(+64) 027 410 2688
stay@tryphenahouse.co.nz Pete & Lucy
IT STARTED WITH A FISH
Pete always wanted to get into tourism from growing up on the Coromandel. He sold all he owned in his life in Nelson and moved to Great Barrier in 2016. He'd made it to the Barrier, but not quite Tryphena House just yet. He began twiddling his thumbs on what to do on an Offgrid island, wondering if he'd perhaps made the worst decision of his life. Meanwhile in January 2018 in Devon, UK. Lucy books a flight to NZ on a reccy to see if it was somewhere she could live in the future. Landing on Great Barrier Island in February 2018, Lucy felt at home on the island, but never imagined living on the island so soon.
In May 2018, Pete takes Lucy fishing in Puriri Bay. First cast of the morning, Lucy caught a 20lb Snapper and fast forward past Lucy escaping back to the UK to 'normality', and returning not so long after, the rest is history.
Since then we've been working on making historic Tryphena House an experience not to be missed on the Barrier not just a place to stay.
WHAT'S TRYPHENA HOUSE ALL ABOUT?
Tryphena House offers you, family, friends, work colleagues a place to connect with each other and the extraordinary environment on Aotea/Great Barrier Island.
There is nothing flash about Tryphena House. It's clean, comfortable and rustic. But staying with us gives you a chance to get back to basics, step away from all the conveniences of modern life and disconnect.
We know its not for everyone, but if you and your group fancy the sound of some of the things below, Tryphena House could be an accommodation match made in heaven.
COLLECT FRESH EGGS FROM OUR CHICKENS DURING SPRING & SUMMER
EXPLORE OUR GROWING GARDENS AND THE ISLAND'S
NATIVE BUSH
CATCH A FISH.
(Pete is an avid fisherman. So often catches a fish or two to share with guests)
YES WE'VE GOT 1960's CARPET LIKE THIS AND WALLPAPER TO MATCH
RELAX UNDER THE UNIVERSE IN OUR TWO OUTDOOR HEATED CLAWFOOT BATH TUBS
THE HOUSE IS POWERED BY THE SUN USING SOLAR ENERGY
GRAB SOME VEGGIES, FRUIT & HERBS FROM OUR GARDEN
EXPLORE TRYPHENA HARBOUR ON A KAYAK, PADDLEBOARD OR FISHING KAYAK right off our front lawn
WE'VE GOT A POOL TABLE.
NO LONG DROPS HERE. ONLY FULL FLUSH
'NZ in the 50's but with WiFi'
Pateke, Blue Penguins, KINGFISHERS, Kereru, Kaka, Tui, Banded Rail, Piwakawaka All live at Tryphena house too
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
Absolutely incredible spot, Tryphena House is a hidden jewel on Great Barrier Island. From the welcoming feel of house, to the view, the relaxed atmosphere, and of course the outside baths with hot and cold running water, this place will provide you and your family and friends with an incredible experience and wonderful memories. Pete and Lucy are fantastic hosts. 10 out of 10.
Morris& HenderSOn, Waikato NZ, 2021
'To stay at Peter and Lucys place has been the best travelling tip we've ever gotten! And we have travelled a lot. They had everything our hearts desired and more. And the way then went about things was just the best! You cannot find more helpful hosts and the view from the sundeck is just to die for.'
Ninette & Niels Copenhagen 2020
THE RESTING PLACE OF THE 'VERITAS' BARQUE SHIPWRECK
Tryphena House is not for everyone. The experience wasn't quite for Susan...
'...the cobwebs need removing under the deck...
the road is too dusty...
you need a commercial toilet roll dispenser in the bathroom...'
Susan, 2020
'My husband and I got married in Tryphena on 01.11.2020 and had a large group staying at TRYPHENA HOUSE. Our guests absolutely loved there stay! Paddles and Saddles has beautiful views and lovely hosts. Thank you Lucy and Pete for ensuring our guests enjoyed there stay and for making our wedding even more memorable for those who attended'
Brigitta & Daniel, NZ
'We spent 5 months travelling around New Zealand and this is our favourite spot.'
Annie & Avi. Scotland
