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Queenies Crib

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Queenies Crib

Malborough Sounds, Marlborough


Tucked away in peaceful Anakiwa in the stunning Marlborough Sounds, Queenies Crib is a cozy retreat just 30 minutes from Picton, 20 minutes from Havelock, and 50 minutes from Blenheim.

Surrounded by farmland in a quiet bay, the crib is part of the small, relaxed Anakiwa community, made up of homes and Kiwi Baches.

This warm, timber-lined hideaway is small but perfectly formed. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable dining and lounge area, a compact, well-equipped indoor kitchen, a bathroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet, and a mezzanine sleeping loft with ladder access.

Step outside to enjoy double outdoor baths—perfect for a soak under the stars. The views are stunning, and the peace and quiet are hard to beat.

Many native/endemic New Zealand species call the Anakiwa home, Tākapu/Gannets and Kōtuku ngutupapa/Royal Spoonbills, and if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Hīra/Seals or Dolphins in the bay. Sitting outside on the deck, you may see many species of New Zealand bush birds, Kāhu/Swamp Harrier, Tui, Korimako/Bellbird, Pūkeko and the Pīwakawaka/Fantail.

The beach is just a 3-minute stroll away, and the Queen Charlotte Track is accessible within 5 minutes on foot.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Queenies Crib is fully self-catering. Bring your own food to prepare on the hob, oven, or BBQ. You’ll find all the cookware, cutlery, and crockery you’ll need.

Prefer to eat out? Havelock (20 minutes away) offers several great eateries. The Queen Charlotte Tavern (10 minutes away) is a favourite with your hosts. And during summer, grab coffee or an ice cream from the green caravan in Anakiwa.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Whether you're after adventure or relaxation, Queenies has something for everyone.

Soak in the outdoor baths, read in the hammock, birdwatch with a coffee from the bench seat, or spin a few LPs from the crib’s collection of 70s–90s records. By night, enjoy a self-guided glowworm walk on the Queen Charlotte Track, or try spotting Tuna/Eels in the local stream.

Feeling active? Kayaks are available year-round (just check the weather and dress for conditions). Walk or cycle the Queen Charlotte track or Te Ara Tūhono/Link Pathway, both within 5–10 minutes’ walk. Cool off (or wake up!) with a jump from the Anakiwa jetty.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Your hosts are Christina, Gary, Jacqui, Stephanie, and the three beloved cats—Storm, Susie, and Willow (aka the Lokums).

Gary, a former Outward Bound instructor, now works as a Ranger at Zealandia. Christina is in Human Resources. Both love escaping to Anakiwa for its natural beauty and peacefulness.

With good friends nearby and a share in a yacht on the bay, they’ve created their perfect getaway—and are always looking for new ways to improve your experience at the crib.

The name is a playful nod to the Queen Charlotte Sound, while “crib” is the South Island’s word for bach...a simple, beloved Kiwi holiday home.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Lovely secluded spot, we especially loved the sea kayaking and walking the Queen Charlotte Track. The outdoor baths were great too! ”

- 2024-03-25

20 / 20

“ It was a wonderful relaxing experience, we absolutely loved playing the records. ”

Suzanne Kennedy- 2026-03-21

1 / 20

“ Great escape! ”

Sandra Deans- 2026-03-13

2 / 20

“ Queenie’s Crib was a beautiful bach in a peaceful, private setting. Having kayaks to use was a bonus for us. We’d return to Queenie’s Crib in a heartbeat. ”

Judy Aitken- 2026-02-16

3 / 20

“ A lovely private crib tucked away in a very peaceful & beautiful setting. Would definitely stay again. Also loved our weekend away in paradise. ”

Stacey Day- 2026-02-05

4 / 20

“ It’s a beautifully crafted and thought through space in a beautiful setting. Highly recommend. ”

Chris Palmer- 2026-02-05

5 / 20

“ I loved the stay, the perfect balance of relaxation but still being able to get out and do some awesome activities. ”

Tom Walker- 2026-01-08

6 / 20

“ Queenie’s Crib is a wonderful place to relax and recharge. We were entertained by beautiful Tuis feeding in the flaxes just outside the verandah. Walking and kayaking on your doorstep with a little bit of fishing from the jetty thrown in. ”

Janette Philp- 2025-11-20

7 / 20

“ Beautifully secluded setting with great attention to detail. Will definitely be coming back. ”

Chris Hayles- 2025-11-04

8 / 20

“ Beautiful spot. We really enjoyed staring out the windows at the abundant bird life. ”

Robert Snoep- 2025-05-12

9 / 20

“ It's the perfect little getaway from the hustle and bustle. We loved sitting around and listening to the record collection and enjoying the outdoor bath. ”

Hamish Gray- 2025-04-06

10 / 20

“ Gorgeous cabin, conveniently located for trail and water access. Loved the well-considered details for guest comfort. You can't ask for more than sitting, reading a book, with a fab record selection and cosy blankets! ”

Rebecca Lindsay- 2025-03-28

11 / 20

“ The native plantings on the property provided a sense of privacy attracting many native birds. Inside was a well loved and tended space providing a sanctuary of calm with plenty to amuse yourself with if the weather wasn’t the best. Anakiwa is a delightful area with plenty of outdoor activities on offer. ”

Anne Harwood- 2025-03-12

12 / 20

“ Queenies is a perfect little crib nestled in a great spot of the sounds. Insect and bird song filled the air all the time, and the peacefulness of nature around was simply surreal. A great way to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. Highly recommend a stay here! You need at least three nights to truly soak in such an awesome spot! ”

Louie Douglas- 2025-03-01

13 / 20

“ A great spot for super relaxing. We enjoyed every moment we were there! ”

Cara Sinclair- 2025-01-11

14 / 20

“ Cosy, creative, beautifully crafted haven with amazing bird life right outside your window. We loved our stay! ”

Roger Oldham- 2024-12-02

15 / 20

“ We had a lovely couple of days and would highly recommend Queenies Crib! The glow worms were a real treat! ”

Clare Summers- 2024-11-14

16 / 20

“ A lovely atmosphere and very relaxing. ”

Fallon Earl- 2024-07-31

17 / 20

“ A wonderful location, lovely and peaceful place to stay. ”

Shelley Lintott- 2024-06-10

18 / 20

“ Queenie’s Crib is the ultimate for tranquillity, comfort, and relaxation. A beautiful cottage in a beautiful setting. Absolutely recommend. ”

- 2024-04-23

19 / 20

“ Lovely secluded spot, we especially loved the sea kayaking and walking the Queen Charlotte Track. The outdoor baths were great too! ”

- 2024-03-25

20 / 20

“ It was a wonderful relaxing experience, we absolutely loved playing the records. ”

Suzanne Kennedy- 2026-03-21

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

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