Awatea Country Bed & Breakfast

This was the most memorable stay during my 9-day trip to New Zealand. The host is a farmer who raises all sorts of animals. When we arrived in the afternoon, he warmly welcomed us. Considering that we might be afraid of his two very adorable dogs, he thoughtfully locked them inside the house first and only let them out after asking us. Knowing that we had to leave at 7:00 in the morning the next day, he took us to feed the animals in the afternoon as an unexpected treat. What touched us deeply was that we were the only guests that day, and the grandfather still got up early to prepare a very lavish breakfast for us. When he noticed that we were almost full, he kindly reminded us not to eat too much before going out to sea, which was very moving. The room was super clean, fully equipped with tissues, an electric blanket, and an oil heater. Opening the glass door in the room leads to a bright balcony, which is really amazing. Lastly, I wish the grandfather and his entire family good health and happiness.

Reading that Kaikōura is the whale watching capital of New Zealand, I decided to go there and then needed accommodation I usually avoid staying in hotels, as it's impersonal and often too monotonous, so, I looked for something else When I found about Awatea Country Bed & Breakfast, I believed I had found the right place, and I can now say so for sure I arrived late (it was already pitch dark) and yet the family welcomed me, Kevin, Ann, and their 2 dogs Boston & Fatbob Kevin showed me around and took care of the conversations, while Ann cooked dinner for me, benefiting from her husband hunting passion and skills to prepare, just for me, a delicious homemade venison burger (evening meal as an option), The dogs are English Springer Spaniels, quite impressive size wise then, but actually very easygoing, so even if you've had bad experiences in the past with dogs (like I have) you should be not only fine, but at ease, no worries at all There's a huge living room where everyone can meet, I actually got to meet another guest and her 2 dogs In it there's a wood fireplace, great for winter nights, and a bookcase with lots of books including guidebooks Wifi works great everywhere I had the last room on the right. It was huge, with an ensuite bathroom (as they all do) The bed had not only lots of covers to keep you warm, but also an electric blanket... and on top of that there was a heater in the room too, so, you definitely will be able to feel warm and cozy no matter the weather There was a patio door with direct access to the garden, and beautiful views over it and the mountain Talking about the garden, right behind there's also a pasture, theirs, with alpacas, goats, sheep, cows... Then breakfast, ohhh the (included) breakfast, fresh fruits, jam, yogurt, pancakes, fruit juice... in addition of the ever available bread, Nutella, Vegemite, muesli, tea, coffee (with lots & lots of options for those)... substantial, fresh and yummy, loved it In the morning I got to chat with both They were happy to do so, but also to give me privacy whenever they thought I would prefer it, which was thoughtful When I left Kevin gave me a ride downtown for my whale watching tour, which was appreciated As I went back to North Island by plane, from Queenstown, I didn't pass by there again, to my regret I would highly recommend staying at Awatea Bed & Breakfast, indeed when planning to go whale watching in Kaikoura, but even if just passing by on the way or from the ferry town of Picton, well worth the overnight or even a couple nights to get to relax well and make new friends (and if you have pets to help them too have new friends :D) Ann, Kevin, lovely meeting you All the best, you deserve it David from France

This B&B is some way out of Kaikoura and a little difficult to find, especially in the dark. The property was comfortable and clean but more than a little tired and we thought expensive for what it was. The room we had was a “garden room” and the view in the morning was lovely - but was it worth the extra money, I think not. A kettle, tea and coffee was provided and we had access to a fridge etc in the main lounge should we have needed it. Breakfast was okay, we met other guests which made a difference. There was a choice of cooked food or cereals. We had booked two nights but our plans changed and as we could not get a whale watching trip, decided to move on. Note: book well in advance for whale watching.