Skip to main content
Escape gallery image 1

Barnie

Escape badge

Barnie

Ōhope, Bay of Plenty


Barnie is located a short 10-minute drive from Ōhope Beach and 20 minutes from Whakatane. This tranquil haven is situated on the picturesque shores of Ohiwa Harbour, sharing the same enchanting property as Seaside Escape.

Barnie is a beautifully hand-crafted American barn built in 2004 using traditional timber-framing techniques. A large open-plan space, the interior has been artfully divided into bedroom, living and kitchen spaces. With beautiful timber-clad walls, it exudes warmth and serenity. Exquisite chandeliers add a touch of rustic luxury.

Throw open the massive barn doors at one end, inviting the golden sunlight and crisp sea breeze inside. Or enjoy the sun-drenched deck where you'll find an intimate connection with the natural world outside - including masses of native birds and stunning sea views. Each night, the soothing call of the Ruru will lull you to sleep, and you'll awaken to a symphony of birdsong.

Just a short 10-metre stroll from Barnie, is a semi-outdoor bathroom, with a luxurious outdoor bath.

Enjoy the use of the complimentary kayaks during your stay to explore the harbour. Or go for a swim right on your doorstep at high tide. At low tide, take a leisurely stroll along the harbour edge and at night, soak away your cares in a deep outdoor bath under a canopy of stars.

Includes Kayaks

Escape gallery image 21 Escape gallery image 2 Escape gallery image 3 Escape gallery image 4 Escape gallery image 5 Escape gallery image 6 Escape gallery image 7 Escape gallery image 8 Escape gallery image 9 Escape gallery image 10 Escape gallery image 11 Escape gallery image 12 Escape gallery image 13 Escape gallery image 14 Escape gallery image 15 Escape gallery image 16 Escape gallery image 17 Escape gallery image 18 Escape gallery image 19 Escape gallery image 20 Escape gallery image 21 Escape gallery image 2
Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

The barn kitchen has everything you need for self-catering, including a full-sized fridge. Just bring your own food and cook meals using the gas elements, oven and BBQ provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking, Ōhope is just a 12km drive and Whakatane is just a 19km drive - and both have a selection of fantastic cafes and restaurants.

If you need to pop out for supplies, you'll find supermarkets in Whakatane and a 4-Square in Ōhope.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

You'll find plenty to keep you entertained at Barnie!

Enjoy an evening soak in a hot bath under the stars. Take a walk around the property and adjoining harbour and enjoy the abundant birdlife.

Kayaks and life jackets are available onsite — with the water right on your doorstep, adventure is never far away! Feel free to bring your own life jackets for the best fit. Before heading out, please read the Welcome Guide and check local tides and conditions.

There are plenty of board games and a selection of books to enjoy. Laze the day away by listening to your favourite tunes by connecting to the Wonderboom Bluetooth speaker provided.

If you're keen to get active and explore the region, enjoy a swim or surf at Ōhope or Ohiwa Beach (both just 10 minutes away). If you're into biking, bring the bikes and ride the popular Motu Bike Trail near Opotiki, 20 minutes away. There are lots of beautiful bush walks to enjoy in the surrounding area too.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Tony, Aleisha, and Sky are your hosts at Barnie. Their journey started here after a road trip led them to this 14-acre paradise.

Their stunning property graces the borders of Ohiwa Harbour, stretching across 14 acres of organic bliss adorned with native trees and abundant bird life.

This off-grid haven invites you to reconnect with nature and tranquillity. Your hosts await your arrival and warm-heartedly welcome you to this enchanting seaside retreat.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Directions were super easy. Loved the atmosphere; very relaxing. Would definitely stay there again. So private. ”

Mark Hughes- 2025-02-25

20 / 20

“ Barnie is a unique retreat where every detail is beautifully intentional. Immersed in nature, it’s the perfect place to disconnect and reconnect! ”

Sharleen Benefield- 2026-05-18

1 / 20

“ We loved our stay at Barnie, such a secluded, private, romantic spot for a weekend getaway, highly recommend! ”

Tracey Thompson- 2026-05-11

2 / 20

“ Barnie is an absolutely amazing place to unwind, explore and immerse yourself in absolute serenity. ”

Ash Pritchard- 2026-05-05

3 / 20

“ We had an incredible get-away to Barnie. It was the perfect spot to relax and switch off from our busy lives. Amazing setting, surrounded by birds, nature and water views. Our host was so welcoming. We would love to return one day. ”

Alison Mcguire- 2026-03-31

4 / 20

“ The most tranquil, private, and idyllic stay with the warmest welcoming hosts. Everything you need for a retreat weekend away! My furry friend Rocky and I had the best time kayaking, exploring, soaking in the outdoor bath, gazing up at the stars, and quite simply just existing in serenity. Barnie has sparked a little something inside of me to consciously make time to recalibrate, relax, and rejuvenate in the beauty that is nature. Truly a wonderful spot, and a wonderful weekend. Thank you so much for having us. Lots of love and appreciation. ”

alison rian- 2026-03-24

5 / 20

“ Great location and wonderful friendly host. ”

Christy Mead- 2026-02-15

6 / 20

“ Fantastic break away from the hustle and bustle. We loved waking up to the birds and the sound of nature. A real relaxing retreat. 100% recommended! ”

Courtney Kirkbride- 2026-01-19

7 / 20

“ Beautiful place to stay, incredible weekend. Highly recommend. ”

Alex Wilkinson- 2025-12-08

8 / 20

“ Barnie has a unique ambience and environment in which it sits. The most relaxing and tranquil setting, with bush birds and water, showcasing the very best of NZ. The hosts are wonderful, so friendly, and extremely welcoming. ”

Susan McDougall- 2025-12-01

9 / 20

“ Aleisha and Tony are fabulous hosts, and they go out of their way to accommodate you. Barnie is a very special place to stay and has all the lovely touches to make it really relaxing and enjoyable. The view and the grounds, with all the bird life, are very tranquil. We would love to return in better weather so we can open the big doors up. Thanks, Aleisha and Tony, for letting us share your little piece of paradise. ”

Sherrie Keeley- 2025-11-18

10 / 20

“ Barnie was just absolutely magic. The views were amazing, it felt very secluded and private but then so close to everything we wanted. The outdoor bath was incredible. The day we spent at the beach, walking around the bays at low tide and kayaking at high tide was breathtaking. Spending the night next to the fire and playing the board games at Barnie was wonderful. Our little dachshund had the most extraordinary weekend with us there too. I don't think his tail stopped wagging for one minute. It was the most perfect weekend away and made all the more spectacular by Aleisha and Tony. They were so welcoming and accommodating, it felt like we had known them for years. We will definitely be back, and we can't wait, especially our doxie. ”

shalini walton- 2025-10-11

11 / 20

“ We needed a moment of peace and could not have made a better choice. Barnie is a special and great place to relax. ”

Steve O'Brien- 2025-10-11

12 / 20

“ Fantastic location and property. We felt very relaxed. We especially enjoyed the outdoor bath under the stars and all the little details that made our stay very special. ”

Glenn Cossey- 2025-08-25

13 / 20

“ The most amazing stay. It was exactly what we needed. The hosts were 10/10 – so warm and welcoming. Highly recommend this stay. Our lil pup Philo had the best time also. We will definitely be back again. ”

Dorene Purdie- 2025-07-17

14 / 20

“ The hosts were super friendly, bent over backwards for us and made such a homely retreat for people to enjoy. We're definitely planning a return. ”

Cherie Dowman- 2025-05-19

15 / 20

“ We had the best time staying at Barnie. It’s beautiful, secluded and so well set up. Our dog Taffy was so relaxed also and loved going for walks there. Would definitely go again. ”

sarah falloon- 2025-04-26

16 / 20

“ Amazing spot, very close to nature and very private. Loved kayaking around the island (two hours), and our host was fabulous. A bit of a walk down to Barnie and then up to the car, but a nice track with beautiful trees. Thanks. ”

Tracy Gay- 2025-03-07

17 / 20

“ Cute spot with nice water access. A real experience. ”

Casey Jensen- 2025-03-04

18 / 20

“ Our second time staying in Barnie, and we had such a lovely time. A romantic retreat lovingly cared for by fantastic hosts, truly a dream! ”

Lizzie Lewis- 2025-02-27

19 / 20

“ Directions were super easy. Loved the atmosphere; very relaxing. Would definitely stay there again. So private. ”

Mark Hughes- 2025-02-25

20 / 20

“ Barnie is a unique retreat where every detail is beautifully intentional. Immersed in nature, it’s the perfect place to disconnect and reconnect! ”

Sharleen Benefield- 2026-05-18

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

BROWSE OUR COLLECTION

Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.

A family holiday.

Whatever the reason, let nature back in – go glamping!

Find your escape