New Zealand's Bay of Islands.
MY SISTER AND I WOULD LIKE TO DO A FLY/DRIVE HOLIDAY TO TAKE IN NEW ZEALAND'S BAY OF ISLANDS IN FEBRUARY/MARCH NEXT YEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO STAY IN A SMALL COTTAGE OR LODGE OVERLOOKING THE WATER. CAN YOU SUGGEST SOME PLACES? IS FEBRUARY/MARCH A GOOD TIME? WOULD FIVE DAYS BE ENOUGH?
K. JONES, RANDWICK
February/March is ideal, as is five days. Bookabach (bookabach.co.nz) is the perfect place to look for this type of accommodation in New Zealand and a search under Bay of Islands throws up several cottages that might qualify, including Sunset Cottage, Te Wahapu and Taupiri Bay. Prices are reasonable too. Aimeo Cottage (bay-of-islands.co.nz/aimeo-cottage) near Russell or, at a slightly higher price, Driftwood (driftwoodnz.com) in Kerikeri might also fit the bill.
Some years ago I stayed for a couple of nights at Jade House at Kerikeri (pagoda.co.nz) and although it lacks water views it's terrific in every other way. Jade House is one of several cottages, tents and gypsy caravans that make up the eccentric and very likeable Pagoda Lodge.
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