The most perfectly sited bach practically on the beach with a comfortable sofa to sit and view the sea from. Comfortable beds, well equipped kitchen, generous supply of basics, very friendly hosts, great communication and not far to commute to Whangarei to see the new Hundertwasser Museum (fabulous). Pataua itself is a small group of typical kiwi baches, not too done up or chichi, and the beach looks really nice and safe for kids - tho as we are quite old and went in winter we did not test it! The only small niggle is a fairly primitive bathroom, but it is clean and serves the purpose.