We used Heather's apartment as "home base" for four days as we explored the Bay of Plenty, Rotarua and Hawke's Bay areas. It is spacious, well equipped and clean; Heather is the perfect host who could not be more helpful. Beach is across the street and a nice new shopping center with restaurants, grocery and discount super center is a 5 minute drive. You may want to plan to use your cell phone data plan, as WIFI is a bit weak. Wish we could have stayed longer.