Claes was a great host and he is attentive and friendly and lives in the property with the other lodgers. It definitely has a bit more a hostel feel, but definitely welcoming and friendly. I stayed over the Christmas period and they had a potluck on Christmas Day which was lovely when you’re solo travellers and a bit deprived of human contact. The property has big grounds as well as a pool, you can go and look at the pigs and chicken as well as the orchard. It is pretty chilled and you can do whatever you like really!

It is quite off the beaten track at the top of Kerikeri and was a little difficult to access, especially without a car. But Bay of Islands is difficult without a car generally speaking, so this wasn’t too much of an issue for me, as I anticipated this and hired a car. Claes is a little particular about things, which is a fair cause it is his house and this is not necessarily a bad thing as it keeps the house clean. However, I was a bit put back by it the first time, because it was a quite a small issue with the dishes that I didn’t think was an even issue, but I did get a bit of a grilling for it. Also LOTS of mosquitoes but again part of the Bay of Islands experience in summer

Quiet private and good value for money. My booking was a bit all over the place on my side but the staff were so patient and helpful

I didn't not like anything. But if I'm staying for a 5day stay again i know we were too ask if we needed clean linen etc but I was a bit too embarrassed to ask and also ask where or if there were laundry facilities as I didn't read about it in the welcome book but again those were things on my side.

Very private, comfortable, and well-equipped studio cottage (Doolittle) set within a working organic fruit orchard. Orange trees in full bloom were within feet of the patio. The smell was intoxicating and the hosts provided fresh fruit from the orchard in the cottage and a juicer was present if you wished to make fresh-squeezed OJ. The hosts put together a very nice information book, with useful information about both the cottage and local restaurants, wineries, sights, and other attractions. The cottage was within easy driving distance of Kerikeri and Paihia/Bay of Islands.

No complaints at all

I loved how clean it was and homey feeling! But most of all… the bath! I booked it mainly just for the bath because I competed in my first ever half marathon and thought I’d need an Epsom salt bath after and man was I grateful for this sweet little cottage. Kitchen had everything you needed, they picked me fresh fruit off the trees too on arrival. It was so clean, everything was perfect ! Thank you

I liked it all, nothing to dislike

Wonderful property off a main road with a huge orange orchard, cute pigs, and adorable chickens (who follow you around!). Loved that there was always a dog or guests roaming around, but it was still extremely quiet and laid back. Klaus, the proprietor, is a fantastic host who loves to chat while he goes about his day. 10/10 experience, can’t wait to come back!!

NA (it was perfect)

The place was full of peace and relaxation. Love the orchard, the friendly dogs, the funny pigs, and curious chickens on the property. Felt very private in our cottage too!

Not sure why, but the gas was turned off and we took a cold shower. Flipped the switch back on outside the cottage and all was good. Back to hot showers again.

The property is set on a working orchard. You do feel like you are living on a farm. Staff were very friendly and also were respectful of your privacy. Klaus is an exceptional host and gave me 2 bags full of his spray free oranges to take back to my wife. Despite me wanting to pay for these he refused which was a fantastic gesture. The accommodation is spotless and comfortable.

N/A

The outlook of citrus trees, the pigs. General quietness of the area, eventhough main road was close by. The swimming pool would have been awesome in the summer months.

Location, said 5 min drive to Kerikeri, so expected it to be closer. Felt is was a bit too far away from where we were attending the family event.

We had the best time! The cottage was super cozy and had all we need. Klaus was warm and welcoming and we loved all the animals roaming around. Especially the pigs!! Also don’t forget to try the oranges. Absolutely delish! Warmest recommendation to stay at this place.

Our stay at Relax A Lodge was one of a kind! The location was perfect, and the staff were very accommodating. We had everything at arms length, which was an added bonus. My son's loved every momen, from being able to just run around in the grass with the chickens to going and feeding the pigs. Thank you very much.

Nothing, it was an amazing experience.