Cliff Edge by the Sea

The views are incredible, the accommodation was lovely, and breakfast each day was delicious. If Peter offers to cook, take him up on it, he's an incredible chef. Only small drawback was how quickly bugs can get into the rooms when the windows are left open. Still, I can't recommend the place enough!

I spent Christmas at Cliff Edge, and calling it a B&B doesn't really capture what this place offers. It's an upscale, multi-level property built down the cliff towards the water, around 10 or 15min from Paihia along a private road. Beyond the plain entrance, there's a welcoming dining area and a large shared space with a balcony and an incredible bay view. The rooms are on lower levels and each has its own balcony facing the same view. I stayed in the Tui Apartment on the lowest level, at the end furthest from the bay-facing side. There was a small deck with a partial water view, a comfortable king size bed in an adequately sized sleeping area, and a compact bathroom tucked partly under the stairs. The living area had a TV, kitchenette, and another small deck with a clearer view. Both the apartment and shared areas were clean and well appointed. Peter is direct and to the point. I can see how that manner might not suit some delicate, self-opinionated people, judging by other reviews, but I found him thoroughly professional, accommodating, and people oriented. His dry wit added a family feel you don't find everywhere, and in the few chances we had to talk, he was interesting and engaging. Compared with a luxury hotel, the price is a bit high for the finishes and how much service you get. Still, Cliff Edge has its own atmosphere, and I can't think of a single complaint about my two nights. The meals were another highlight. The complimentary breakfast had cereal, fruit, toast, eggs made your way, and, while I was there, some of the best ham I've ever had. On the 24th, Peter said he wouldn't cook for Christmas, which is fair, but by morning he said he'd make a "simple, light supper." It was anything but simple: turkey with stuffing patties, made from a whole turkey he cooked that morning and then hand ground; two kinds of hand battered fish; green salad; traditional German potato salad; more ham; fresh tomatoes; and four wine pairings. Dessert was a deep dish apple pie made from scratch, good enough to put a proud Baker/Grandmother to shame. Cliff Edge is a first-rate place to stay in Bay of Islands, where guests can relax and mingle. Peter is a wonderful host, and his little dog Charlie is the cutest, best-behaved creature I've seen in some time. Check prices on Expedia etc, but book directly through Cliff Edge. You're guaranteed to get the same, or a better price.

I wish I could have left five stars after our stay in a few days, but our New Year's plans have been ruined. My husband and I booked a room on NY eve overlooking the water, expecting to watch the beautiful fireworks from the tub, order room service, and stay in. Since I'm pregnant, that felt safer than mixing with crowds so soon after Auckland had opened up. Today I searched my email for the address, since I don't check it every day and don't live in the digital world, and found an October message I hadn't seen. It said our booking had been declined and our deposit refunded because they don't accept stays of less than three nights around that time of year. I understand the policy, and was excited when I first found the booking. But we had paid a deposit and received confirmation, so we shouldn't have to bear the cost of their online booking flaw. That's not how I run my business. They could have tried another way to reach us after getting no reply to the October email. We would have appreciated a call and the option to stay three nights. There were no messages left on my phone, and no alternative was offered. Now it's far too late to make other plans.

No stars. The worst place and service I've experienced in my 17 years in New Zealand. The room and bathroom smelled, and the website didn't mention a dog. We only found out when the dog came into our room. We raised these problems with the host, but nothing was done. We checked out within an hour of arriving, after travelling 300 km and looking forward to a relaxed, enjoyable stay. Our money went down the drain.