Frequently Asked Questions for Harris Hideaway

General Booking Information +

What’s included in the booking price?

Your stay at Harris Hideaway — a self-contained 2-bedroom Airbnb-style holiday house — includes all linens, towels, free WiFi, off-street parking, and professional cleaning. This fully equipped home is managed by Accommodation in Gisborne, offering comfortable, affordable accommodation for families, couples, and contractors alike.

Is there a minimum stay?

Most of the time, no — there is no minimum stay at Harris Hideaway. However, please note that the cleaning fee is charged separately, so short stays (like one night) may appear more expensive. When you book for two or more nights, our accommodation often works out significantly cheaper than comparable Airbnb options. We do have minimum night requirements during peak periods, such as New Year's Eve, Rhythm and Vines festival, and some public holidays or major events in Gisborne.

Can this Harris Hideaway holiday home be booked directly?

Yes! Booking directly through our website means no platform fees, better rates, and more flexibility for your stay at Harris Hideaway — a 2-bedroom holiday house managed by Accommodation in Gisborne.

The Property +

How many people can Harris Hideaway 2-Bedroom Holiday House sleep?

Harris Hideaway is designed to comfortably sleep 5 guests, with two queen beds and a sofa bed located in the hallway. While the large couch in the lounge has occasionally been used by guests for a sixth person, we generally recommend choosing one of our larger or more suitable properties for bigger groups. That said, when options are limited, we do our best to accommodate—always providing quality bedding and linen for any additional sleeping arrangements.

Is the kitchen at Harris Hideaway fully equipped?

Yes, the kitchen at Harris Hideaway is fully equipped for your short-term stay. You'll find pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, and a good selection of dishes. We also provide pantry basics including salt, pepper, oil, sugar, tea, and coffee. Appliances include a microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and an older-style oven with cooktop. We do our best to include everything you might need, but if there’s a particular item you love to cook with that you didn’t find, we’d love your feedback!

 Is there a washing machine or laundry?

Yes, all of our properties include a washing machine for your convenience. At Harris Hideaway, the washing machine is located just outside the home, to the side of the back area. You’ll find the key to access this space included on your keyring.If you prefer or need additional laundry facilities, we also offer washing machines and dryers at Waikanae Beach Motel, available for $4–$6 per load.

Location +

How far away is Harris Hideaway Airbnb from Gisborne town centre?

Harris Hideaway, located at 24 Harris Street, Gisborne, is in a prime central location — close enough to walk to town for those who are fit and able. It's approximately 1 km from the city centre, which takes around 10–15 minutes on foot or just 2–4 minutes by car. You're surrounded by local amenities, with Pak’nSave and Woolworths only minutes away, and a Four Square supermarket, cafes, takeaways, and convenience stores just a short stroll to the end of the street..

How far away are the local beaches from Harris Hideaway?

Nearby Beaches Near Harris Hideaway:
• Waikanae Beach – 1.7 km
• Midway Beach – 2.9 km
• Wainui Beach – 5.2 km
• Okitu Beach – 6.3 km
• The Mad Mile – 6.5 km (popular coastal stretch)
• Makorori Beach – 11.7 km
• Dive Tatapouri – 13 km (marine wildlife experience)

What are the local attractions in Gisborne?

There are so many things to do in Gisborne! We've created this small list to help you get started. Please check out our Attractions page for more details.
Information Centre (Gisborne i-SITE) – 1 km (12-minute walk) – Includes mini golf. Across the road is a skate park, and there’s a BMX park behind it.
Kiwa Pools – 2.9 km – Features a hydroslide, lap pool, hydrotherapy pool, toddler pool, and a free adventure playground across the road.
Kaiti Hill (Titirangi Reserve) – 100 m – Right behind the house! Great for a scenic walk or bike ride. You can also drive up if walking isn’t an option.
Fox Street Mountain Bike Park (Whataupoko Reserve) – 2.5 km – Variety of trails for beginner to advanced riders.
Tairāwhiti Museum & Art Gallery – 1.5 km – Discover local art, Māori heritage, and Gisborne’s rich history.
Gisborne Botanical Gardens (Arboretum) – 2 km – Peaceful gardens, native trees, and picnic areas alongside the river.
Waikanae Beach – 1.7 km – One of Gisborne’s closest beaches, great for walking and swimming.
Midway Beach – 2.9 km – Popular surf beach with a patrolled swimming area in summer.
Wainui Beach – 5.2 km – A local favourite for surfing and sunrise views.
Okitu Beach – 6.3 km – Quiet and scenic with golden sand, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
The Mad Mile – 6.5 km – A beautiful coastal stretch popular for walks and views.
Makorori Beach – 11.7 km – Known for surf breaks and natural beauty.
Dive Tatapouri – 13 km – Offers reef tours and hands-on stingray encounters.
Eastwoodhill Arboretum – 35 km (about 30–35 min drive inland) – New Zealand’s National Arboretum, with over 131 hectares of walking trails and world-class tree collections. Best combined with a trip to Rere Rock Slide and Rere Falls.
Rere Falls  – A wide, picturesque waterfall perfect for relaxing or taking photos.
Rere Rock Slide – 1 km further from the Rere Falls 46 km (about 40–45 min drive inland) – Natural 60m waterslide made of smooth rock. Bring a boogie board or inner tube!

Flexibility +

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is available from 3:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM.
We’ll send your full check-in instructions around midday on the day of your arrival. This includes everything you need:
– How to access the property
– House rules specific to Harris Hideaway
– Parking details
– Check-out details & requirements

Can I request early check-in or late check-out?

We’ll do our best! Early check-in and late check-out may be available depending on cleaning schedules — just ask.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 7 days before arrival. After that, a partial or full charge may apply if we can’t rebook the property. We always do our best to fill the airbnb and holiday home to ensure we can provide a refund or not charge for the accommodation. On group bookings and event bookings are terms and conditions change and we recomend looking at our terms & conditions page for more details.

Special Features +

Is this home pet-friendly? - Pet Policy at Harris Hideaway

Yes, Harris Hideaway is pet-friendly, but strict rules apply to ensure the comfort of all guests:
• All pets must be approved in advance. You must inform us at the time of booking if you're bringing a pet, including its breed, age, and size.
• We generally accept small dogs under 10kg. Larger pets may be considered upon request.
Puppies and unhouse-trained pets are not permitted.
• Guests must bring their own pet bedding, food bowls, and supplies.
Pets are not allowed on beds or furniture at any time.
All pet hair and droppings must be cleaned up before departure.
• Pets must not be left unattended inside the property.
• A pet fee applies per stay.
Unauthorised pets or breach of these rules may result in an additional cleaning charge of up to $500.
Please Note: this property is not fully fenced.

Does the property have outdoor space?

Yes, there is an outdoor table and chairs, as well as a BBQ on the deck just outside the French doors. Please note: There is a drop at the end of the property leading to a small stream. Children and pets must be supervised at all times.

Is this home suitable for children? – Families at Harris Hideaway

We welcome families and are happy to provide a portacot and high chair upon request.
These are available at an extra charge, which will be added to your booking at check-out. You can select this option through our Extra Products and Services menu when making your reservation or by contacting us directly. Please note: The property is not fully fenced, and there is a drop at the back of the section leading to a small stream. Children and pets must be supervised at all times.

For Contractors/Long Stays +

Do you accept contractor or long-term bookings?

Yes, Harris Hideaway offers comfortable and fully furnished long-term accommodation in Gisborne, making it an ideal choice for contractors, business travellers, and guests needing extended stays. Whether you're working on a local project, relocating temporarily, or organising accommodation for a team of workers, Harris Hideaway provides a private, self-contained space with flexible terms to suit your needs. Our property is well-suited for those seeking quiet, convenient, and cost-effective housing close to town and essential amenities.

What happens if I book for our workers?

That’s no problem — we regularly host contractors and project teams. The booking party is responsible for any damage or breakages, and we require the full names, phone numbers, and email addresses of all guests staying, so we can communicate with them directly if needed.

Long Term Bookings, what is required?

We require one month’s payment in advance along with a security bond.
Payment must always stay one month in advance, unless the stay is coming to an end. Whether you're looking for temporary housing in Gisborne or a furnished rental for your team, Harris Hideaway offers a private, flexible space just minutes from town.