The location is superb. We stayed in one of 6 units so it’s small but feels just right. The hosts Shelley and Ross are very welcoming and helpful. Its position right by the beach of this quiet safe sandy bay was perfect. Understandable that kiwis book here. Lovely to walk the length of the bay at dawn or dusk. Outside grassy area and tables overlooking the bay with shade when it’s very hot. There are no bars, shops or restaurants in this area which makes it really peaceful. There’s a communal gas barbecue to use. Laundry room and drying facilities and you can borrow beach towels. Small onsite shop for essentials if needed but other shops are a short drive away.

The location is the single most positive aspect of staying at the Sands. Looking across the lawn thru pahutukawa trees is a stunning view of the ocean cove it's on. Also liked the peaceful silence -- no noisy traffic, only the waves breaking on the beach.

It was difficult to wash sand from our feet as we returned from the beach to our rooms. The shower head mounted 2 meters up didn't cut the mustard for cleaning the bottoms of our feet. A water spray at foot lovel directed to include feet bottoms to easily and completely wash the sand away would have been perfect.

The welcome was wonderful. The location was splendid. It was so quite and peaceful after 16 days of stop start travel up the East Coast of Northland, across the top and down the West Coast to Tutukaka. The beach was just outside the back door and the sound of the surf was soothing to the soul. You will need to take your grocery supplies or drive back to Tutukaka or Ngunguru for shopping. Don't miss the opportunity if it suits your schedule.

Having to leave.

The view was so amazing! I could of stayed there for days just watching the world from the big windows, we can’t wait to come back and watch the Tui in the trees, the staff (I think Shelley and Ross) were super kind and friendly, you can tell they love what they do and make the place feel like a home away from home, thank you for having us!

There’s nothing I can think of but we only stayed one night.

The location and view from our room and porch were spectacular! The kitchen was well-supplied to allow us to cook meals, and the stovetop and oven were very good. The room was clean and the bed and linens were comfortable. The internet service was better than we expected and we had no problems during our stay. Very quiet!

The shower water pressure was very low, which was unexpected because the water pressure at the bathroom and kitchen sinks were great. If not for the poor shower water, we would have rated this motel a 9, but we dropped down to 8 because of the shower. A good shower is important and perhaps just the showerhead needs to be cleaned in vinegar or replaced.

We were in the area specifically to dive with a local dive company to Poor Knights Islands. This location was only 5 minutes away from the dive shop and had a beautiful small beach right in front of the property. The living area was very spacious, 2 bedrooms, everything was clean and functional. Good kitchen supplies and a large deck out front.

It wasn’t awful but the with our blinds open in the front windows leading to the deck, we could look right into the owners living room and see the TV. But it was just that specific room.

The motel is located directly on a massively beautiful beach, with easy access, and every unit has a really good view. The staff are attentive and friendly, and rooms were clean, spacious and well kept. They accommodated our toddler with a cot.

Little far from restaurants and other facilities, but its beach location more than makes up for it.

The location was just what I needed, quiet and peaceful. The property was right at the beach and the beach was not busy at all. You hardly see anyone there. I really like the comfortable bed and the kitchen facilities, you have everything you need to cook a meal. Will definitely go back. The property has a large backyard with barbeque areas facing the beach, perfect. It feels like I was on a tropical island. The attached photo was taken from the backyard of my room.

Might just need a small heater in the bedroom. It did take long for the heat pump to heat up the bedroom.

The location is amazing, right by the beach. The view from the unit was splendid, sad we missed the orca earlier in the day! The unit was super clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the heat pump as it was chillier than anticipated.

It would have been good to know the bed sizes before we arrived. Other than that no issues at all.

Really lovely owners. They even went especially into town to get us 🏉 and ⚽ balls when we asked if they had any. Such a gorgeous spot and so close to edge of beach. Very clean unit and super well stocked with everything you need for a fabulous holiday.

Everything was great.