This is a classic NZ hotel: clean, basic and exactly what you need for a few days while on holiday. We arrived on the day and asked if there were any rooms available - we were offered a cheaper room located next to the laundry. We were warned it might be a bit loud but in truth, it was fine. We appreciated the heads up.

The motel has some very considerate rules which we appreciated: spa pool unavailable after a certain hour, laundry only until 9 or 10... It contributed to the quietness of the place. It was very peaceful.

We also liked all of the local guides -- restaurant lists, menus, tourist attractions. While it rained outside we both looked through the menus and decided where to have dinner. We settled on an Italian place (which I had the name) which was fantastic and authentic.