The old maternity hospital, converted but not altered, colonial in appearance with verandahs about and such a fun place to stay. The rooms can only be said to be spacious and are superbly fitted out and what with a library and billiard room (full size ) ,after you have spent a long time over breakfast gazing over Hawkes Bay from the kitchen, there is no need to go out! In fact we ended up joining Yvonne doing a bit of gardening one lovely afternoon because we felt we just wanted to be part of the place. Well done Yvonne for providing such a marvellous stay.

You will never forget staying here. It is not just the house which is just amazing in quality and history, not even the views right over the bay or the quality of the accomodation. It is the way in which Yvonne makes you welcome which is so hospitable and accomodating that it sets a standard most others could only aspire to. But the house itself has to be seen, it really brings the history of settlement in these islands into focus and gives a flavour of what the early British arrivals (mainly Scots in this area?) did for themselves and the old world they left behind. The cemetary just round the corner and the botanic gardens are well worth a visit.

McHardy Lodge is just wonderful. It’s at the top of the hill with a stunning view of Napier. It is a lovely building with a great atmosphere and the owner is so friendly and helpful. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and breakfast is really nice. My husband and I stayed in New Zealand for three weeks and this was the most special accommodation. That says a lot as we stayed in some other very good places.

It is also suitable for anyone with reduced mobility as it’s all on the flat apart from a few steps to go in and these can be bypassed by going in another way.

Napier is great, McHardy Lodge is great. If you want to chill out in a friendly atmosphere, you should stay here.

The first of four B&Bs that we stayed in the Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa & Central North Island region - and this was definitely the pick of the bunch. We stayed for three nights in the Venice suite and enjoyed a peaceful stay with gorgeous fluffly robes and divine furnishings. Our hostess Yvonne left no stone unturned with superior hospitality, local area knowledge and an extensive breakfast menu. The Lodge has been sympathetically restored with exquisite decor as well as a few modern touches. The views from the breakfast dining area were amazing and gave us a good indication of what the weather held in store for us that day. Yvonne recommended some excellent outings - a fantastic winery/progressive dinner tour, italian restaurant and local amenities. We indulged ourselves in a game of billiards one evening in the the fabulous games room. I would heartily recommend this lodge to anyone who enjoys 5 star accommodation with a touch of history.