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Entire home

The Gin Trap

Beachfront holiday home for sun and fun

Photo gallery for The Gin Trap

On the beach, sun-loungers - The Gin Trap (Pukehina)
Interior - The Gin Trap (Pukehina)
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - The Gin Trap (Pukehina)
Outdoor dining - The Gin Trap (Pukehina)
Interior - The Gin Trap (Pukehina)
Perched on the beachfront, The Gin Trap offers an ideal getaway for families and couples. Enjoy direct access to the ocean from your lawn, unwind with a hot outdoor shower after a day at the beach, and cozy up by the heatpump in cooler nights. With simple furnishings, three spacious bedrooms and unlimited wi-fi.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Gin Trap

The Gin Trap is a charming 1960s Kiwi Bach, updated with modern comforts including unlimited Wi-Fi, a Smart TV with Free view, and a heat pump for year-round comfort. Just steps from the sand, this beachfront getaway offers direct access from the lawn to the ocean-perfect for swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the sun.
Ideal for family holidays or a couples' escape, the home sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms. The layout includes a split-level design: the kitchen, dining and living areas are on the first level along with two bedrooms, each featuring a queen-size bed with storage drawers. Upstairs ( a short staircase of 5 steps) is the master bedroom, which offers a king-size bed and wardrobe along with the bathroom.
Simple furnishings complement the laid-back beach vibe, with a large deck and spacious lawn for outdoor lounging. After a day at the beach, rinse off in the hot outdoor shower. Enjoy easy meals with a fully equipped kitchen and BBQ on hand. On cooler nights, stay cozy inside with the heat pump and enjoy movie nights or board games from the collection provided.
A $150 cleaning fee covers all linen, including beach towels. For your morning coffee or a bite to eat, the local cafe "Montys" is conveniently located just across the road.

This home is not only a great base for the beach, but also for exploring near by. With just a 15min drive to Te Puke, 30mins to Mt Maunganui and Tauranga (via toll road) or 40mins to Rotorua and Whakatane. The BP station to refuel your boat is only 5 mins down the road.

*Cleaning fee $150 includes linen
*Please use beach access and stay off the Dunes
*Vaping and Smoking outside only
*Strictly NO parties!
*NB: There is 5 stairs to the King Room and Bathroom
*Dog Friendly. Max 2 $50 per stay
*Maximum of 6 people on this property at any one time
*All Beds new 2020

**Prices are seasonal. Change of nightly charge depends on the time period of the year

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the area

Located in Pukehina, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the beach. Bay of Plenty and Motunau Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Kiwi360 and Longridge Park. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
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Map
Pukehina, Bay of Plenty

What's nearby

  • Pukehina Beach - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Motunau Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Midway Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Palm Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Ororoa Reserve - 3 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

  • Tauranga (TRG) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Maketu Beachside Cafe - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Fush and Chups Paengaroa - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪The Seaside, Maketu - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪The Hippy Pippi - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Pukehina Beach Café - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Gin Trap pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at The Gin Trap?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Gin Trap?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Gin Trap located?

Located in Pukehina, this beachfront holiday home is in the city centre and within a 5-minute walk of Motunau Park and Bay of Plenty. Pukehina Beach and Midway Park are also within 15 minutes.

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The Gin Trap Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 86 out of 91 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 91 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Victoria B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous property right on the beach with spectacular views. Clean and cosy with everything required for a great holiday. Our dogs enjoyed the huge front lawn and long walks on the beach. Being fully fenced was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aleks R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Loved the location and cleanliness of the property. Would def recommend for future stays
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Excellent hospitality and space right on the beach. We had a fantastic stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Amazing location. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Inyou C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot for a holiday

This small batch has everything you need for a holiday right in front of the beach. Definitely coming back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keino S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little slice of paradise

Just loved our stay at the Gin Trap. Its a little spot of paradise we continue to return to. The house is warm, welcoming and we just love it. Even got the old record player working Thank you again for having us and allowing us to stay an extra bit longer
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rose R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful relaxing calming location

A true chill out holiday, comfy couches and bed, well equiped kitchen, very clean and quirky decor, will stay again
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Meredith G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely beach house

This house was just as described - perfect beach view and easy access. Host was great about communicating instructions and making sure we had all we needed. Located in a quiet beach community with a great little restaurant just across the road. I wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fiona F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great beachfront location.

Perfect Kiwi bach. Right on the beach and next to a park. Monty’s cafe across the road has great coffee and live music one of the evenings we were staying. Not too far to Whakatāne or Pāpāmoa. Recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Byron J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach front paradise!

We had an amazing stay. Located a stone's throw from the only cafe in Pukehina with beach access - not sure what more you could want for a Kiwi bach escape. Rach was really helpful and communicative as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alastair M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Iconic NZ beach bach.

Quirky bach with all the comforts while maintaining the bach atmosphere. A great place to take the kids and enjoy some time in the sun and surf.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aaron L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best family home!

The beach was really nice and the scenery was really good, but more than that, everything in the house, beds, etc. was clean and nice to stay. It's the best place to heal quietly with your family.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glodina C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

AMAZING STAY!

Amazing Stay, Great Communication, and even better location right on the beach. Love the details and super clean. Can't wait to go back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Haylee W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

RRR

If you are wanting to Relax, Rejuvenate and Reset, I can highly recommend The Gin Trap. Its eclectic interior and “bach-i-ness” is the best “tonic” for a quick va-cay! Everything is thought of to make your stay memorable, lived our weekend so much - cheers to Rachel and her team for an awesome getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic seaviews

We had a fantastic stay with amazing seaviews. It was lovely to watch the sunrise and be able to listen to the waves. The house was clean and tidy and the beds very comfortable. We cant wait to stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply Amazing

Such a beautiful location, we loved all the decor - very cool, beds were super comfy, stunning views over the sea, wished our stay was longer, would love to come back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restful oasis

Thanks for an amazing stay, what a gorgeous location right on the beach. Very cosy and clean. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Casey D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy Place

Quaint kiwi bach with hotel quality beds and linen. The stay was made more enjoyable being able to bring a very important member of our family ‘Reef our furbaby’
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jo K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend for friends wedding

Great kiwi batch awesome location
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cecil B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach Front Beauty

We stayed a week and swam and played in the surf, -just a great place with a well stocked kitchen for us to cook and relax. The lovely large deck and outdoor shower were a nice bonus. The beach here is exceptional for walking and playing, and not many people either, often just the 2 of us.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Claire G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous spot

Loved our stay at the Gin Trap, best part was the view over Tauranga Moana, whether sitting on the sand dunes watching the waves roll in or on the deck watching the kids and dog playing in the yard. House was super comfortable with everything you need and the host lovely to communicate with. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Philip M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pukehina heaven

What an amazing Bach right on the beach! Beds were comfortable, plenty of space with fabulous outdoor porch area for relaxing / eating, all the necessary amenities. The sound of the ocean surf at night made it heaven!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeny B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Gin trap indeed!

Beautiful view and stunning location! Very clean. Supper lovely host ♥️ House has everything that you need to call it your holiday home
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

Great little bach! Has everything you need and the location is awesome! Our dog had a great time too and was very welcomed by host. Rach is a great communicator. Would recommend to anyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gin Trap

Cool cozy Bach that had everything we needed for few days away to relax & catch some sun - our pooch also enjoyed sunbathing whilst taking in the beautiful ocean view 😊
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024