I can't recommend Tracie's place enough! She and her husband are warm and welcoming hosts that immediately made New Zealand feel like home. We did a 4 month stay here and it could not have been better. This place would also be great for a night or 2 while visiting Auckland. It is a 15 minute walk to downtown Howick which has a lot of cute shops, bars, and restaurants and also an easy drive to downtown Auckland. There are beaches all around that are super easy to get to as well. Everything was clean, bed was comfortable, the kitchen was great for 2 people, and the space very comfortable. Communication was on point. The area is beautiful and super safe as well.