This was our second stay at the Bridgewater. We stayed four years ago. Had a much nicer apartment this time which improved our stay. We had a two bedroom as we were staying longer and wanted the extra room. It was quiet and we enjoyed watching the changing tides out front where there is a tidal river emtering the Bay. We saw kingfishers and herons in the trees along the river.
All the apartments have nice views of the river which enters the Bay. The pool is lovely and lightly used, we only once had another couple in the pool with us. There is clean, secure parking under the apartments at ground level.
If you eat downtown, Seafood Only is very good. There is a Woolworth’s grocery store on the far side of town. You should plan on having a car if you stay here. There is a better New World grocery in Kerikeri, half an hour’s drive.
Although there is no manager on site, they do have people you can call for assistance if needed. Of course there’s no phone, this seems to be a constant with most apartments. We purchased a NZ cellphone last year and it was a necessity.
We were told by locals not to leave anything in our cars and there were lots of warning signs at parking areas, trailheads and tourist spots.
- Bridgewater Bay Apartments Paihia
