Villa Vista exceeded all expectations and was far and away the best B&B we stayed at during our 26 day self drive tour of NZ (both islands). Large generously furnished private guest rooms with TV, air con, and tea/coffee facilities were standard. Tina's hospitality, a balcony view and breakfast to die for, all added to a most memorable stay. Thoroughly recommended.
Phil & Susan Keddie
Western Australia

I stayed 3 nights at Villa Vista in Nov 11 and found Tina to be an incredible hostess. The room was beautifully decorated, the food plentiful, special and delicious and the house to be interesting and the garden beautiful. The room had everything I needed, gave me privacy and beautiful views over the sea and was clean and well appointed - there was even different home baking in my room every day! Breakfast was served in a dining room downstairs and I was the only guest for 2 mornings with enough food for 4 and just the right balance between service and privacy/space. Tina even shared the secret of her amazing poached eggs!

This was my first visit to New Zealand. The host immediately made me feel welcome and it was quite similar to feeling at home. Casual conversation enable me to really get to know NZ. They were most helpful with refining my trip through the rest of New Zealand. I rate them to be excellent.

We've stayed in a number of bed and breakfasts in several countries, and can't remember any that we enjoyed as much as Villa Vista. The house is an attractive sprawling Edwardian villa that's been renovated and furnished tastefully but not so that you don't feel comfortable in it. The guest bedrooms are upstairs away from the residential part of the house. They're large and welcoming with all the facilities you need including a very comfortable bed and some extras like fast, free Wi-Fi. The breakfast room is gorgeous with an immaculately laid table, and in it Tina serves a huge and delicious breakfast that varies from day to day but which she's happy to modify to take into account personal preferences.

We loved the location of Villa Vista near the top of a bluff overlooking the centre of town and the sweep of the bay. We were lucky enough to have the Balcony Room, allowing us to sit outside in the mornings and evenings and revel in the view, but even without a balcony the view is stunning. Yes, the location does mean a steep uphill walk to get back to base, but it's through a pretty neighbourhood and we enjoyed the exercise every time.

Tina was friendly, anxious to help, and provided some great advice on a range of subjects including gannets and guided Art Deco walks. At the same time, she respected our privacy and didn't expect us to entertain her.

Hawke's Bay is a very interesting part of the world, and we had a great time there. If we ever come back we'd love to stay at Villa Vista again.