Book from $395 p/n
Private Glamping on Ōhiwa Harbour
Seaside Escape is a private couples’ glamping retreat overlooking Ōhiwa Harbour, 15 minutes from Ōhope Beach, with a private outdoor bath and sweeping harbour views, set within its own secluded valley.
Step onto the covered deck, breathe in the fresh sea air and settle into a peaceful nature escape created for two. Loved by guests for its privacy, native birdlife and tranquillity, Seaside Escape is ideal for romantic weekends, birthdays, anniversaries and relaxed time together.
Escape the city, settle into the rhythm of the tides and leave the usual routine behind.
Meet Seaside Escape
Seaside Escape is a peaceful timber glamping retreat designed for slow, comfortable days by the harbour. Warm natural interiors, wide views and thoughtful details create a calm space for sleeping, relaxing, dining and simply enjoying time together.
Step onto the covered deck for morning light, birdsong and harbour views, or settle inside beside the wood burner with a book, game or favourite music. Outside, native birds move through the landscape while the changing tides create a different view throughout the day.
Glamping for Two
Seaside Escape is for couples who value privacy, nature and uninterrupted time together. With peaceful views across Ōhiwa Harbour, a private outdoor bath and quiet spaces to relax, it is an ideal setting for romantic weekends, birthdays, anniversaries or simply a restful escape for two.
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Why Guests Love Seaside Escape
Seaside Escape is a favourite for birthdays, anniversaries, romantic weekends, or simply a few peaceful days away together. Guests often describe their stay as private, restorative, and beautifully connected to nature. They love waking to birdsong and harbour views, soaking in the outdoor bath beneath the stars, kayaking or wandering beside the water, and settling beside the wood burner as evening falls. With few distractions, Seaside Escape offers couples the rare chance to slow down, enjoy uninterrupted time together, and return home feeling genuinely refreshed.
Things to Do at Escape
There is plenty to enjoy at Seaside Escape, along with plenty of time to simply relax and unwind. Here are a few favourite ways guests make the most of their stay.
- Soak in the Private Outdoor Bath.
- Kayak, go Fishing, or Swim in Ōhiwa Harbour at high tide.
- Walk beside Ōhiwa harbour at low tide.
- Enjoy a great selection of Board Games and Books.
- Watch Native Birds and listen to the birdsong.
- Enjoy gentle Yoga on the covered deck.
- Relax in the comfortable Deck Chairs with Harbour views.
- Connect to the Bluetooth Speaker and play your favourite music.
- Slow down and watch the changing tide.
Slow Harbour Walks
Eating & Dining
Seaside Escape is set up for relaxed self-catering, with a covered outdoor kitchen, double gas ring, full-sized fridge and freezer, microwave, cookware, crockery, utensils, pantry basics, tea, coffee, milk and a coffee plunger.
Bring your favourite ingredients and enjoy a slow breakfast or evening meal on the deck, looking out towards Ōhiwa Harbour as the light and tide begin to change.
Ōhope and Whakatāne also offer cafés, restaurants and food stores when you feel like heading out or picking up supplies. See our FAQ below for more details about the kitchen and what is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seaside Escape
If you’re considering a romantic getaway at Wainui Seaside Glamping, these frequently asked questions will help you decide between Seaside Escape or Barnie for your stay.
The Home and Contact pages provide answers to common questions to help plan your stay.
What makes Seaside Escape a unique romantic getaway?
Seaside Escape is a cosy cottage hideaway for couples, with sweeping views across Ōhiwa Harbour towards Ōhope Beach. Nestled within a valley of native bush and surrounded by birdsong, it offers couples a peaceful place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy uninterrupted time together.
Guests can walk and explore the harbour’s edge, kayak, swim, or fish, then return to the outdoor bath and cosy atmosphere made for slow mornings and starry evenings. It’ a magical choice for a romantic weekend, anniversary, birthday celebration, or simply a restorative few days away from everyday routines.
Guest review - J. Lochhead, March 2026
“A magical escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Felt deeply relaxed and restored from our short time there.”
What do guests love most about Seaside Escape?
Guest reviews consistently highlight seven qualities that make Seaside Escape memorable:
- A high level of privacy.
- Peaceful surroundings and abundant birdsong.
- Expansive harbour and nature views.
- A comfortable, thoughtfully designed retreat.
- Warm and welcoming hosts.
- A restorative sense of being away from everyday life.
- Easy access to activities around Ōhope Beach and Whakatāne.
Together, these qualities make Seaside Escape a natural choice for couples celebrating a quiet birthday, anniversary, romantic getaway, or simply a few peaceful days together.
Guest review - S. Rabbidge, February 2026
“Aleisha and Tony are very welcoming hosts, and it is an idyllic place to rest and recharge, with everything we could have wanted there. ”
How many people can stay at Seaside Escape?
Seaside Escape is a private couples’ retreat, for a maximum of two adults sharing a queen-sized bed.
Its layout and private setting are ideal for couples seeking privacy and tranquility.
Guest review - R. Macdonald, July 2026
“Amazing weekend away, beautiful spot. Great host and highly recommended.”
Can we bring a dog to Seaside Escape?
No, Barnie is the best option for couples wanting to bring their dog on holiday.
Learn more about dog-friendly Barnie.
Does Seaside Escape have its own outdoor bath?
Yes, Seaside Escape has a private outdoor bath positioned on the deck, with sweeping views across Ōhiwa Harbour towards Ōhope Beach.
It also has a separate bathroom cabin with a shower, hand basin, and a high-quality Swedish composting toilet. The toilet is simple to use, freshly prepared for every stay, and reflects Wainui Seaside Glamping’s thoughtful, eco-conscious approach.
Is Seaside Escape warm in winter and what heating is available?
Yes, Seaside Escape has an indoor wood burner that keeps the cottage warm and cosy during the cooler months while adding a lovely atmosphere to winter stays. Plenty of extra blankets are also provided for added comfort.
Warm layers and practical footwear are helpful for enjoying the harbour walks, outdoor spaces, and starry evenings during cooler weather.
What cooking facilities are provided at Seaside Escape?
Seaside Escape has a separate rustic kitchenette with a full-sized fridge and freezer, microwave, food-preparation space, crockery, glassware, and cooking utensils.
Outside, the covered cooking area includes two gas rings and a sheltered bench for preparing simple, relaxed meals.
Pantry basics such as oil, salt, pepper, tea, plunger coffee, and milk are provided. Just bring your favourite coffee blend and whatever you would enjoy cooking during your stay.
Guest review - Y. Nouri, November 2025
“Everything about our stay exceeded our expectations. Aleisha was a kind and considerate host, the setting was beautiful and peaceful, and the facilities were fantastic. We loved our weekend here and will definitely be recommending it to all our friends and family.”
What can we do at Seaside Escape or near Ōhope Beach?
There is plenty to enjoy both at the retreat and within a simple drive. Guests can kayak, swim, fish, or walk and explore the edge of Ōhiwa Harbour before returning to the outdoor bath or deck to relax and enjoy the harbour views.
Ōhope Beach, local cafes, scenic walks, and central Whakatāne are also nearby, making it easy to combine peaceful time at Seaside Escape with a little exploring.
“If you want a peaceful getaway, look no further. Great spot and great hosts. ”
Guest review - P. Bax - February 2026
How do we get to and from Seaside Escape?
On arrival, we’ll meet you at the secure off-road parking area and transfer you and your belongings to Seaside Escape in a Can-Am 4x4. We’ll also return you to your vehicle when it’s time to return home.
During your stay, the retreat is reached on foot along a private track of approximately 300 metres. The walk takes around five minutes and includes a hill, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
For safety and privacy, guest vehicles remain in the parking area, and visitors are not permitted on the property. This helps keep the retreat peaceful and reserved exclusively for those staying with us.