The Waterfront Suites - Heritage Collection

Modern suites in a very central location. All very convenient and perfect base to explore bay of islands.

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most sought after tourist destinations and the little resort town of Paihia is the perfect place to stay. Here you'll find no chain hotels or restaurants, no buildings over three stories, one street light which is for pedestrians not cars, a slew of really decent restaurants and a laid back vibe that is appealing to be both the older and younger crowds. However, the main reason people come here is the bay and the islands. Whether your up for a boat tour, diving, fishing, sailing, parasailing, island hiking, birding, you name it, Paihia has it. And right next door within walking distance is the most important historical site in New Zealand, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where you can also take a hike to Hararu Falls. There is also a regular passenger ferry across the bay to the oldest European town in New Zealand, Russell which has a number of interesting historical sights and a very nice waterfront. There are a lot of motels and small resorts along Marsden Road, the main street of Paihia that has the bay on one side and businesses on the other. Everything comes to a head at the Paihia Pier which is where all the waterfront action starts. Directly across from it is Williams Road where most of the interesting shops are located. Which brings me finally to The Waterfront Suites. Their location only a minute from the pier and Williams Road cannot be beaten. However, if you are the expecting hustle and bustle usually associated with staying near 'where the action is', forget bit. This place is an oasis of tranquility. Yes there are a few suites that are facing Marsden Road, but most are set well back in U shape around the pool. The suites are ultra modern, with a full living area, a real kitchen, a large bedroom and a large bathroom. There are also washers and dryers. Each unit has its own underground parking spot. Also somewhat unusually these days, you get daily housekeeping service. I simply cannot sing the praises of this place enough. We spent six days here and it was the perfect base not only for exploring the Bay of Islands and Waitangi, but the entire Northland Peninsula as well.

Stayed in room 108 - has pool right outside front door which would be a big plus in summer. The room is great - kitchen has everything and more you want, good facilities and washer/dray, heat pump … Perhaps the only down side is the disability shower and not a long enough curtain which means the water tends to to go everywhere - a mop would easily solve the problem aided by the tiles being heated. The place is five minutes or less to the ferry to Russell, and same time to bars and cafes in town.