Beautiful place, looks just like it does in the listing. We were there for 3 nights and four days and we loved it; stunning views and setting with beautifully set out gardens and decks on every side, birdsong and quiet.
I was not aware until I had booked that there was an apartment immediately below the main apartment or that the owners lived on-site (neither of those things was a problem at all, just a bit of a surprise); perhaps I didn't look closely at the listing. We were mostly there alone.
We asked for privacy, peace and quiet and we got it. Everything was perfect, never met the owner(s) but the place was spotless and they had thought of everything we could have asked for; furniture, amenities, it was all comfortable, modern and stylish. All the rooms were lovely to be in; it was clear that someone had put a lot of thought and care into this home.
The area is remote from Whangarei but not isolated; plenty of little shops etc nearby but not many options for food (especially if you don't drive). For delivery, curry, thai or pizza were the only options but all were decent; coffee was a bit average in the area, the cafe at the airport was best.
All in all, very easy to find (from Auckland), not too far out of town for a weekend/public holiday and a beautiful place to visit. Surprisingly busy for a little sleepy seaside suburb; there was always someone on the water or walking their dog past the house but that didn't affect our enjoyment of the peace and quiet at all and many a happy hour was spent on the balcony.