Nestled above the tranquil Kaitoke Creek and surrounded by lush native bush, Ponga House is more than a modern off‑grid escape — it’s a labour of love, dreamed up and handcrafted during the quiet years of the pandemic.
Long‑time residents who live just down the road, Kevin and Maree designed, built, and finished the home themselves, thoughtfully balancing modern comfort with the raw beauty of Aotea / Great Barrier Island. Every detail reflects their deep connection to the land, from the elevated timberwork to the way sunlight filters through the native canopy.
Two serene bedrooms: one with a king bed, one with a splittable king for flexibility
Warm wooden finishes and natural light throughout
Full kitchen, indoor fireplace, and Starlink Wi-Fi for comfort in all seasons
Outdoor Living & Natural Connection
Private deck with bush and creek views
BBQ grill and outdoor dining area
Kayaks are available to paddle the creek
Easy walk to Kaitoke and Palmers Beaches
Bush tracks, and hot springs within a 5-minute drive
Built for self-sufficiency, the house is powered by solar energy, supplied by fresh rainwater, and thoughtfully insulated to keep you cosy. It runs quietly and cleanly—off-grid, but with the ease of the mainland.
Ponga House is a labour of love shared by the Tarrant and Worth families. Raised in Ōtorohanga, Kevin and Patrick are sons of lifelong best friends who forged separate paths but have reunited on Aotea / Great Barrier Island to bring their vision of a modern island retreat to life.
Kevin, a skilled builder and designer, led the hands-on creation of the house during the quiet years of the pandemic. His wife, Maree, is a recently retired schoolteacher with a globetrotting spirit and a love of meeting new people.
Patrick and Sarah live on their sheep and beef farm in the King Country. Originally from the U.S., Sarah has embraced life on the land and brings a strong passion for the environment and sustainability to everything she does.
Together, this group of friends and family built Ponga House as a place to rest, reconnect, and soak in the natural beauty of the Barrier — and now they’re delighted to share it with you.
Ponga House is perched in a private, peaceful spot on Gray Road, overlooking the tranquil Kaitoke Creek and surrounded by native bush. While it feels completely secluded, you're just minutes from the essentials:
Claris township – 5 minutes away, with the airfield, general store, cafés, and the medical centre
Golf course & Kaitoke Hot Springs walk – both nearby for easy outings and island-style relaxation
From this base, you’re spoiled for choice with some of Great Barrier Island’s best beaches within easy reach:
Kaitoke Beach – long and wild, perfect for walking, surfing, or picnicking
Medlands Beach – ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, and family days out
Awana & Palmers Beaches – more remote and great for solitude, surf, or fishing
Explore the Outdoors
Whether you're after adventure or quiet nature immersion, the options are endless:
Surfing at Awana, Kaitoke, or Medlands
Snorkelling in Kaitoke Lagoon or the reef between Kaitoke and Medlands
Kayaking the calm Kaitoke Creek straight from the house
Fishing off the rocks or beach
Swimming in pristine, uncrowded waters
Ponga House is ideally located to let you unplug, spread out, and explore at your own pace — with everything you need close at hand, and nature right on your doorstep.
Language spoken: English