Have you looked at Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty, an hours drive from Rotorua or Tauranga. It's a town - not a village but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a smallish town that has the things you want. Whakatane is nice and you can stay at a beach home in Ohope which is about 5 mins drive over the hill from Whakatane. Really nice beach and accommodation will be cheap as it's winter at that time of the year.

Whakatane is a good suggestion - we spent our first night in NZ there and thought it was a lovely town.

Pykiwi, I'm guessing you live on the East Coast somewhere?

Lee Ann

Elendil Pickle, I am originally from Whakatane but have been living abroad for nearly 8 years now. I know the East Coast well though and do love it.

Sorry Lee Ann, I'm getting confused, Must be the onset of Old Timers.

Hope all this reminising encourages you to re-visit our lovely country.

Cheers.

Barry, I am planning to make another trip to New Zealand sometime in the future. I'd like to see more of the North Island as well as visiting the South Island.

Lee Ann