I found this place on Bookabach which is my most favorite holiday house website. We stayed from December 30th 2016 to January 5th 2017.
We had never spent any real time in this part of Northland before and what I can say about Hokianga Harbour is it’s breathtaking. As you get to the top of the hill from driving through Waipou forest, it’s a magnificent site of green lush forests, magnificent sand dunes and beautiful water.
We checked into Wistful on Waianga early at 12:30pm, the normal time was around 2pm but I had text the owners and asked if we could come early and they kindly let us.
I was firstly drawn to the view out to the water, which was an amazing colour. It’s pet friendly so I assumed it would be fenced so I was a little unnerved when we found it wasn’t, there were local dogs that seem to wander around and I guess they knew the road rules, but our dogs didn’t so we had to improvise some borders to keep them on the property, with varying degrees of success. The house is next to the school which is great for a run around with the kids.
We loved reading the history and visiting the historical sites of the region so If you are looking for a slower pace for a more relaxing holiday away from the baying crowds that tend to flock to the Far North at this time of year, then the “Hoki” is perfect. The water is warm and great for swimming, the fishing productive and the locals warm and friendly.
There is still plenty to do and see and if the need arises that you need a emergency ice-cream, coffee, beer, wine or takeaway there are just enough to satisfy your needs, no more, no less and the prices surprisingly fair. Special mention to the Opo fish and chips for the great fish, (but you may have to order a couple hours ahead, such is the demand). Also a yell out to the the Opo Four Square for it very reasonable prices for beer and wine and also Waimamaku’s Cafe who does good coffee and pancakes.
We went fishing off the wharf next to the Copthorne and caught yellowfin tuna. We also had cocktails at the Copthorne out on the deck which was a lovely spot. You could probably take your kids down and have lunch or dinner and let them swim in the pool.
The trees out the front do distract from the view a little in our humble opinion. The noise from the road can also interfere with your peace a little. However the house is airy and great for entertaining and relaxing.
The compendium was great reading and made us laugh and the Manager/ Owners were very helpful and accommodating.
❉ Roddy & Sarah