There aren't enough superlative words to tell you how amazing the views are! It was just what these weary travelers needed. Maxene and Ernie got the wood-burning stove going, greeted us at the gate, and were so very welcoming!
The home is comfortable and while there were only two of us, it can easily house many more than that. There were heaters in both rooms, hot water bottles, and a wood burning stove to ward off the early spring chill in the air. The bathroom has a heater on a timer and it efficiently does a great job in warming the room quickly and thoroughly.
The wood burning stove also heats up the water. Unfortunately, my colleague and I discovered neither of us have fire-starting skills, after we didn't get the fire stoked quickly enough. While it wasn't uncomfortable in the living room, we weren't sure if the fire-heated water stayed warm in a retaining tank of some sort and we didn't want to wake our hosts, so we didn't take showers (it's never fun to run out of hot water when you're in the middle of a shower!). We'd recommend finding out about the hot water and/or learning how to build a fire, should it go out during the night.
other than that, we had a *fantstic* stay at Shag Point and would certainly go back, should travels ever bring us back to New Zealand!