If you want to chill out away from the hustle and bustle of Paihia, come stay in a comfortable studio (extremely comfortable bed and pillows) just out of town and feel completely at ease. Jan has an eye for creating interesting combinations of colour both in her large garden (full of interesting nooks and crannies) and studios.
She is very generous with her time and advice about local amenities. I enjoyed a recommended coastal walk close by, and thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to hot springs (at Ngawha Springs). Definitely not to be missed. Nowhere near as smelly as Rotorua. She also offered the use of her washing machine which was much appreciated.
There is a lovely seating area on the verandah with a wonderful view across the water and you get to see marvellous night skies. Jan could even recommend an app to help identify the constellations.
Car parking space off road is a bonus too.
This is particularly suitable for a solo traveller who enjoys having mod. cons. all to themselves.
Jan's would be my first choice should I ever return.