Lovely quiet location overlooking the bay at Te Hamui.. In our unit, you could enjoy the view from the deck, dinner table, couch, and bed. It is a very short drive to Paihia and a slightly longer one to Opua where the ferry to Russell leaves from. It is worth asking for assistance in booking tours, places to eat etc. from the very approachable and friendly hosts, as their recommendations and knowledge are good. We were there out of school holiday time, so it was easy to drive to Pahia and find a carpark, and travel around the area generally If you want a stove, you need to check that the unit has that. Ours just had a double electric hot plate, but that was fine for the cooking we wanted to do. All in all, it is a very relaxing place to stay with all of the activities in The Bay of Islands to explore, we'd stay again!

The driveway is in a tricky position. So you want to be extra careful turning out and give plenty of warning when turning in. I don't know how busy the road would get in peak season. The room might get quite hot in summer in the afternoon, but it might be breezy at that time of year as well. We found it cooled down with opening the windows and doors.

I chose this place for the outstanding view, and could have chosen others, but this one has character. So much more comfortable than a beige motel type room. And it's big, that was a good surprise, but now you know too. This place is perfect for the quiet, solitude of writing. There's something about being up high and overlooking water that brings the kind of peace needed for focussed thought. The place was super clean, like, how -do- you get a stainless steel bench top SO shiny?! The bed was comfortable with plenty of covers, crisp white sheets, and a great reading light. Thank you Jo and Marcel, you're great hosts; considerate and friendly. I appreciate the porch light being on when getting back in the evening. And thanks for the recommendations of where is good to eat in Paihia!

Nothing to say here. It was all really great.

The Retreat is a "retro" (i.e. genuine 1970's) holiday apartment overlooking the Bay of Islands in Northland NZ. Although it was dated, it was well maintained, clean and comfortable. The basic kitchenette facilities provided (fridge, stove, microwave, crockery, dining table, etc) were very appreciated. The king-size bed was very comfortable. But best of all the views were AMAZING! See photos. You could look out from your bed, lounge and dining table right across the bay. Parking was immediately behind the apartment, which was very handy. It was a quick 5-minute drive to the township of Paihia which has lots of cafes, restaurants and the wharf for boat excursions across the bay. The hosts - Jen and Marcel - were very friendly, available when required (even when we arrived late at night) and had lots of helpful information about the local area.

The bathroom worked well (hot water, shower, etc) but could benefit from an update.

We were met on arrival by our friendly host Tracey who gave us a very thorough overview of what to do and see during our stay, providing brochures and information and booking tours for us. We were upgraded to a beautiful suite with outstanding 180 degree views of the bay. Perfect for sunset drinks.

The water tasted quite muddy - probably from rainwater tanks and we had to buy bottled water for drinking. The location was quiet with spectacular views but it was quite far out of town.

Great hosts, fabulous views, large size, lovely birds in trees, very clean, excellent parking, superb location! A really good decision to end our long AussyNZ trip chilling here at The Retreat in the Bay of Islands for 6 days.

Nothing major…. it’s very fairly priced for its location and being actively upgraded by Marcel and partner. Adequate bed but a better one would be the icing on the cake:)…. and a way of shading the evening sun would have been good.

The studio wasn’t suitable for a week’s stay so we were generously upgraded to a cottage and had a brilliant and comfortable holiday. The view over the bay was gorgeous although road noise could be a little intrusive. Marcel was an excellent host.

The studio we had booked lacked storage space for clothes and cooking facilities so unsuitable for a week’s stay - but the property is in process of renovation so will surely be improved.

The view, the location

Not a dislike but it's not new. A light reno at some point in the future would enhance, but we were more than happy with the current condition for the price.

The apartment was very comfortable and the kitchen had enough to cook meals when we wanted to. The view from our balcony was amazing! Jo was super helpful about local facilities, even a courtesy car pick up if needed. Walkable into Paihia with 2 beaches on the way.

Not much. I guess Kiwi TV on the digibox might have been more extensive ;-)

The flat was very comfortable to stay in during 12 days. The view from the balcony was spectacular and everchanging. The hosts were engaging, very friendly, responsive, informative and 24/7 reachable. The apartment was very clean. We would come back any time.

Location was great for privacy and with amazing views of the bay. Not too far from town center but also not too close for peace and quiet. Would definitely stay again.

N/A