This was our first stay at an Airbnb. The process was relatively easy, communication with Paula was excellent. The residence was easy to find, instructions clear and precise.
The cottage was "off the grid", along with main house, so ran off solar and gas, which was surprisingly good as long as you ran appliances one at a time, this being no issue for us. Note: There is no oven, but there is a hooded BBQ available.
Other amenities were very good, lovely cozy bed, good shower, and nice drinking water, relaxed and practical dining/kitchen and seating area. The cottage was at the end of a garage and close to main house, but still had the sense of privacy, and consideration for guests assured.
The views over the Northern Wairoa and the West Coast were fantastic! We drove along the beach, gathered tuatua and visited the Kai Iwi lakes, great day outing.
Make sure to bring food for cooking, the nearest shops are a reasonable drive away on some gravel road(s). The main town of Dargaville is under 30 mins away, and has a large supermarket, and some good, varied eateries and takeaways.
We recommend getting stuff for a picnic lunch, and head for the beach (low tide is safe, even for 2 wd vehicles) or Kai Iwi lakes.
All and all we really enjoyed our mini break, the hosting was wonderful, the little things like fresh farm milk, really made the stay special.