Norm & Shelagh were helpful from the outset, and were most welcoming and helpful about things to do and places to go. They emailed detailed directions before we left home. The approach to the motel is pretty ordinary, in what seems to be a suburban area, but when you get up there, - and it is up - the views... more

Our stay at the Cooks Look Out with our friends from the Netherlands who were visiting NZ was outstanding. We have stayed there before but the beautifully upgraded rooms and bathroom made it all the more pleasant. We believe you cannot get a better birds view of Waitangi and the Bay of Islands from your own room anywhere in Pahia.... more

We originally booked for 2 nights but stayed for 4 - and would have stayed longer if we hadn't had a flight booked home to the UK! Our accommodation offered truly amazing views - no point in eating out, you couldn't better our terrace for a meal in the evening. The Lookout is a great base - so much you... more

Norm and Shelagh run a wonderful, quiet motel located on a hill with stunning views from all the units overlooking Waitangi and over the bay toward Russell. They were both so helpful , offering advice for walks, places to visit, restaurants, etc. Cooks lookout is about 3km outside of Piahia surrounded in bush win it's own ( very warm) swimming... more

We booked this hotel because of the pictures on their website and weren't disappointed! The hotel is a little bit out of Paihia (5 mins drive), but you wouldn't get the views from the town and you get the added peace and quiet. Norm and Shelagh were excellent hosts - very helpful regarding trips and places to eat. The room... more

Cook's Lookout is located up above the town of Paihia, away from the noise and congestion. Our room and private patio had an uninterrupted, panoramic view of the Bay of Islands and absolutely no traffic noise. This was in January at the height of the holiday season. There is a convenience store a five-minute walk from the motel and Paihia... more

Easy to find, just out of Paihia by car (not a stroll though) but fine if you've a car and aren't drinking. The gains include the view from the bed, the very high standard of accomodation, the great pool and trampoline (again with a view) all in quiet gardens in a residential area. There is lots to do in Piahia,... more

No hestiation in recommending this motel - spectacular views over the bay enjoyed from our motel room, patio and pool and our 2 bedroom unit was very clean and well stocked with plenty of cooking utensils and also seperate swimming towels supplied for the lovely warm pool. Norm and Sheila were great hosts being very friendly and more than happy... more

Quiet, peaceful outlook, surrounded by forest, overlooking the Bay of Islands. We had three nights of uninterrupted sleep on a firm mattress, awaking to spectacular sunrises. Don't forget to pack bug repellant. more