The Pop Top Whangamata - At a healthy 77SQM, this (truncated A Frame shaped), holiday apartment is the ingenious renovation achievement of Laura and Andrew Priestley. Having previously visited the Pop Top for an editorial photoshoot, I was definitely keen to return for a Tiny Outlooks feature and the full Pop Top experience.
For Andrew and Laura, It began when they returned to New Zealand after living overseas, searching for their first home and were struggling to get into the market. What proceeded was some ‘out of the box’ thinking along with some financial buy-in from family and they purchased the 3 level commercial premises on Whangamata’s main street in early 2019. The existing superette on the ground floor was the only functioning part of the building when the Priestley’s took it on.
With their creative vision and and a lot of hard graft, Andrew and Laura have transformed the near derelict top two floors of the building into a shared work space on the first level and a cleverly appointed 2 bedroom rooftop apartment. Andrew (a Landscape designer by trade) worked on the reno full time for nearly a year. The tradespeople employed, particularly Judd Builders and JBE Electrical, had significant input. Andrew and Laura moved into the apartment when it was near completion in mid 2020. Fast forward a few months, with baby Elle on the scene, they move out of the Pop Top and it became a full time Airbnb in March 2021.
The Priestleys' eye for detail is evident throughout the Pop Top. Many forms of greenery can be found throughout the space. There’s an intentionality to incorporate nature inside and out, which isn’t the easiest in a rooftop apartment. Quality fittings, feature lighting, beautiful bed linen and soft furnishings adorn the space. These little luxuries help make a stay here feel special.
My family of four had a gorgeous autumnal long weekend at the Pop Top. With rooftop terraces at both ends of the apartment, there are peeps to the ocean, through to expansive views of the ranges surrounding the township. Gorgeous sunsets delivered in full during our stay and with the beachfront and river mouth being a stone's throw away, we enjoyed multiple little walks, sea dips and excursions.
In the spirit of wilderness adventure, we took to the Wentworth Valley during our stay. Just 10 minutes drive out of town, there are nature walks of varying lengths. The trek we embarked on which followed the river towards Wentworth Falls kept the four of us engaged for its 2 hour duration. Having collected some pastry treats from Rudi’s bakery before we left definitely helped sweeten the deal for our kids ; )
Back at the Pop Top, it would be remiss not to mention the convenience of the township at your doorstep here. Various cafes and takeaway options are close by but the ‘must mention’ local gem is Gather & Roam. Headed up by top NZ chef Simon Wright and his wife Creghan (ex French Cafe), they serve up breakfast and lunch in fine form. More conveniences to add would be the seaside playground and the skatepark which were both well appreciated on this trip.
When the weather packed in, we cozied up with the help of a virtual fireplace (aka videoed loop on youtube ; ) and enjoyed some downtime indoors.
All in all, the Pop Top delivered on many levels. It’s a perfect option for a family getaway when you’re looking for a bit of a treat.
Find Pop Top via Airbnb.