Punga Lodge — Hotel in Waiheke

This is going to be a long review because there is loads of good to say about this place. But for those that doesn't want to read so much in short: Excellent. Will go again.

I always write the good the medium and the bad. However in this case it wont work well. So we just going to write paragraphs. We stayed at the Punga Lodge for the kings birthday long weekend. Making the reservation was a breeze. We are a family of 5. So we needed 2 separate places to stay as their rooms only goes up to 4 people. We booked a bed and breakfast room for me and hubby and a chalet for our 3 kids. She made sure to put us as close together as possible. This was a good solution for us. (my kids are older teens) She made the booking for us over the phone. A 50% deposit is required. All very smooth and essay. On arrival we were met with the 2 most amazing people I have met in a long time. They clearly love what they do. They were so friendly without being overbearing. We were set up in no time.

The bed and breakfast part: The room is cozy. It was clean enough. There is more than enough warm water. It was the best thing in the world to wake up to someone else bringing me breakfast in bed, cleaning my bathroom daily and making my bed. It was the biggest treat in the world to be honest. The breakfast is amazing. The home made fruit salad is probably my favorite. (you know how they can sometimes be apple and apple and apple?) NO apple here! (Photo attached) It was truly the best. The only 2 bits of constructive criticism I might give here is that the closet could be cleaner and the shower head absolutely sucks. We had the option to shower at the unit my kids were in but if we didn't have that showering would have been a problem to be honest.

The chalet. The kids stayed in the self catering chalet. Again this was amazing. It was clean enough (though an extra wipe wont do harm) The beds were good. There are fans and heaters, the warming blankets are on all beds and there is no problem with hot water or showering. The kitchen is well stocked and the people are right there to help if you need anything. Breakfast is extra if you are here but she brought my kids a muffin every morning anyway. My kids absolutely loved it. Some might say they said it was the best part of the vacation. This also gets a bathroom clean, towel change and bed made every day. I might just return for this! But actually it might be the 4 o clock tea. So lets talk about that! The afternoon tea: What an absolute treat that is! We were so excited for this every day. It absolutely made our vacation just so much more special. The effort put into it is just like so amazing. It realy becomes a highlight of your stay there.

Now for just some neutral points that might interest the reader. They are neither good or bad. Will depend on your personality. The linen are 100% polyester. The internet speed here is superb and it is one of the big plusses here. It`s not quiet. You can hear the busy road behind you all the time. There is a dog. If in the B&B in the home you can hear the people in the next room. The beds are soft. There is only place to hang your 2 bath towels. No other hooks for swimwear or anything else. No drawers. (bedside or cupboard) for underwear and socks. There is a hairdryer (a good one) Soap and shampoo supplied. Easy walk to the beach.

This is probably one of the best places we have stayed in in NZ but what realy makes the place is the owners. We had the best time and we are already planning to come back soon. I highly...

After reading good reviews we were looking forward to seeing if this place stood up to them.

Both Dyan and Rob were great hosts, from the moment we walked in and were offered a cup of tea and some cake, we knew we had made a great choice. After sitting chatting with them while we drank our tea, even their dog and cat made us feel welcome, both taking turns for our affection.

We had a good selection of options for breakfast which set us up for the day, washed down with ample coffee (forgot to ask if it was the local Island brand!). Breakfast amongst the trees and bush with the local birds flying overhead.

Both evening's were nicely finished off having a spa.

Would we visited again, would we recommend, you bet!

Like to think we arrived as guests and left as...

We had an absolutely incredible time. The room was very clean and tidy, serviced every morning. Towels and toiletries provided. Our room had a lovely deck with a table and chairs so it felt I was having afternoon tea in the middle of the bush. Diane is a lovely host and really puts all her love in what she does. we had read reviews about breakfast, but it is really excellent. And her baking for afternoon tea put a huge smile on our faces every day. Their head of security (Spud, the dog) is also lovely. appreciates pets and belly rubs, but is very respectful of your own space. So if you dont like dogs or are afraid of them, you will have no problems. he stays inside reception all the time. all in all a great place to stay in the sland. Highly...