Charles & Nikki were friendly hosts when we met on arrival and as we lacked a car (and given the remoteness of the location), they did offer us a lift if we wanted during daytime. The chalet was immaculate and still has the wonderful aroma of wood. Architecturally it's a cross between an ark & a cathedral: lovely. It was built where a shack had once been: minimizing its environmental footprint. Bed comfort was pretty average but the shower was great. Birdlife was abundant & our first impression was of a sanctuary. But there were major flaws: nowhere to lounge inside; TV could only be watched from the bed; the DVD (only form of entertainment) only worked 2 of 4 nights; no soap or shampoo in the shower; no hairdryer; not even longlife milk on arrival. There are 2 hooks for hanging clothing but not one drawer: we lived out of our cases for 5 days. It was impossible to maintain the pristine look of the interior (thus detracting from the chalet's charm). The deck was lovely but absent a coffee table so drinks, papers, books, snacks had to be put on the floor: not nice. There was no bin in the kitchen (it was placed outside) which was very inconvenient. The property is non-smoking - perfectly reasonable. Guests are asked not to throw butts onto the forest floor - also perfectly reasonable. It seems obvious then to provide an ashtray: alas none to be found. Having a glass of superb Waiheke wine was marred because all the stemware was plastic, rough around the rims, unpleasant on the lips. The location is mosquito infested so the hosts have installed interior and exterior zappers and provide other means to swat unwelcome pests away. But the most basic means to allow guests to enjoy the fresh air and the birds, would be to install a flyscreen on the balcony door. We couldn't be inside with the door open. Staying outside became tiresome: all a great shame given how easy it'd be to fix. Nothing that was absent in the chalet was promised in the advertising, so it shows how even experienced travelers can miss the obvious (like no armchairs inside). However, things like shower soap, hairdryers and functioning technology, are a given nowadays: certainly at the price point we paid. Having come from an AirB&B studio apartment in Auckland filled with lovely touches (exceeding what was promised in its description) - like flowers, scented candles, wine, fresh bread etc - the amenity of the chalet was a great disappointment. Advertised as a retreat, we found ourselves spending less and less time there. Guests should think carefully about their needs & expectations before renting the chalet. We ultimately hired a car: long steep hill climbs are no fun in the pitch black after a great night out. This could be a fantastic place but 'as is' we would not recommend it.