Auckland Country Cottages — Hotel in Franklin

On arrival, was met by the owner (Carolyn) of the cottage, who provided not only provided a very warm welcome, but also plenty of local detail about any information that might be required for the duration of your stay. This itself is also backed up with an excellent guest compendium in the cottage. ||The cottage itself is relatively compact and basic in design but lacks absolutely nothing regards amenities and offers a wonderful opportunity to have periods of respite and solitude, especially after an active and gruelling day. A small veranda without outdoor furniture also offers wonderful views of the Manukau Plains, and entertainment from an abundant and very wide variety of birds.||Furnishings within the cottage were wonderfully comfortable, including a large bed.||A very extensive supply of food ensures you can have a very comprehensive breakfast as well as in between snacks.||The only negative was (and you are warned about this because of being in a rural location). the poor Wi-Fi signal that ranged from non-existent...

I stayed in 3 places, within 3 weeks, just south of Auckland about 40 minutes. This was by far the most comfortable, and private accommodation. It was blissfully quiet the entire week. Total privacy, and the hot tub all to myself each day. The view of the countryside was stunning, but what really blew me away was that you can see both oceans from the deck- specifically the Manukau Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. Its perfectly positioned to see sunsets. Most importantly in winter- it had a heat pump. I'm very careful to rent places that have "heat" listed in the amenities, but the other two places I stayed were falsely advertising. So this was the only place I stayed where I didn't freeze at night, (I don't like to keep a space heater on at night). The owner has the kiwi hospitality of "nothing is too much trouble". She invited me to her home for steak dinner, and it was one of the best meals I've ever tasted. She even helped me find accommodation in Auckland, when I had to move closer...

The cottages were set in the hills with good views. Lots of space, chance to bird watch and just chill out on the veranda. The accommodation had everything we needed. comfy bed, well equipped kitchen and not too pokey a bathroom. It was spotlessly clean and would recommend. The only reason it didn't get a 5 is breakfast. Really was a let down in this lovely place. This comprised of basically 1 small bottle of milk to last 3 days. It only lasted the cereal and coffee for one day and half a breakfast the next. One loaf of bread was in the cupboard on arrival and that was already a day old so ended up in the bin after the first breakfast. Packets of cereals were in the cupboard along with sachets of butter and jam and a few tins of peaches. We did have a basket of fruit as promised. Daily fresh bread and milk would have made our trip perfect. and...