If you are looking for a weekend get away from city life and just chill or a longer stay to do activities like hiking and driving through some beautiful country roads then this place is for you. If you are visiting in winter like I did, the house is warm and cosy thanks to its amazing wood burner. Lance is a true cowboy and a very nice host with great hospitality. The location is so rural and peaceful that makes it perfect for having a good rest but if you want to get to some population centres, then I suggest driving up to Dargeville which is 20 km North and you will find supermarkets and restaurants there. From there you can even drive all the way to Pouto and have a long coastal hike to the lighthouse. There is also a great country pub in Paparoa 20 mins driving in the other direction. You can visit Kauri museum too. The closest village is Ruawai where you can find a small supermarket and some local shops and a cafe.