions apply)
CHECK-IN 3pm | CHECK-OUT 11am
Guaranteed early or late check-in or check-out is available for 50% of the room rate.
CANCELLATION 7 days 30% | 3 days 100%
SEASON Open year round.
- Lionel Chambers
- T +64 9 929 5921 / M: 022 079 0210 / FP: 0800 003 550
- W moongatevilla.com
- E
462 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
Recommendations:
The Bay of Islands is considered the cradle of New Zealand’s history, and Maori culture. Bathe in 800-year-old hot springs, experience a traditional Powhiri at Waitangi Treaty grounds. Explore the local walking trails, mighty kauri trees, deserted beaches, world-famous golf courses, wineries, cafés and bustling arts & crafts market.
Local Area
- Kororipo Heritage Park with New Zealand’s oldest historic buildings (Stone Store, Mission House, and Te Ahurea a recreation of the original Maori fishing village - 6-minute drive
- Rainbow Falls walking track, along with Wharepuka, Te Wairere & ‘secret’ waterfall walking tracks offer a delightful 5 waterfalls visits. - 6-minute drive
- The iconic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Paihia wharf for bay tours. - 20-minute drive
- Guests looking for golf challenges are spoilt for choice! World-famous Kauri Cliffs is a 25-minute drive, but even closer are the Bay of Islands championship and Waitangi public golf courses, the latter with spectacular coastal views
- Vineyards offering regionally unique varieties within a 10-minute drive, and a winery/restaurant within walking distance.
- Puketi kauri forests offer short and day-long nature walks – 25-minute drive
- The Old Packhouse Markets are a 4-minute walk: a unique local experience on the weekends, as well as a café, food, craft beer and local wines on weekend nights during the warmer months. – 4-minute walk
- Makana chocolate factory and Kauri crafts workshop offer local produce and crafts – 4-minute walk
- Kerikeri town centre is a 3-minute drive and the Kerikeri (Bay of Islands) Airport - 4-minute drive