Shona's place in Cooks Beach is one of those places where you both want to tell everyone and yet want to keep it a secret; it's so nice and yet you want to be able to go back yourself and not have it constantly booked out!
We had the smaller part of the property (there is a door closing off half the house if you choose from the cheaper of these two of Shona's listings) which was a huge space for 3 of us. The house was lovely and light and well furnished with great quality appliances. Perhaps most importantly of all, it was very clean which was a huge bonus.
If you're thinking of staying in the Cooks Beach/Whitianga area (a short ferry ride away), I can thoroughly recommend Shona's place - though please not on the days we want to go back!