We stayed at the Blue Pacific Apartments from 28 January to 2 February.

We had booked into Apartment 5A, but this turned out to be too small for our needs (more like a hotel room) with limited cooking facilities. Fine for a one or two night stay for people who are eating out but we were staying 5 nights and wanted to self cater.

Doug very kindly let us transfer to Apartment 2, a two bedroom corner unit with the most magnificent views of the bay of islands from all sides, absolutely amazing, like something you see in a film. We would certainly highly recommend this apartment.

The studio was large and very spacious. It had two bedrooms, the main one had great views of the bay, a large lounge with settee, dining table and Sky TV, bathroom with the nicest towels we have ever come across, washing machine and dryer and a full kitchen with everything you need for self catering, oven, 4 ring hob, microwave, toaster, grill and some excellent pans and cooking utensils.

On the balcony there was a private outdoor spa and barbeque.

The very nice beach was directly across the road, which for most of the time was deserted just the occasional person going in to swim.

Blue Pacific is a 10 minute easy stroll from the centre of Paihia. There is a large supermarket just round the corner within 5 minutes walking distance.

Excellent Wi Fi reception, we were given an allocation of 1gb within the room price, which was more than enough for our needs.

Doug and his team look after you very well, they are there when you need them, but leave you to enjoy your holiday.

Things we did which we would recommend:

The walk from Kerikeri to the spectacular Rainbow Falls. Takes 45 minutes each way.

Visit Russell on the ferry, the small museum is excellent and do walk over the hill to Long Beach absolutely stunning.

Cycling the Twin Coast Cycle Trail from Kaikohe to Okaihau 20km took two hours. Hired our bikes from Top Trail Hire.

Walking on the Waitangia Track from Hurura Falls to the treaty ground, 5km, 90 minutes each way.

If eating out do visit the Waterfront Restaurant, nice food, friendly attentive staff and great views out over the bay.

A wonderful 5 nights in the bay of islands we wish we could have stayed longer, no wonder Captain Cook visited three times!!

We stayed in Apartment No.1 (a 3 bedroom apartment) with our two teenage children. We loved it. The views from the wide balcony are breathtaking, truly world class, both out to the bay and across to Waitangi (the cradle of the nation). The balcony was a large area with spa, table and BBQ, and so enjoyable that we were perfectly happy to sit out there and enjoy the outloook and "eat in" rather than go into town for meals. The apartment itself was comfortable, roomy even, clean and with good facilities. The hosts were friendly and helpful. We loved this place and recommend it strongly.

The real advantage of the Blue Pacific are the incredible views. Just beautiful. The breaking waves can be heard clearly and it is a special experience to linger late on the balcony soaking it all up. We booked an apartment with a spa and it was well used. The apartment is attractive and well appointed but perhaps not top shelf in terms of luxury i.e. bathroom ok but could be modernised, light on range hood not working, kitchen cupboard door loose on hinges. However these are trival matters—we had a wonderful stay and would certainly recommend to others. The location is excellent and we found it a benefit to be at the quieter end of Paihia. Enjoy!

Wow, What a place to stay!!! The room (Number 2) was amazing, the view breathtaking and the service was great!! We all want to stay there again and stare at the view! The BBQ was great to cook on and sit on the balcony eating dinner staring out over the ocean, can it get any better. We spent 3 night there, but wish it was longer.The ktchen to cook and we wanted for nothing,The bathroom was well appointed,4 of us stayed there and were not tripping over each other.