All as described and an amazing location. Well equipped kitchen, great shower, etc.

We stayed near the end of November and it basically felt like we had the beach to ourselves. If you wake early (jet lag?), I recommend getting up for dawn - the birdsong, sea in the background, and light is totally incredible. The local ducks are very friendly and seem to be used to visitors.

On the way, keep your eyes open for the turning - we missed it first time round. And we stopped in Thames on the way, which seems to be the least nice of the local towns - go on to Coromandel or past White Thyme to Whitianga instead.