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

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

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.

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.

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.

Being in the middle of a beautiful orange orchard and the pet Kuni kuni pigs and piglets, we enjoyed feeding and patting them. We were also visited by a friendly Labrador and some chickens. Owner was kind enough to offer to pick us up late at night from the airport after our plane from Auckland being cancelled and having to travel 5 hours by bus. (we were unable to pick up our rental car till the following day) Nice quiet surroundings close to the airport and a short drive (5min) to Kerikeri. We will definitely come and stay again.

We enjoyed everything about our stay. We wish we could have stayed longer. Highly recommend to everyone including and especially families. : )

I was grateful for a ride from the airport as it was a little way out of town. I didn't really know what I had booked but it became clear that it was a lodge with other lodgers sharing a communal space, which I am very open to. Once I was there I was happy to stay rather than head into town. I was happy sitting out on the deck in the sun and then by the fire enjoying time to myself. The hosts were very lovely and it was nice to chat to others who were around the place.

No downsides. The only problem I had was not having transport but I had brought some food with me to tide me over. I could have used a bike to cycle into town if I wanted to and the hosts offered to take me to the supermarket.

The location was exceptional, in the middle of an orchard but close to the township, surrounded by very friendly pet chooks and piggies and a lovely senior dog watching over them. Klaus is a great host, offered us fresh fruit from the orchard and made sure we were feeling comfortable, safe and looked after. Thank you!

Nothing.

Good room for the price we paid! The Claes hospitality was the most. It was great chatting about his experience sailing to South America. It was a quiet place with many tracks and beaches near the place. The sweet oranges are delicious, and I loved interacting with the lovely Nika and the pigs.