Tanja met us when we arrived and showed us to our room. I found the house really interesting. It was hand made from macrocarpa by Tanja's parents and had a very solid feel with lots of nice touches, such as the polished interior timber doors. Her mother was also staying in the house and we enjoyed an evening with her and her partner. All the facilities were fine and everything was clean and functional. The only inconvenience is that the bedrooms are upstairs and the bathrooms at ground level should nocturnal incontinence strike! We slept well.
That said, if you are looking for a lot of granite and chrome, this is probably not the place for you. It's situated in the country on a 150 acre farm and has an appropriately rustic ambience. Expansive views can be had from the deck and lawn, and a flock of Californian quails were usually busy outside the house.
Will we go back again? Probably not. The reason is nothing to do with the accommodation, but Pataua North is at the end of long winding, though sealed, road and to get anywhere else you have to drive almost back to Whangarei or Tikipunga, ~ 30 km each way. Although the beach at Pataua North is uncrowded and excellent, the fact that exploring elsewhere in the area entails at least a 60 km drive is a drawback for us. However, if you are seeking a lovely quiet white sand beach to laze on for a week, this could be your ideal spot.