Thanks Karen (and family?) for letting your house to travelers :) ! There is much great to say about this place. I like most of all that it is obvious that someone has used this house to live in, so all the great amenities are there, from Crock pot to wine glasses to vacuum cleaner and board games. The house is also made to be very comfortable, great couches, beds, and many touches that feels personal and cozy.
After having stayed in dozens or airbnb flats, this is highly appreciated, to feel like you're living in a home, as oppose to an anonymous place.
Also, the view and balcony is world class. The village is very quiet and peaceful, stroll-friendly with a cute beach. We had a great time in this house and would have loved to stay longer.
That said, we paid 130 USD per night, which is very overpriced considering that it is 30 minutes drive just to buy a coke, and 45 minutes to Tongariro. We rented a house in Papamoa, which was equally good, for half the price, so if you are only 2 people, there are much more price-worthy places around.