Mawhiti | Stay Waiheke

Set above a quiet, privately accessed beach with uninterrupted views across the Hauraki Gulf, Mawhiti is a high end architectural home designed for privacy, space, and unhurried coastal living. Composed of connected pavilions and finished with contemporary New Zealand artworks, the home suits discerning groups who value design, outlook, and a sense of calm close to Oneroa. The space Mawhiti is an exceptional architectural home designed by Stevens Lawson Architects, arranged as a series of light-filled living pavilions linked by covered walkways and oriented toward the sea. High vaulted ceilings, natural materials, and a restrained interior palette create a calm, composed atmosphere that feels intentional and quietly luxurious. At the heart of the property is the main living pavilion. Floor-to-ceiling glass and wide sliding doors open fully to the deck, allowing the living spaces to extend outdoors and keeping the connection to the water constant throughout the day. The lounge is arranged around an open fireplace, while the chef’s kitchen is fitted with quality appliances and supported by an extended scullery that keeps preparation and storage out of sight. Multiple indoor and outdoor living areas allow guests to gather together or find quieter corners to relax. The architectural design intentionally complements the Gateway Pavilion, an architectural sculpture originally created as New Zealand’s submission to the 2012 Venice Architectural Biennale and later commissioned for Sculpture on the Gulf 2017, which the owners acquired for the property. Contemporary New Zealand art and sculpture feature throughout the home and sit naturally within the architecture. Four large, equal-sized bedrooms are positioned in their own private wings, each offering strong separation and privacy. All bedrooms feature super king beds, luxurious ensuite bathrooms, and direct outdoor access to private courtyards with sea outlooks. Morning light, sea air, and uninterrupted views define these spaces. Outdoor living is an integral part of the experience. A large entertainment deck provides space for shared meals and evening drinks, while smaller sheltered areas invite quiet moments throughout the day. The property slopes down toward a quiet, privately accessed beach below, offering a rare sense of seclusion while remaining just minutes from Oneroa’s restaurants, vineyards, and ferry. Bedroom Configuration Bedroom 1: Super-king bed + ensuite + private courtyard Bedroom 2: Super-king bed + ensuite + private courtyard Bedroom 3: Super-king bed + ensuite + private courtyard Bedroom 4: Super-King + ensuite + private courtyard Guest access Guests have full private use of the entire home, all decks and courtyards, outdoor entertaining areas, and the private path leading down toward the beach. Parking is available on site. Check in is from 2:00 pm and check out is by 10:30 am. Early check in or late check out may be available for an additional fee and will be confirmed closer to your stay. These options cannot be offered when there is a same day guest changeover. Helicopter access can be arranged on request and is subject to conditions and prior approval. Other things to note Eco design and natural cooling Mawhiti is a deliberately designed eco home and does not have air conditioning. The architecture is intended to work with the coastal environment rather than against it. During the day, the home is designed to be opened up to allow sea breezes to move through the pavilions and for warm air to escape naturally via the high ceilings and wide openings. In the evenings, we recommend closing the house at dusk. This is when mosquitoes and small insects can be more active, and closing the doors helps keep the interior comfortable. On particularly warm nights, doors can be left open if you prefer, however to minimise insects coming inside we recommend keeping interior lighting to a minimum, as lights are what tend to attract bugs. This home is best suited to guests who appreciate architectural design, natural airflow, and an indoor–outdoor style of living, rather than a sealed, air-conditioned environment. Minimum stay requirements apply. Bookings require a minimum of seven nights from Christmas to mid January, three nights on holiday weekends, and two nights at all other times. Pets are welcome on request only and must be approved prior to booking. Events are not permitted at the property. The home runs on rainwater tanks, as is standard on Waiheke Island, so guests are asked to use water thoughtfully during their stay.