Aotearoa Lodge

The rooms are basic but have what you need: a shower, toilet, large vanity, hair dryer, and tea and coffee facilities. It's a simple lodge hotel in pleasant countryside, very close to Whitianga town centre. It's next to a Jehovah’s Witness conference centre, though I'm not sure whether the two businesses are linked. The windows and French doors open onto the car park. There are net and thick curtains, but during the day other lodge guests walk by constantly, so I felt exposed unless both sets were closed. Parking is ample for the number of guests, though the spaces are a little tight. The communal guest lounge was locked during our stay.

It was quiet and lovely, and the beach is very close. Our hosts were friendly and accommodating, and the price was very good. All the amenities were clean, functional, and well laid out. Thank you, we'd stay again.

The grounds were peaceful and well kept, and the staff were attentive, friendly, and helpful. Although the rooms and facilities are quite dated, everything was very clean and worked properly, so we enjoyed our stay. The parking lot is small, with very narrow spaces. I wouldn't recommend bringing anything larger than a compact or intermediate-size car.

The room's strong mould smell made it hard to breathe, and that ruined our stay even though we were there for just one night. The room was outdated, and I wouldn't return. It definitely wasn't worth the money. The location is good, parking is free, the sheets were clean, and the host was nice.