We had a wonderful stay at Allan and Debbie's place 'The Sandcastle' in Ruakaka. My husband and daughter and 2 granddaughters stayed with them On Saturday night as we were visiting a sick family member in Whangarei. So although it was not a holiday as such for us, staying with Allan and Debbie turned into a weekend getaway as well as a family visit. They were the most welcoming hosts we have ever met. They provided wonderful accommodation so close to the beach and so family friendly for our group. And we enjoyed spending saturday evening joining them for a glass or wine (or two) and wonderful company. In fact we cannot wait to go back again on a further trip up north and hopefully in the summer when we can take advantage of the beach and enjoy their wonderful company on the top viewing deck. Would thoroughly recommend