We stayed with Barbel's on our last couple of nights before leaving New Zealand from Auckland airport. What a great place to relax for a few night's at the end of a long trip! It's a bit of a trek to get there, but that's its trump card because in return for your drive you are rewarded with access to an area of the Coramandel peninsula with countless stunning views, beautiful and quiet beaches and empty, really empty roads.
Barbel is a great host and you immediately become one of the household once you turn up. Set in an eco hamlet, her large cabin, adjacent her house, features everything you need for a short or extended stay. And although off-grid, there is still plenty of hot water, electric and TV should you need it.
The views from the nice decked area outside the livimg room, kitchen and bedroom are lovely and layout before you the beautiful forest the hamlet is set in. This is not just unspoilt nature, it's genuinely untouched nature.
There is a separate shower and toilet cabin a few steps away from the main cabin again with hot water and clean towels etc.
Take food with you, (there is a fridge and full cooking facilities), you're not going to find too many restaurant nearby! I understand Barbel can cook for you though if you pre-arrange.
A few more things:
Beautiful dark skies at night as no light polution. Comfy sofas if you get bored of that. Sliding doors everywhere for opening the place up to the forest. Surprisingly, hardly any mosquitoes. But net is there if you want it.
Barbel's lovely granddaughter even looked after our toddler for us.
(Thank you for that both of you, it was a pleasure to be with you both).
I totally recommend a stay here if you want to get a bit off the beaten track and away from the campervan routes.
I hope to get a chance to back one day....