Frequently Asked Questions

We have no road access. You must travel by boat, water taxi, either direct to our jetty or via walking the Queen Charlotte Track.

Cougarline Picton, or Beachcomber Cruises Picton.

We are approx 13km, 4-4.5 hrs walk from Ship Cove. Furneaux Lodge- 1.25-1.5 hrs walk. Punga Cove/Camp Bay- 5 -5.5hrs walk.

We strongly encourage booking directly through our website (not via third-party sites like Booking.com). Our site shows live availability—just enter your dates and number of guests to see available cabins.

Note: If booking more than one cabin for over two guests, enter only 2 guests in the search.

check-in is 2:30/3pm. Check-out is by 10:00 AM.

Early check-in is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed in advance. If your room is ready when you arrive, we’ll be happy to accommodate you.

Late check-out is usually not possible due to tight cleaning schedules, but feel free to ask upon arrival and we’ll do our best if availability allows.

Direct bookings: A non-refundable 10% deposit is required at the time of booking.

Third-party bookings (e.g. Booking.com): No deposit is required, but they have a non-cancellation/non refundable period of 14 days of arrival.

We accept the following payment methods:

• Cash

• Credit Cards (Please note: a 2.5% bank fee applies)

• Direct Credit / Online Banking (NZ bank accounts only)

  (Online banking transfers are accepted with proof of payment shown at checkout)

When Will I Be Charged?

• Direct Bookings: The balance is payable on-site at checkout.

• Booking com Reservations: Your credit card will be charged 14 days prior to arrival, at the start of the non-refundable period.

Please ensure that your payment is approved at this time. If we are unable to process the payment, your reservation may be cancelled..

Direct bookings: Cancellations must be received at least 7 days before arrival. After this time, the full payment will be charged.

Third-party bookings (e.g. Booking. com): Cancellations must be made at least 14 days before arrival. After that, a 100% cancellation applies.

We’re happy to amend your booking dates without loss of deposit, provided the request is made at least 7 days before your original check-in date. (14 days for booking com)

Your new booking will be charged at the original rate or higher, depending on the rates for your new dates.

Direct bookings: Please email us directly to request a cancellation.

Third-party bookings (e.g. Booking.com): You must cancel through the platform you originally used. We will not cancel bookings made via third parties on your behalf.

Unfortunately, Cook Strait ferry delays or cancellations can occur. If your sailing is on the same day as your scheduled arrival at Tawa Cove Cabins and connection is cancelled or delayed, we are unable to offer refunds.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, which typically covers disruptions of this nature.

What types of rooms do you offer?

We offer three European-style cabins and one shared bunk room called The Shanty.

• European Cabins: Each cabin is an open-plan space with a private ensuite bathroom, a kitchenette, and a balcony.

• The Shanty: This is a single open-plan room with two bunk beds and one queen bed, separated by a curtain divider. The bathroom is located just outside the room, directly adjacent and for exclusive use by Shanty guests.

No, only Cabin 1 has a sea view. However, all cabins are in close proximity to the foreshore to enjoy time near the water.

No. advertised beds are the maximum capacity

We have free wifi in all cabins & outdoor areas. There is now some limited cell phone coverage on Spark or 2 degrees (no vodaphone) Due to our location & beyond our control, we cannot guarantee wifi at all times.

We do not have a formal onsite restaurant. However, all meals offered are prepared with care in our home kitchen and delivered to your cabin at your requested time, allowing you to dine in the comfort and privacy of your own space.

Yes and no! Because we’re in a remote location with limited deliveries (everything comes in by boat), it’s super helpful if you can place your meal orders at least 5 days in advance — that way, we can be sure to stock the freshest produce just for you.

But if you forget, don’t worry — we’ve got you! We’ll still have food available, though options may be a bit more limited.

Yes, we offer a fully equipped (outdoor) all-weather communal kitchen available for all guests to use. Spacious dining table and seating area with a cozy log fire. Perfect for preparing and enjoying your own meals in comfort. Cabins (not The Shanty), have full kitchenettes inside & BBQ on the decks.

We do our best to accommodate dietary needs where possible. However, as a small team working in a remote kitchen with limited resources, we’re unfortunately unable to cater to all dietary preferences and variations.

We can provide gluten-free options (please note: not suitable for coeliacs) and may be able to accommodate certain allergies, though we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.

Vegan options and alternative milks are limited, as these items often go to waste and aren’t financially sustainable for us to stock. Almond milk is sometimes available for purchase, please ask prior to arrival how we're stocked.

We genuinely appreciate your understanding, and we encourage guests to make use of the water taxi service to bring any specific food items you may need or prefer during your stay.

Yes, a basic continental breakfast is included in your rate. It will be placed in your cabin for you to enjoy at your leisure. it includes, bread, cereal, spreads, milk, juice, peaches in syrup.

A selection of alcoholic & non - alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Barista-made coffee is also available for purchase.

We provide a single kayak, a tandem kayak, and two stand-up paddleboards for guest use. Water equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis — we don’t take reservations. We kindly ask that guests be mindful of their time on the water to ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy the gear.

Our waterfront spa is available for all guests to share and enjoy.

Please note, in line with health guidelines, pregnant or immune-compromised guests are advised not to use spa pools.

We do not allow children under 16 years of age. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, as this policy helps us maintain the best experience for our business and other guests.

We have our friendly, (& somewhat famous) resident Springer Spaniel, Oscar onsite but unfortunately, due to local wildlife and the comfort of other guests, guests pets are not allowed on the property

Smoking is allowed on the balconies of cabins or outdoors.

During the busy summer season, we may not be able to answer phone calls promptly as we’re focused on guest arrivals, departures, room preparations, and meal service.

For all non-urgent enquiries, email is the best way to reach us—we’ll respond as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding and patience, as this helps us maintain the high level of service you expect.

It’s a fair question—and yes, costs in the Marlborough Sounds can be higher than elsewhere.

There are several reasons:

Remote access: Everything—groceries, supplies, and even repair services—must be brought in by boat, often passing through multiple hands, each adding to the cost.

Higher operating costs: Being remote also means increased costs for insurance, compliance, infrastructure, water, waste systems, and connectivity (like electricity and WiFi), all of which are more complex and expensive to maintain.

Lastly, running a small, independent business in today’s climate is challenging, especially in isolated regions.

We appreciate your understanding and support—it helps us continue offering a special experience in this beautiful but logistically demanding location.

Yes, you can.  We, however only have one available mooring for guests private vessels, up to 12 metres. Please check prior to booking that this is available on your required dates.