On my recent trip to New Zealand I needed a place close to friends who live in Te Atatu which is…read moreapproximately 15 - 20 minutes from Auckland. I chose to stay at Dawn Haven Bed & Breakfast after a recommendation was made by my friends. It was a delight staying in this bed and breakfast - the house itself is large and airy with plenty of light and a great view of Auckland City across the water. There are great walking tracks that run along the waters edge as well as various other activities you can take part in duing your stay. The accomodation itself is on the lower floor and there are two separate areas for guests to stay. If you happen to be there by yourself you have the whole lower floor to yourself but if there are guests in the other room you share kitchen and lounge facilities. The room I stayed in was situated near the pool area and you walk straight out of your room onto decking and a beautiful view. The room has its own ensuite bathroom and fresh towels were supplied on a daily basis. The hosts Helen and Barbara were most welcoming and enquired with you the night before as to what time time you wanted breakfast and what you wished to eat. They really make you feel like home and at the end of my stay I was sad to leave, but pretty sure I will return when I make it back to Auckland. Having never stayed in a Bed & Breakfast before this was a great introduction for me for this sort of holiday accomodation. My only regret was not being able to get int the pool as it was still a little cold when I was there. Free WI-FI is avaliable to guests as well as tea and coffee and breakfast is provided as part of your stay.

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.

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.

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.