What we do

Tryphena House accommodation ( and what was Paddles & Saddles watersports hire) Kayak, paddle board and fishing kayak is available to guests and during quieter times to visitors not staying with us by prior arrangement only. Please call ahead to enquire.

Check out our website www.tryphenahouse.co.nz  – we keep this up to date with information and winter deals

Accommodation

Tryphena House is an iconic spot right on the waters edge on Great Barrier Island. You won’t find much closer to the ocean than this!

Hosted by Pete & Lucy, the guest space offers 7 bedrooms, kitchen facilities, extensive living and dining space with an open fire and pool table. The space is perfect for big groups (the house can sleep up to 16 max), and during quieter times singles, couple and families. The accommodation is right on the water in secluded but accessible Puriri Bay, Tryphena. The property has its own small pebble beach, panoramic views of Tryphena Harbour framed by beautiful Pohutukawa Trees and extensive decking perfect for chilling out on those warm summers evenings. Plus we’ve got two hot outdoor original clawfoot bath tubs with breathtaking views over Tryphena Harbour- perfect for those Barrier night skies or after a long day tramping.

Guests also have access to watersports equipment including kayaks, paddleboards and fishing gear. The calm waters of Puriri Bay infront of the house are suitable for swimming, snorkelling and even great for those less experienced with watersports.

For those interested in the history of the island, Tryphena House was built in the 1923 by Cyril Eyre. The original Tryphena Wharf was located infront of the house built from materials salvaged from a shipwreck brought into the bay. The anchor remains on the lawn and the wreck just out at high tide. For many years Tryphena’s post office was also located in the house.

The house is old but full of history and character with lots of original features, but has been freshened up including brand new beds, linen and towels to make your stay comfortable. We have a newly installed amazing power system that can even run electric blankets on sunny days through the winter months (unheard of on the Barrier!) and our water is sourced from a spring up in the hills so you can totally enjoy the feeling of being off grid minus too much hardship!

We have an abundance of wildlife right on our doorstep including amazing Native bird life – Kakas, Kereru, Rails, Pateke and even Blue Penguins that nest under the house during the winter months. Dolphins can regularly be seen in the bay throughout the year as well as sightings of Orcas.

For larger groups, fishing groups or guests arriving by boat please enquire with us, Puriri Bay offers safe anchorage or we can try to arrange a mooring if required, plus we have great boat ramps for launching either side of the house.

Please just let us know what your group is like and what you’ve come to the Barrier to experience, we have something for everyone here and we can work out how we can make your experience on the island unforgettable.