The Ark

The Ark

Diamond Harbour, Banks Peninsula

The Ark is located in Purau Bay on Diamond Harbour, only a 45-minute drive to Christchurch City.

When owners, Steve and Wendy purchased an overgrown piece of land on the edge of the harbour, they were surprised to find the wooden hull of an old boat buried beneath the tangled blackberry. This provided the inspiration for what is now 'The Ark' - an off-grid, land-based Ark-style cabin - sitting 15 metres from the edge of the water.

The Ark consists of a simple one-room cabin with a queen-size bed, a kitchen and a seating area with an eco bio-fuel pot belly fire. The toilet is a separate building a few steps from the cabin door. The shower and bath are both outdoors - perfect for soaking up the views and those 'camping' vibes.

If the ocean is where you find peace, you will love the outlook from the Ark. Watch the comings and goings of the boats and the action of the busy harbour while you enjoy a coffee on the deck. A two-minute walk down the steps takes you to your own piece of the bay, perfect for that morning dip!

Breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the simple and relaxing life of off-grid living. Wake to the sunrise reflecting off the water - and go to sleep with the sound of the waves lapping at the rocks below.

FROM $345 p/n

  • Sleeps 2
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome

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The Ark

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  • Eating and drinking

    The Ark is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the facilities provided in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you want a meal out, your hosts recommend Diamond Harbour Eatery & Bar and Salt Takeaways for classic Kiwiana fish and chips. A new restaurant called Two Thumb Brewing Co. offers craft beer and delicious food for dinner – recommended by your hosts!

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is 5 minutes away in Diamond Harbour.

  • Things to do

    A two minute walk down the steps takes you to your own piece of the bay, perfect for that morning dip. 

    The coastal walk is a picturesque track from Purau to Diamond Harbour Cafe and Wharf. You can jump on the track just below the Ark. It's about 40 mins walk to get to the cafe for your coffee and ice cream reward.  The track is fairly well maintained in summer. 

    The beach is a 10-minute walk and is best for swimming at full or half tide. If you've bought your kayak with you this is the place to launch it. It is possible to launch a kayak from the Ark, but the steps are step and you'll find it challenging to get it up and down from the water. 

    The area has a variety of nature walks, swimming and fishing spots and historical places to visit. There's also the Charteris Bay Golf Club, tennis at Orton Bradley Park, Airborn Paddle Hire and horse trekking available close by.

    The Black Cat ferry offers a very pleasant 10-minute ferry ride from Diamond Harbour to Lyttelton. This small village boasts quaint shops, restaurants, bars, a theatre, and a popular Saturday market.

  • Your hosts

    Your hosts at The Ark are Steve, Wendy, and Tintin the dog.

    When owners, Steve and Wendy purchased the land in 2017, it was overgrown and wild. After clearing some blackberry - they discovered the wooden hull of an old boat. This provided the inspiration for an ark-style cabin which they built on top of the old hull.

    The couple are both very talented creators, with Steve working as a sculptor and Wendy, as an artist. The Ark has had plenty of their combined creative talents poured into its creation.

    They holidayed in their little off-grid haven, before eventually building a slightly bigger bach on the neighbouring property.

    Steve and Wendy love spending time at Purau Bay. They love the fresh sea air, the walks, the boats, the ocean, and the morning sunshine sparkling on the water. They look forward to sharing the magic of the area with you!

Testimonials

  • "

    Excellent communication and perfect sunny spot. Cute wee experience away and great to be able to take the dog. Thank you.

    "

    Kelly Robertson - 13 Jan 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    Our hosts, Wendy and Steve, were excellent with their communications to us, both up to and following our stay. They have set up a truly unique 'getaway experience' which we thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended!

    "

    John Bamford - 19 Nov 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful setting, very rustic with everything you need. Great communication with hosts, and very clean and tidy. Restaurants and cafes were within walking distance or a 10-minute ferry ride across to Lyttelton. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and look forward to the next time.

    "

    Nicky Barry - 11 Nov 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    What a treasure "The Ark". The setting in Diamond Harbour is beautifully stunning, the hills are commanding and its justly ofcourse another beautifully untouched gem that makes our country so beautiful. the boats on the water and the little ark on the land. The sunsets and sunrise where beautiful. The ark was all you could want for a very peaceful escape, loved it all. Could not fault anything. And for us was great we can take our dog Maggie. Waking up in the morning was just divine and seeing the view.

    "

    Deborah Botica - 13 Sep 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    Fantastic location and setting. Great communication from the hosts. Perfect weekend getaway!

    "

    Melissa Seddon - 19 Aug 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    Highly recommend The Ark if you are wanting a peaceful break away! Thanks so much, Wendy and Steve, for sharing this bit of paradise with us!

    "

    Rachel Beattie - 07 Aug 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Such an amazing location and wonderful hosts, we’ll definitely be back.

    "

    Hamish Blair - 01 Aug 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    Everything was excellent: the location, view, facilities, and cleanliness. An ideal place for a short break. We will definitely stay again.

    "

    Chris Perrins - 01 Jul 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Just a beautiful getaway. The weather was also amazing. The Ark was beautifully set up, clean and comfy. The outside shower and bath were excellent. Thanks again for a wonderful weekend stay.

    "

    - 24 Apr 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    A unique and picturesque place to stay for a relaxing weekend. The views are amazing. The outdoor bath is so special, looking out over Purau Bay. Will definitely recommend to friends and family.

    "

    - 16 Apr 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Perfect spot to truly relax and escape from our busy lives!

    "

    - 12 Mar 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Great location and warm welcoming hosts.

    "

    - 29 Jan 2024

    12 / 12

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