A group of friends (2 guys, 4 girls) stayed at the Moana Lodge and it was our favorite accommodation in the two weeks in New Zealand. The house sits right on a residential street, right on the beach. Our room had giant bay windows and we fell asleep to the waves crashing.

The common kitchen area was clean as were the rooms & bathrooms. The only bummer is this is the shared bathroom facilities but for what we paid it was an excellent value.

The owners were great - helping us find a place to grab dinner and gave us tips on photographing the ocean.

We only stayed one night (because we were catching the ferry to the south island) but I wish we had at least two to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Don't hesitate to stay here!

We stayed in a double room at the front with a sea view and it was amazing.
Like most other guests we were booked to stay only two nights but ended up staying more.

The place is immaculate, the living room is really comfy. (grab a book and curl up on the sofa and watch the sun set!)
The kitchen facilities are the best we came across in all the places we stayed in NZ.
The bed was the most comfortable I have ever slept in (even at home)

Our Hosts, Helen and John (and Clark) were fantastic.. so full of information and so friendly!

Don't think hostel (as our BBH guide implied), think 5 star hotel (without en suites) with the added bonus of kitchen facilities and a living room with a view!

If you want a relaxing, comfortable, friendly place, not far from Wellington, definitely stay here..!

(Remember to try the fish and chips from the chip shop !)

Hosts Helen and John and their resident helpers were most friendly and welcoming after we arrived late in the evening unannounced. The corner Queen room upstairs was spectacular, and the amenities were exceptional, very clean, and well maintained. Got invited to a most memorable in-house dinner by Helen whilst watching the Rugby semis. Helen was extremely helpful, dropping us off to catch the 6.31 train in Plimmerton. Great place to chill out, don't miss it.

Moana Lodge is a pleasant, clean, comfortable and spacious home away from home. Located across the road from the sea with great views to the south island, the rooms are clean and incredibly well priced. The staff are friendly, and the hosts Helen and John clearly enjoy the interaction with their guests and are a wealth of information about things to see and do around the whole of NZ. If you are lucky enough to be there when there is rugby on, as we were when the Rugby World Cup was on, then bring a bottle and a bit of food and enjoy the game on the big TV in the dining room. A wonderful warm welcoming establishment with hospitable and congenial hosts!