SHOAL BAY ESTATE, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND

Shoal Bay estate is more a B'n'B or lodge than a hotel. Val and Francis make you very welcome in their home. Comfy beds, lots of good food. Great place from which to watch the bay. Island Gin on the verandah with the sun setting over the Bay. Kaka and moho pereru about. Snapper out in the channel. Loved the fresh fish, new laid eggs and the packed lunches. Learnt lots about vacuum cleaners from Val :)!

Date of stay: May 2022

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Sleep Quality

Room Tip: upstairs maybe

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John S wrote a review Apr 2021

Glenorchy, New Zealand7 contributions

Delightful accommodation, delightful hosts - feels like a homestay

Val and Francis are the consummate hosts of this idyllic and homey estate. Situated across the rural road from shoal bay, their home exudes a country lifestyle complete with chickens, cows, molly the cat (we have allergies and never noticed a thing), and breakfasts and dinners that melt in your mouth. Val and Francis feel like folks who just open their home to strangers because its the type of people they are—warm and welcoming. We stayed there as a result of booking with Tuatara Tours who chose Shoal Bay Estate as our accommodation and Walking Legends as our tour guide on the island. We would highly recommend all of these organizations based on our experience. Some considerations: rooms share a bathroom which was fine with us as we were all friends and have traveled together often. Food is served family style around a big table with help-yourself portions. Meals may be indoors or outdoors depending on weather conditions.…

Date of stay: April 2021

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Room Tip: Upstairs rooms have a better view of the bay and may be quiter if some guests stay up later.

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DCleverley wrote a review Feb 2021

1 contribution

Rental Car

Great service! Car was dropped off to Claris Airport, ready for us on arrival. Car was comfortable and well maintained. We dropped the car back to the airport on departure, couldn't have been easier! Thanks Val!

Date of stay: January 2021

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Rohan N wrote a review Feb 2021

1 contribution

Trap! Beware!

If you don't want to spoil your trip, stay away from Shoal Bay Rentals. They ask 100% advance and thats it. You are stuck with their poor service. Val from this company had arranged a car at the airport but that car was nowhere to be seen. She wasn't contactable either. Nor do they have anyone at airport/ferry to sort any issues. 2.5 hours got wasted in trying to contact her. I reached her office spending 60 dollars from my own pocket. Her office was closed too. Finally I took a car that was parked at her office and spent 30 dollars on fuel to fill it up. This car had worn-out tyres and kept skidding while driving. Till date Val has neither apologized nor reimbursed me my 90 dollars. Worst experience ever!

Date of stay: February 2021Trip type: Travelled

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HKinsey wrote a review Dec 2019

Paraparaumu, New Zealand739 contributions229 helpful votes

Awesome

The situation of the property is perfect, right by the harbour. The accommodation was very comfortable and the food was extremely yummy. Val and Francis were tremendous hosts and made everyone feel welcome I can’t wait to go back

Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled

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