Staying at the Heritage Collection Waterfront Suites, Paihia

The Heritage Collection Waterfront Suites, Paihia.

Shandelle Battersby checks into The Heritage Collection Waterfront Suites, Paihia.

Getting there: If you time it right, heading north for the weekend from central Auckland is a piece of cake. We snuck away at 4ish on a Friday afternoon, and made it to Paihia in a comfortable three-and-a-bit hours.

Check-in experience: There's a basement carpark with a lift that takes you right to reception where we got a map and list of recommended eateries in the area.

Room: A spacious two-bedroom premium suite on the third floor of the smart property. The main bedroom had an en suite with shower, TV and superking split bed, there was a laundry, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, Sky TV and a large balcony with outdoor furniture, lounge and dining areas, a view of the lovely lap pool and barbecue area and, even better, views of the ocean and island opposite the Paihia waterfront. There were heatpumps in every room, much appreciated during a couple of chilly evenings.

Price: One-bedroom suites start from $249 plus GST.

What's so good about this place? The location - you're right in town and it's only a couple of minutes' walk from some of the best food in Paihia (Charlotte's Kitchen, Alongside, and 35 Degrees), the shops and the wharf. This is where the ferry leaves for Russell (15 minutes across the bay) and the jumping-off point for most of the area's water-based tourist attractions. Plus Waitangi is five minutes up the road and the mountain bike park and cycle trail are very close.

And the bad? It's a busy road so there's a bit of traffic - in early November it was fine, but in peak summer it may be a little crazy.

Toiletries: Heritage Hotel's own brand.

Food and drink: None available, but nothing is far away. I'd recommend Charlotte's.

The bed: Nice and firm with lots of pillows.

A room with a view? Mine overlooked nearby shops. The best view was from the lounge and main balcony.

Bathroom: Large, with a huge tub. Lovely towels and a good shower.

Noise: A bit of echoing from kids in the pool during the day, but nothing too bothersome.

Free Wi-Fi: Yes, 5GB.

Exercise facilities: The lap pool and the great outdoors.

Contact: heritagehotels.co.nz/hotels/the-waterfront-suites-bay-of-islands

Perfect for: Anyone really - families, friends, solo travellers and couples.