The surf lodge is one of the most beautiful places we ever stayed at. You can see Mount Egmont on the one side and the sea at the other side. It is a calm place with a huge garden with plenty of room to play for kids. The place is very well equipped, perfectly clean and very stylish. We only met Bryan once. He was very nice and helpful. New Plymouth is a 45 minutes drive away, but totally worth it. It has amazing restaurants and a great art gallery. When we were there we could visit the festival of lights. Over all a 6 star stay. Just awesome!