This was our first stay in New Zealand and it was great. The owner gave us some great suggestions…read morefor places to eat which was really helpful. The location was ideal to restaurants and groceries. The B&B itself was really cute and although the room is small (its an old house so adds to the charm), we had everything we needed and the bed was really comfortable.

Loved it! I stayed there for a week in the Spring '13 and…read morehave to say it was the best I had slept during my trip. I booked a room in the bungalows in the back (not attached to the main house) and really enjoyed the quiet. The only downside was sharing the kitchen with some college kids who didn't always clean after themselves. Plenty of space, beautiful landscaping, free wifi, coin-op laundry. The main building is absolutely gorgeous. I'd stay there again for sure.

We hit the jackpot! Everything about this bed and breakfast was purrrfect. Here is a quick run…read moredown: -Location: It's literally across the street from a beautiful beach called Little Oneroa. You can leave the front sliding glass door open and listen to the ocean. There are some traffic noise but it didn't bother us. Along with the beach is obviously the nice view from the room. This place is also walking distance from the next shopping center close - it's about a 15 minute walk (but on busy road). Easy and beautiful hiking trails close by too. If you want delicious fish and chips, just walk across the street to the convenient store! -The hosts (Harry and Bernadette) were very friendly. They introduced us to their two fluffy cats and even gave us a ride to town. -Very nice amenities. Nothing felt dingy or run down. Comfortable bed and warm shower. I felt like we got real lucky finding this place. I would definitely stop by again here in the future or recommend to a friend.

We spent an idyllic weekend at BookLovers Cottage. The location is stunning. In a semi rural…read moresetting overlooking a sculpture park and a lovely 5 minute bush walk through to the Okoka bay beach. The cottage was well appointed with each bedroom having its own en-suite. We were after a weekend away to relax and that's exactly what we got. we will certainly be returning.

My stay at the Pigeon's Nest was really comfortable. I'm usually the sort of person who has trouble…read moresleeping in a place I'm not used to, but the Pigeon's Nest was like a home away from home. Part of the reason could be that it is a home - the owner lets it out at very reasonable rates and stays just next door, which is handy in case you need her (although we didn't). The Nest has two generous bedrooms with queen beds, a modern bathroom and kitchen, a great living room and veranda and a glorious view of the surrounding bush-covered hills and the sea. It's just a short stroll from Rocky Bay, which is a secluded swimming spot, although only for the hardier among us, as it is (as you might image) quite rocky. The Nest is a short way from the hub of Waiheke, which I treasured about it. It's easy enough to get to the shops, but quiet enough to feel like a true getaway. You can find all the details for the Pigeon's Nest by Googling them.

Though all charities do good work and are worth supporting, The Ronald McDonald House is one…read moreAuckland based charity that I have been personally affected by and can vouch for. Located on site of the Starship Children's Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House provides families with a 'home away from home' while their child is in the hospital. The McDonald House has 48 family sized bedrooms, each of which include an ensuite, while communal laundry, cooking, entertainment areas and fitness facilities are also part of the establishment. A few years ago one of my close family friends was hospitalized for half a year, and her family (who live out of Auckland) were able to live at Ronald McDonald House for the duration of her admittance. The House meant their family were able to deal with the situation as a unit and the other kids' routine wasn't too badly disrupted. Without the help of Ronald McDonald House my friends' family probably wouldn't have coped with the situation - it just meant they were able to focus on the important things and not worry about little day to day issues. The Ronald McDonald House is completely funded by donations and sponsorship, so if you can spare a few dollars this is definitely a charity worth supporting. You never know when it could be you or your family who will need the support of this charity! Bonus: Ensuring it caters to all families' long-term needs, the Ronald McDonald House even has a school on site for families that bring school-aged children with them

What a lovely two-storied little house in the heart of Mangawhai Village- fell in love with it's…read moremix matched furniture, lovely bric-a-brac, and quaint, vintage set-up. Alan- the owner is so gracious. Affordable as well. Lucky us. We had a group of 4 gals, 2 in each double bedrooms with extra mattresses and futons underneath. Parked just in front of the garage/ side of the house off the main street. Absolutely adored the music room. Great kitchen facilities and nice to have the shower/ bathroom all to ourselves. Easy walking distance to amenities such as the 4 Square Supermarket just across the road and handy Village G.A.S. station. Bring a car to get to the beautiful Mangawhai Heads and other naturally gorgeous spots such as the Big Sand Dune along Pacific Beach. We hit up Te Arai on the way back down as well as Pakiri. Highly recommend the stay here