My friend and I were welcomed warmly into Penelope's household. She allowed us to check out bags in early and vacated an extra room for my friend so that we both had privacy. Along with her family, she was very friendly and helpful. We were able to use the kitchen for preparing out own food and help ourselves to tea and coffee. We enjoyed interacting with a genuine Kiwi family and picking damsons in their garden was a unique experience for us! We thought it was very good value for money and recommend Penelope as a host for future travellers.