New Zealands Bay of Islands accommodation tips

MY SISTER AND I WOULD LIKE TO DO A FLY/DRIVE HOLIDAY TO TAKE IN NEW ZEALAND'S BAY OF ISLANDS IN FEBRUARY/MARCH NEXT YEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO STAY IN A SMALL COTTAGE OR LODGE OVERLOOKING THE WATER. CAN YOU SUGGEST SOME PLACES? IS FEBRUARY/MARCH A GOOD TIME? WOULD FIVE DAYS BE ENOUGH?

K. JONES, RANDWICK

February/March is ideal, as is five days. Bookabach (bookabach.co.nz) is the perfect place to look for this type of accommodation in New Zealand and a search under Bay of Islands throws up several cottages that might qualify, including Sunset Cottage, Te Wahapu and Taupiri Bay. Prices are reasonable too. Aimeo Cottage (bay-of-islands.co.nz/aimeo-cottage) near Russell or, at a slightly higher price, Driftwood (driftwoodnz.com) in Kerikeri might also fit the bill.