Sandra greeted us warmly after a very slow trip up from Akld. There had been a bad accident on SH1 - Te Hana - and everyone got routed thru Mangawhai. Sandra had a hot bowl of thick vegetable soup, so that was wonderful and set us up nicely for a memorable long weekend exploring the lovely coast from Oakura up to Russell.
Sandra's accommodation is very well appointed, and she has plenty of extra's in the kitchen if you have forgotten anything if you are making a meal 'at home' - which her place quickly 'feels like'.