Moon Gate Villa — Hotel in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

It is a great pleasure to provide a recommendation and five star award for Lionel and Rob’s wonderful Moon Gate Villa in Kerikeri after our visit there in July 2025. We have stayed with them previously but this was the first time since the COVID disruptions and it was a wonderful experience for my wife and I.||The villa is set in beautifully landscaped and colourful gardens which provide a tranquil and relaxing environment. The rooms are tastefully decorated with high quality fittings in all aspects of the kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. An excellent range of toiletries is also provided. A peaceful and beautiful environment for a break.|Within this lovely, luxurious setting, though, it is the hosts who really excel. Lionel was on his own for this visit and he is a perfect host, including his excellent baking and cooking. Nothing is too much trouble and the table settings and presentation were absolutely first class. The breakfast was presented as you would expect to find in an English country house and most of food was home grown or home made - delicious jams and marmalades, bread, local eggs etc. A real treat and beautifully presented and served by Lionel. We felt really spoiled and also had some entertaining and enjoyable conversations with Lionel but he was never intrusive. |We also had an afternoon bubbles and canapés platter which was excellent and as enjoyable as breakfast.|Moon Gate is ideally situated, just outside the town but within easy walking distance and close to the markets, vineyards and historic sites.|My wife and I are already planning our trip there for next year!|Dr...

An absolute paradise! We loved our stay at Moon Gate Villa from the moment we pulled off the road and headed up the driveway. The building is set back from the road and you get no noise disruption at all. We were welcomed warmly by both Lionel and Rob and their pets (3 dogs and a cat). The house is beautiful with a stunning entrance and hallway (which doesn't do it justice as there is a stream, plants and fish!). There is a lovely lounge area to sit in, and we stayed in The Writer's Retreat which was palatial. There was a giant and super comfy bed, a lounge area, a table and chairs (inside and out), a huge bathroom with giant bath and a separate large shower, and a small kitchen type area (fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, etc). |Included was a brilliant breakfast including all the continental bits and pieces and made to order hot breakfast, all served in their kitchen area (which is opened in the morning for you to sit round a large table). |We were given excellent service from the minute we booked. They arranged dinner reservations for us and at each restaurant we were given the best tables and received some lovely comments about how the restaurant owners loved Lionel and Rob. They also have amazing itineraries all laid out on A4 sheets of paper if you need advice on activities and road trips. ||Nothing was too much and we really felt at home. I can't say enough nice things about this place so go and see for yourself. 100/100...

Rob and Lionel have made a perfect BnB home into an exceptional experience. From a welcome glass of wine (or beer) to the bedtime local chocolates and flowers, we felt like special guests. Lionel is a wonderful chef preparing and serving a delicious breakfast to order along with fresh fruits and breads, homemade muesli, and fresh squeezed orange juice. Our bed was very comfortable and the pillows and linens were plush and immaculate. Each room has its own private sitting area outside and inside, and there is a common area to relax with friends. The grounds are landscaped and tranquil. There isn't a thing I can think of that this place is lacking. We are staying 5 nights and have found plenty to see and do in the area. Today was blustery with wind and rain so after touring the Waitangi Treaty Grounds we opted to spend the afternoon just relaxing at the Villa. There are many nice restaurants to choose from in Kerekeri just a couple minutes away. Thank you so much for sharing your...