Paroa Bay & Sage, Bay of Islands NZ | Exclusive Villa Collection

Near Russell, Bay of Islands · Northland, North Island, New Zealand · two villas and four off-grid cabins

Paroa Bay & Sage

A private 75-acre estate on a peninsula above a sheltered inlet of the Bay of Islands, with two villas and four off-grid cabins among native bush, an eight-block vineyard and winery, and Sage Restaurant, awarded One Hat. Arranged privately by Exclusive Villa Collection on inquiry.

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The house

In stills

A first reading of the stay: rooms, light, and the quiet between them. Each still is a note, not a catalogue.

The pool deck of Tarāpunga Villa at Paroa Bay, glass and pavilion roof opening onto the water — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

The edge of the infinity pool at Tarāpunga Villa at sunset, palms and the bay below, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

The outdoor dining room at Tarāpunga Villa, a long table before an outdoor fireplace and the pool, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

The living room of Tarāpunga Villa at Paroa Bay, white sofas and a fireplace beneath high windows — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A lounge at Tarāpunga Villa looking through tall glass to the deck and the bay, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A bedroom at Tarāpunga Villa with sliding glass to the garden and native bush, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A table set with lilies and wine glasses on the deck of Tarāpunga Villa above the bay, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

The private tennis court of Tarāpunga Villa among native trees, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A guest in a sun hat at the edge of the infinity pool, looking out over the islands, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Sunrise over the bush-covered headlands of Paroa Bay in the Bay of Islands — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Vineyard Cottage at Paroa Bay at sunset, its garden terraces running down to the vines — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

The living room of Vineyard Cottage at Paroa Bay, leather sofas and glass doors to the deck — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A table set for lunch on the deck of Vineyard Cottage above the pool and the vines, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A raw-timber off-grid cabin with solar panels on its roof, set in the bush at Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Inside an off-grid cabin at Paroa Bay: the bed, a sofa and a wood burner in warm timber — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A chair and table on the deck of an off-grid cabin at dusk, the vines below, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

An off-grid cabin at Paroa Bay lit at dusk, steps leading up to its deck — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

An off-grid cabin glowing among the trees at night, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay, its veranda above a green lawn — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Tables on the covered terrace at Sage Restaurant, looking out over the bush to the bay, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Slices of raw fish in a bright green dressing, a dish at Sage Restaurant, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A dish of the sea with greens and garden flowers at Sage Restaurant, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Fresh oysters being opened on a bed of stones at Sage Restaurant, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A fillet of fish with vegetables on a stone plate at Sage Restaurant, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A chef harvesting from the kitchen garden at Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Rainbow chard growing in the kitchen garden at Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Aerial view of the vineyard blocks of Paroa Bay running toward the islands of the bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Vines in low golden light at Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Bottles of Paroa Bay wine on an oak barrel in the winery — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Aerial view of the vine rows on a slope at Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A yacht anchored off a white-sand beach in the Bay of Islands, near Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Sea cliffs and rock stacks along the Cape Brett coast of the Bay of Islands, near Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A sailing catamaran anchored beside a green island in the Bay of Islands, near Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A helicopter on the lawn of the estate at Paroa Bay, vines and bush behind — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Aerial view of a bush-covered shoreline meeting clear turquoise water in the Bay of Islands, near Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

A boat on the Bay of Islands at sunset, near Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

The Experience

How the days feel

There are 144 islands in the Bay of Islands, at the subtropical top of New Zealand’s North Island, and on a peninsula above one of its sheltered inlets lies Paroa Bay: a private estate of 75 acres, gated, with its own helipad, boat ramp and deep-water mooring, fifteen minutes from the historic harbour town of Russell.

The land runs from native bush to the water. Walking trails wind through the bush, where native birds, kiwi among them, make their home; an eight-block vineyard planted in 2006 fills a natural amphitheatre in the hills, and every wine is grown, made and bottled on the estate. Above the vines, Sage Restaurant looks out over the bay, cooking with the season’s Northland produce and the estate’s own garden.

There are two villas and four off-grid cabins. Tarāpunga Villa, named for the seabird whose wings its roof recalls, has three bedrooms, a 17-metre heated infinity pool above the bay and its own tennis court. Vineyard Cottage sits above the vines with a plunge pool and a deck, and the timber cabins are tucked into the bush at the edge of the vineyard, each with an outdoor bath.

Your Exclusive Villa Collection advisor arranges the stay directly with the estate, from a cabin for two to the whole estate for a family or a celebration, and shapes the days on the water, in the air and at the table around you.

Why EVC loves it

Why we would send you here

An estate on the bay Seventy-five private acres on a peninsula above a sheltered inlet of the Bay of Islands, with native bush running to the water.
Tarāpunga’s pool A 17-metre heated infinity pool level with the horizon, above the bay and its islands, with a private tennis court behind.
Wine from the hill An eight-block vineyard and boutique winery, every wine grown, made and bottled on the estate.
Sage, at the top of the vines A One Hat restaurant cooking Northland’s seasons, or a private chef cooking for you in your villa.
144 islands Private catamaran and yacht days, game fishing, diving and a helicopter landing at the Hole in the Rock.

Accommodations

Two villas and four off-grid cabins

Each place to stay is set apart on the estate: Tarāpunga Villa above the bay with its infinity pool, Vineyard Cottage among the vines, and timber cabins tucked into the bush at the edge of the vineyard.

Room 01

Tarāpunga Villa

Three bedrooms, each with an ensuite · Up to 6 guests · 17 m heated infinity pool · Private tennis court

The estate’s premier villa, named for the local seabird whose soaring wings its roof recalls. Master King, King and California King bedrooms each have an ensuite; floor-to-ceiling glass opens to a 17-metre heated infinity pool, a hot tub, sauna and gym, indoor and outdoor wood fireplaces, a home theatre and a private tennis court, with art from the owner’s collection throughout.
Room 02

Vineyard Cottage

Two bedrooms · Super king beds with ensuites · Up to 4 guests · Plunge pool, hot tub & sauna

A two-bedroom villa above the vines, in the spirit of a farm cottage and designed for comfort. A terraced garden, a large deck, a plunge pool, hot tub and sauna sit outside; inside are an open fireplace, a gourmet kitchen and hardwood floors, with views over the vines and native bush.
Room 03

Off-grid cabins

Super king bed or twins · 30 m² (320 sq ft) · Up to 2 guests · Outdoor bathtub

Four raw-timber cabins tucked into the bush at the edge of the vineyard, powered by the sun. Each has a super king bed that can be made as twins, an ensuite, a wood burner, a kitchenette and a private deck with a barbecue and an outdoor bathtub, with estate breakfast provisions and a golf cart for the estate.

Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Inside the stay

The house, in notes

Where you sleep, what you eat, and how you arrive: the essentials, in brief.

An outdoor lounge on the pool terrace of Tarāpunga Villa, the bay and islands beyond, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

The villas and cabins

Two villas, four cabins, one bay

Tarāpunga Villa. The estate’s premier villa, with three bedrooms (Master King, King and California King, each with an ensuite) for up to six guests, a 17-metre heated infinity pool, hot tub, sauna, gym, private tennis court, indoor and outdoor wood fireplaces.

Vineyard Cottage. A two-bedroom villa above the vines, with super king beds and ensuites, a plunge pool, hot tub and sauna, an open fireplace and a gourmet kitchen opening to a large deck.

Off-grid cabins. Four cabins of 30 square meters in raw timber at the edge of the vineyard, powered by the sun, each with a super king bed that can be made as twins, an ensuite, a wood burner, a kitchenette and a private deck with a barbecue and an outdoor bathtub.

Plates from Sage Restaurant set out on a table on the terrace, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Dining

From the garden, the vines and the bay

Sage Restaurant. Set above the vineyard and looking over the bay, Sage was awarded One Hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards. The kitchen cooks with seasonal Northland produce and vegetables from the estate’s gardens, and every dish is matched to Paroa Bay wines.

A chef in your villa. For villa guests, Sage’s chefs cook privately: a Trust the Chef menu of five or seven courses, a refined Kiwi barbecue to share, or breakfast by the pool.

The winery. Wines grown, handpicked, made and bottled on the estate, with private hosted tastings, and the Northland wine trail by private driver or helicopter.

Two guests practising yoga on a deck above the Bay of Islands, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Wellbeing

Birdsong and warm water

Wellbeing at Paroa Bay is coastal and unhurried: warm water, birdsong and the light on the bay.

Water and heat. Tarāpunga Villa has its 17-metre heated infinity pool, a hot tub and a sauna; Vineyard Cottage has a plunge pool, hot tub and sauna; each off-grid cabin has an outdoor bathtub on its deck.

Yoga. Private yoga sessions on the deck of your villa or cabin, or in a quiet corner of the estate, weather permitting.

Movement. A private gym at Tarāpunga, private tennis lessons on the villa’s own court, and walking trails through native bush across the estate.

Aerial view of a yacht in a turquoise bay among green islands, Bay of Islands, near Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Experiences

One hundred and forty-four islands

The Bay of Islands is best seen from the water and from the air, and the estate’s boat ramp and helipad make both easy.

On the water. Private catamaran and yacht charters to hidden coves, with snorkelling, paddleboarding and fishing; game fishing for snapper and kingfish, and marlin in season; diving on the wreck of the Canterbury; and private surf lessons on Northland’s coasts.

In the air. A private helicopter flight from the estate to land atop Motu Kōkako, the Hole in the Rock, with the blessing of its trust; scenic flights over the islands; and a full-day helicopter journey to Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand.

Ashore. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the historic harbour town of Russell, island walks on Urupukapuka and Moturua, the Cape Brett track and golf.

On the estate. Private tennis lessons for Tarāpunga guests, yoga on the deck, golf putting and pétanque at the villa, and trails through the bush.

Two guests raising glasses of wine at sunset over the bay, Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Who it is best for

For two, or for the whole estate

Family
Two travelers

Travelers who want the sea, the table and the wine of New Zealand’s far north in one private place.

Couples. An off-grid cabin above the vines with an outdoor bath, or Vineyard Cottage, with dinner at Sage a short walk away.

Families and friends. Tarāpunga Villa for up to six, with its pool, tennis court and a private chef, or the whole estate together.

Food and wine lovers. A One Hat restaurant and a winery on the same hill, and the Northland wine trail beyond.

Good to know. The off-grid cabins are generally not suited to young children; families are best placed in the villas.

Aerial view of a road winding through native bush toward Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Arrival

By road, by sea or by air

Paroa Bay lies on a peninsula in the Bay of Islands, about 15 minutes by road from Russell, in Northland at the top of New Zealand’s North Island.

By air. A 30-minute flight from Auckland to Kerikeri, then about 45 minutes by road.

By road. About 4 hours from Auckland. The quickest way in crosses on the short vehicle ferry from Opua to Okiato, then continues past Russell to the estate’s gate.

By helicopter or boat. The estate has its own helipad, boat ramp and deep-water mooring.

Good to know. Mobile reception in the area is limited. Your advisor sequences flights, transfers and the stay as one plan.

Islands of the Bay of Islands in soft dawn light, seen from Paroa Bay — Photo courtesy of The Lindis Group

Seasonality

A subtropical bay

The Bay of Islands is subtropical, and the water is part of every season here.

Summer. The long warm months are the season of sailing, swimming and island days, and Sage opens seven days a week.

Autumn and winter. Quieter weeks on the bay, with fires lit in the villas and cabins; Sage serves Wednesday to Sunday outside the summer season.

On the water. Marlin season brings game fishing to its peak; shared heli and island cruises run from October to April.

Festive weeks. Christmas and New Year are the most sought-after dates; your advisor confirms availability when you inquire.

Awards & recognition

Recognition

One Hat, Sage Restaurant Cuisine Good Food Awards, 2024/25. October 1, 2026

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Paroa Bay & Sage

Paroa Bay & Sage

In stills

How the days feel

Why we would send you here

Two villas and four off-grid cabins

Tarāpunga Villa

Vineyard Cottage

Off-grid cabins