If you are visiting Whitianga, you can't ask for a better place to stay! Mike and Maree's home is right above a wonderful beach, and within walking distance to Cook's Beach. The views and ocean sounds from every room and from the lovely deck are breathtaking. We did not rent a car and we were able to get everywhere we needed to with public transportation, from Auckland to Whitianga using Discovery Tour's Ferry and Shuttle to Whitianga and then Intercity Bus to Tauranga and back to Auckland. From Whitianga, It is a super short hop on a ferry (a few minutes or so) across to Ferry Landing and then a short walk ( 5-10 min or so) to Mike and Maree's place. We enjoyed the daily walking opportunity. Mike and Maree are incredibly hospitable and even provided all we needed for breakfast every day. We next traveled to the Tauranga area and I already miss Whitianga and Ferry Landing. My words can't express the beauty of their location. I will definitely return.