Such responsive hosts, they helped us navigate to their hilltop home (with amazing views). We decided to leave our car in Paihia and take the ferry across the Bay as an adventure...yet with even carry on bags... the hill up to their home seemed challenging. They came to the rescue and met us at their retail store in Russell center.
After the pick up, our host drove us beyond their home to show us their favorite beaches that few tourists see! Great experience.
Also, there is an incredible “shortcut” to town from their hilltop home through a forested reserve...it is a well maintained and easy trail. There is a significant yet gentle grade down or up...FYI.