The Blue Heron is a comfortable, beautiful spot with friendly, capable managers and great owners. It is located about 20 minutes from Whangerai, where there are many shops, restaurants, groceries, etc. The unit has everything you need - we stayed a week, and sometimes cooked, sometimes not. The patio is lovely and looks over the bay. We could drive easily to other places in Whangerai Heads. Trips to Panai Bay and Dargaville were a bit longer but well worth it. Trevor and Cathy booked a tour for us to Cape Reinga. A terrific week and we would stay again.