http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20256 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20256 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20255 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20255 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20254 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20254 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19412
The cottage has two bedrooms (sleeps up to seven), an equipped kitchen, lounge with wood burner, sofas and TV, free use of a gas barbecue and fabulous views of Mt Fyffe. Towels and bedding are included, and it only costs $100-180 a night (depends on numbers and time of year).

We spent two nights in a more expensive motel, before staying an extra night in the rental cottage. We enjoyed it so much, we chose cottages for the rest of our NZ trip!

Ask them about a lovely walk to a nearby river, less than a mile away, with two huge natural swimming pools - it's a local secret!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19412 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19411
The aminals are super-friendly, and come right up to you. They offer free pony cart rides, and you can help bottle feed their younger animals. It's a cute, small, personal kind of place, with magnificent views of snow-topped Mt Fyffe.

We ended up there when our Whale Watch trip was cancelled and, to be honest, our kids are still talking about it, and have long forgotten the whale trip which they didn't appreciate at all (amazing when you consider the whale trip was about ten times the price!). It's not as 'flash' as another park we visited in the UK, but the hands on experience was truly memorable, and became one of the highlights of our NZ holiday. They've also got a small beautiful self-catering rental cottage - we loved the place so much, we stayed an extra night in their cottage and benefited from free access to early morning feeding and free farm park entry. The kids loved it - shame we didn't know about it before we arrived.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19411 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19174 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19174 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19002 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18761 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18761 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18760 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18760 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18759 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18759 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18758 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18758 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18749
Reliable winds, safe anchorages, and stunning viewpoints mean that any sailing trip is going to be amazing. There's quite a few old seadogs living in their boats in the Bay, taking people out for a day or a few days - the best way to see the islands.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18749 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18655
They provide a great budget (but only in terms of price) option in a lovely, lush, hillside location in Paihia.

It's about a five-minute walk from the centre of town and has a small pool and BBQ facilities. The hosts are very friendly and extremely helpful. The apartments are clean and well maintained.

Paihia itself has loads to do and the hosts can help organise tickets for the attractions and provide tips on where to head to.

All things considered, Sublime Apartments provide a great alternative to a hotel, is far quieter than a traditional looking motel (it's not based around the car park) and it's run by people who have lived in the area for many years - a good choice.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18655 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18494 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18494 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18134 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18134 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17588
With only 11 beds, it is important to book ahead but well worth a few days' stay to relax and enjoy the surrounding award-winning vineyards.

Those who enjoy cycling and wine (or even just a good day out) should book themselves on the 'on yer bike' wine tour for a unique and entertaining wine tasting experience (bookable through the hostel). The relaxed owners with a small, toy, farm holding and soon-to-be vineyard are a pleasure.

Birdwatchers, or those who enjoy another good day out should try Gannet Beach Adventures to get a background to the area, excellent views and a chance to see around 17,000 gannets.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17588