BUG Review
Mel’s Place is located on the ancestral pa (Maori village) of owners Marilyn (Mel) and Joe, a gorgeous spot that pokes out into the bay and is bounded by a hillock behind. Facilities are basic, but the views and surroundings are absolutely magnificent. Accommodation is offered in a five-bed dorm with a nice big window, a double room in a caravan and a few tent sites. They’ve also just built a standalone luxury suite with its own deck. Mel and Joe run a fishing charter and offer cultural tours as well; they’re very interesting hosts and good at articulating Maori traditions and their relationship with the land. They practice sustainable fishing, and Mel’s Place is totally green, with solar and wind power, recycling, composting etc. There’s swimming and snorkelling on calm Onepoto Beach. Also check out the “loo with a view”, an outdoor toilet with an eye-level window to take in the scenery. This is a special place in a beautiful spot.
Price Dorm bed $28 ($25 BBH) Double room $72 ($66 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Great location , set on a rocky headland by a swimming beach
Cons:
Basic facilities, - single toilet, shower
PhilipNZ
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(4)
Mel's Place is situated on a rocky headland less than 100m from the swimming beach at Onepoto Bay, close to Hicks bay. There are good views from around the property which includes a number of tent sites.
The atmosphere of the place was friendly and informal (no filling out of forms upon arrival) and the owners friendly and helpful (organising onward rides etc.) The facilities were quite basic: single 'long drop' style toilet and single shower which required turning the gas on and off (the place does not have mains electricity). Some queing for the toilet and shower was necessary on occasion. The facilities were kept clean and tidy. Overall I would thoroughly recommend the place for anyone not too concerned about the basic facilities.
