B&Bs / Farmstays
 

Hi!

Any recommendations for Bed and Breakfasts / Farmstays for the following locations :

1) Christchurch or nearby areas
2) Mt Cook
3) Tekapo
4) Rotorua
5) Taupo
6) Auckland or nearby areas

Looking for the "real NZ home / farm experience" and not a tourist trap. Cozy, comfortable, friendly and not just a "hotel room" to stay in. Preferrably not more than NZ$ a night.

There are very many in the books and the web ; but looking for recommendations from people who've actually tried the B&B or the farmstay.

Thanks!

Eric

Hi Eric - have stayed in B&B's in most of the areas mentioned, but unlike you, we stupidly did no prior research or bookings and just "winged" it on the day. For Christchurch can highly recommend "Villa Victoria" at Merivale, very near the city - we fluked that one too and were very glad we did.

I would recommend the farm of John and Maureen Hunt, located in the hills, just above Rororua. John has converted from mostly sheep to mostly premium venison for the Japanese market. We helped him take kitchen scaps up to the deer paddocks, which was a big hit with our kids. The Hunts have a large home with several guest rooms, and are quite sociable.

Can't help you with the other areas you specified.

Can you add Napier to the list.
Hey, I asked the same question a week ago and never got a response.
Someone out there must have some recommendation, please, please!

Hi Ayal - we fluked another lovely one, with a glorious garden, at Napier - hosts are Kay and Stewart Spence. This was a few years ago and the hosts now have a B&B next door to the one we stayed at - am sure it would be just as nice. www.bnb.co.nz/hosts/spence.html

Thanks Pat,

I heard about the Spence Homestay at Napier and am definitely thinking about it.

Here's another Rotorua suggestion. My travelling companion and I had a wonderful stay at Aroden, a B&B homestay in Lynmore, a quiet residential "suburb" of Rotorua. Paul (an expert in NZ forestry), Leonie (former French teacher), and Taupo (Paul's goofy guide dog) could not have been nicer, and are super-sociable without being intrusive. House is lovely, bedrooms were very comfortable, guest lounge is a big living room with books and comfy chairs, and breakfasts were great (including tons of fresh fruit, homebaked muffins, homemade preserves, good coffee). Website is babs.co.nz/aroden/.