The first stop on our honeymoon trip was to the Parua House, and it was a wonderful welcome to New Zealand. The hosts, Pat and Peter, not only made us feel very welcome in their home, but they also gave us a lot of useful information that made the rest of our trip easier, including assistance with booking activities (scuba diving). Although we felt free to do what we wished, and to come and go as we pleased, when we were at home the hosts tended to dote on us - making us tea, providing wine or even giving us homemade ice cream while we watched TV. Pat and Peter were so thoughtful and very concerned about us having a good time, and I must say that even my mother doesn't spoil us this much! We stayed in the Green room, which was part of the main house. The bed was very comfortable, and the view over the bay was beautiful. We liked being located inside the house (which made it convenient to the living room and kitchen in the event that we could not sleep at night), but noticed that the Garden room was just off the house, so maybe a bit more private for those seeking privacy. Our bathroom was a bit narrow, but fine for our purposes. I don't think that any of the rooms have TV, but as we are not big TV watchers (and there aren't many channels in New Zealand, anyhow), that was not a problem for us. The house is located on scenic Parua Bay, about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Whangarei. We are glad that we did not stay in Whangarei, because this area was much more charming and relaxing. There is a beautiful beach about 20 minutes from the house, which we enjoyed visiting. On one day we just wandered around the property, which includes beautiful gardens tended to by Pat, cows tended to by Peter, fruits and vegetable plants/trees, and long areas of pasture land and creeks - even a rainforest-looking area. There is also a hot tub for guest use, which we enjoyed doing one evening while looking at the stars. There is a small dog (a Corgi) who lives outside (and who is very friendly), and 2 cats that live in and out of doors (although if guests do not like cats they will keep them outdoors only during your stay). We enjoyed spending time with the "loaner cats," especially Smudge who enjoys curling up on laps. We highly recommend the Parua House for stays in the Whangarei area, and hope that we will be able to visit again soon.