Flaxmill Accommodation and Venue — Hotel in North Island

We spent 2 weeks at Flaxmill. The first with friends who stayed in a 3 bed house whilst we were in a 1 bed cottage, the second week on our own in the same cottage. The staff were really friendly and helpful the site was as it suggests... a beautiful hideaway. We ate out every day, mostly at Eggsentric a short walk away.

The beach was literally on the doorstep, but we also went to Cathedral Cove walkway (allow more time than they suggest for the walk, especially on a hot day, ice cream van on the return journey much appreciated) and Cooks Beach. A looong sandy beach which looks well frequented in the high season.

We also walked to and then took the cute ferry to Whitianga, which at the time felt expensive until we drove to Whitianga, then we understood.

We took a day to visit Hobbiton. We decided to leave early and booked a tour for 9am. We were not disappointed, it was really well set out and with a free drink at the Green Dragon our experience was complete. Be prepared to stick with your crowd and meet some lovely people from around the world. Very well organised, and if you're a fan... Worth it.

Most of the time it poured with rain. They said it had not been like this for 5 years. For this the reason we didn't visit more places, but that's ok as we needed to relax. Roads had been closed due to 'slips' before we arrived and when we left we had to drive through flooded rivers and on very dicey 'Gogle Map' detours to avoid more road closure and slips. We're used to this because of where we'd lived before, but if you don't know NZ roads and are thinking it will be smaller and easier to get around.... think again, and allow much more time than you'd think. We would have been petrified doing the journey in a camper van. What would've taken 10 hours took us over 12, and we were exhausted at the end if it. Though we did stop at Cambridge and ate a superb Italian meal at Alpino's restaurant on the way.

Overall Flaxmill was a superb place to stay for a...

We stayed for 3 nights in one of the beach front houses, which appear to have the best views of all. Highly recommend this house as the garden is very private, the views are gorgeous, and the house in lovely – well equipped and comfy! I would totally stay again.||However.... we had one of the WORST welcomes we've ever had at a holiday stay. We arrived earlier than we planned and decided to call to see if we could do early check-in or just wait. We called the number which reached the front desk lady who seemed put out, but came to the desk anyway. While we waited for her in the lobby, we looked around at the brochures, etc. and our 8-yr-old son I guess looked behind the front desk? My back was turned, but the first thing she said when she entered was: "Rude!" When I looked at my husband like: "What did I miss?" she said to me: "I saw you look at your partner. Well, it was rude wasn't it?" I assume she was talking about the moment my son looked behind the desk? But honestly it all just so confusing and such an over-reaction to a child just being curious about his new surroundings. ||Thankfully we didn't need to interact any more with her and had a wonderful time...

I have brought friends and family here several times and have already booked my next girls getaway long weekend.|This is the second time staying in the accessible villa for my brother-in-law, who says it is the best accessible accommodation he has ever stayed in, and he should know, being well travelled, nationally and internationally, over the last 45 years that he has been a paraplegic.|There are 3 more accessible villas being built at present, having taken on suggestions for improvement from guests - things like lowering bench height,etc. We have been able to manage with the present villas but of course disabilities are so varied - the owners are going all out to cater for everyone.||The villas are so tastefully furnished . The fire is wonderful in the winter. The gardens are beautiful and the birdsong is so wonderful to hear.||So easy to get to Whitianga by the ferry (the ferry guys are so helpful with the wheelchair access), and of course the surrounding areas of Hahei and Cooks Beach, Cathedral Cove, etc. So many wonderful cafes and restaurants in easy access.|The staff are always so kind and...