Carrington Estate

109 Maitai Bay Road, 0483 Tokerau Beach, New Zealand

Guest reviews: 7.7

HOTEL OVERVIEW

So I stumbled across Carrington Estate completely by accident – was actually looking for something closer to Paihia but ended up way out on Maitai Bay Road, and honestly? Best mistake I made that trip. This place sits right on Tokerau Beach, which most people have never heard of because everyone’s busy fighting crowds at the Bay of Islands proper. The drive out there winds through some seriously gorgeous countryside, though GPS gets a bit wonky once you’re past Karikari Peninsula, so don’t panic if you think you’re lost.

The estate itself is… well, calling it a hotel feels weird because it’s more like staying at someone’s really well-appointed family property. There’s no star rating because it doesn’t fit into those cookie-cutter categories – it’s boutique in the truest sense, meaning whoever runs this place actually cares about the details. The rooms have that lived-in elegance thing going on, where everything’s quality but not stuffy. You know what I mean? Like, the linens are proper nice, but you’re not afraid to put your sandy feet up. Speaking of sand, the beach is literally right there – not “short walk to beach” marketing speak, but actually there. I could hear the waves from my room, which was either incredibly relaxing or kept me awake depending on my mood that day.

What really got me was how they handle breakfast – fresh local stuff, obviously, but they actually know where it comes from. The woman at reception (owner maybe?) was telling me about the farm down the road where they get eggs, and you can taste the difference. The coffee’s decent too, which matters more than people admit when you’re staying somewhere remote. And it is remote – Tokerau Beach isn’t exactly bustling with dining options, so you’re either cooking (there’s a kitchen if you’re in one of the larger rooms) or driving back toward civilization. That said, there’s something pretty magical about having sundowners on the deck while watching the sunset over the water without another soul in sight. The 7.7 rating seems about right – it’s not luxury resort perfect, but it’s got character and charm that those places usually lack. I mean, where else can you wake up, walk thirty seconds, and have an entire beach basically to yourself?

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS

Image 2 of Carrington EstateImage 3 of Carrington Estate

Reviews

Staff: 8.8

Comfort: 8.2

Location: 8.8

Free WiFi: 8.5

Facilities: 7.8

Cleanliness: 8.5

Value for money: 7.3

David from New Zealand (14 May 2025)

9/10

Wonderful location and grounds.

What could be improved: Local electricity went off for a day due to a big storm. High time they got a backup generator.

Caron from United Kingdom (22 April 2025)

7/10

Location- near the coast plus not far to drive to Cape Reinga Spacious room Big Comfy bed Restaurant had good food What could be improved: No view from room Fire alarm went off at night due to strong winds Interior of room/bathroom is very dated and needs renovating Didn’t provide free water in the room nor water fountain on the premises to fill...

Caron from United Kingdom (22 April 2025)

7/10

Location- near the coast plus not far to drive to Cape Reinga
Spacious room
Big Comfy bed
Restaurant had good food

What could be improved: No view from room
Fire alarm went off at night due to strong winds
Interior of room/bathroom is very dated and needs renovating
Didn’t provide free water in the room nor water fountain on the premises to fill up your bottle
The gym was very poor- no wifi, dark, old cardio machines, just one mat for floor work

T from New Zealand (9 March 2025)

9/10

Very calming add magical place, great long view from Estate as it is elevated. A lot of walking trails throughout golf club.
Close to beautiful Maitai Bay.

What could be improved: Resort is a bit old and dated, but still very charming

Sama from New Zealand (20 January 2025)

9/10

Such a beautiful location, perfect for a family stay and we especially loved the pool. Our highlight was the staff members, they were soo friendly and we loved chatting to one of them in the restaurant (can’t remember his name!) Everything was clean and comfortable and the rooms are super spacious. What could be improved: The only downside is...

Sama from New Zealand (20 January 2025)

9/10

Such a beautiful location, perfect for a family stay and we especially loved the pool. Our highlight was the staff members, they were soo friendly and we loved chatting to one of them in the restaurant (can’t remember his name!) Everything was clean and comfortable and the rooms are super spacious.

What could be improved: The only downside is there are a LOT of bugs especially at night so we had to be careful opening our doors to not let them in, didn’t get bitten personally but some of the family members got a few mosquito bites. I suppose that’s expected coming out to a place like this, regardless would come back again!

Rhee from New Zealand (14 January 2025)

9/10

Beautiful scenery

What could be improved: N/A

Peter from New Zealand (24 December 2024)

8/10

Location

What could be improved: All good.
Second year we've stayed.
We are from Christchurch

Meg from New Zealand (10 December 2024)

8/10

Restaurant staff were lovely.

What could be improved: The water for the bath and shower was discolored and very off-putting.

Cecily from Australia (12 November 2024)

9/10

Lovely comfortable large room.

Katy from United Kingdom (26 October 2024)

9/10

Great location. North facing with lovely views of the ocean. Swimming pool with 'jacuzzi' ( separate hot area with bubbles not jets) with lovely view of the sea. 100m down the road is the winery with cafe and more great views, similar menu to restaurant. Great wine flight- 4 wines for 15 dollars, and seafood platter. You could really walk...

Katy from United Kingdom (26 October 2024)

9/10

Great location. North facing with lovely views of the ocean. Swimming pool with 'jacuzzi' ( separate hot area with bubbles not jets) with lovely view of the sea. 100m down the road is the winery with cafe and more great views, similar menu to restaurant. Great wine flight- 4 wines for 15 dollars, and seafood platter. You could really walk between the hotel and winery if you're drinking. We had supper at the restaurant, good food and views, wine from the winery. Our room was great, number 5, best views. All bedrooms lead onto a verandah so you might have people walking past your room. Water is yellow from high iron content, but they had mineral water to drink on the house. shower pressure was amazing, it was like having a massage. Mini bar had wines from the estate. Beach towels supplied. Nice toiletries. Good hairdryer. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

What could be improved: They undersell themselves. Pool not advertised, and it was lovely, and there weren't any signs to it. Fittings a bit old, i knew this from previous reviews. Only one coffee bag for two people in the room, a cafetiere but no plunger coffee.

Harry from United Kingdom (23 October 2024)

9/10

Beautiful room with a view of the golf course around the veranda with lovely grounds. Room very spacious and beds comfortable. Late check in was well accommodated. Easy to find and parking. Pool was fabulous too - if you like it cold which we do! What could be improved: Water was discoloured with iron but safe to drink. Breakfast was amazing but...

Harry from United Kingdom (23 October 2024)

9/10

Beautiful room with a view of the golf course around the veranda with lovely grounds. Room very spacious and beds comfortable. Late check in was well accommodated. Easy to find and parking. Pool was fabulous too - if you like it cold which we do!

What could be improved: Water was discoloured with iron but safe to drink. Breakfast was amazing but restaurant only opened late at 10am due to staff not knowing if we wanted it.

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ROOMS

  • Estimated price from: $146. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
  • Estimated price from: $168. Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
  • Estimated price from: $360. Deluxe Villa with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 single bed for Max persons: 5
Image 4 of Carrington EstateImage 5 of Carrington Estate

FACILITIES

View:

  • Landmark view

General:

  • Shuttle service Additional charge
  • Vending machine (snacks)
  • Vending machine (drinks)
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Packed lunches
  • Carpeted
  • Family rooms
  • Ironing facilities
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Airport shuttle Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron
  • Room service

Kitchen:

  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Private beach area
  • BBQ facilities Additional charge
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Wellness:

  • Fitness/spa locker rooms
  • Fitness
  • Full body massage
  • Couples massage
  • Massage Additional charge
  • Fitness centre

Activities:

  • Bicycle rental Additional charge
  • Live sport events (broadcast)
  • Live music/performance
  • Happy hour Additional charge
  • Themed dinner nights Additional charge
  • Bike tours Additional charge
  • Beach
  • Tennis equipment Additional charge
  • Horse riding Additional charge Off-site
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Billiards
  • Games room
  • Fishing Additional charge Off-site
  • Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
  • Tennis court Additional charge

Living Area:

  • Seating Area

Food & Drink:

  • Coffee house on site
  • Fruits Additional charge
  • Wine/champagne Additional charge
  • Kid meals Additional charge
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible

Languages spoken:

  • English

Cleaning services:

  • Daily housekeeping

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key access

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Satellite channels
  • Telephone
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided

Business facilities:

  • Fax/photocopying Additional charge
  • Business centre Additional charge
  • Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge

Most popular facilities:

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free parking
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness centre
  • Family rooms
  • Room service
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
  • Private beach area

Outdoor swimming pool Free!:

  • Open all year
  • Infinity pool
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end
  • Pool/beach towels
  • Sun umbrellas
  • Fence around pool

Entertainment and family services:

  • Board games/puzzles

Parking Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).:

  • Accessible parking

Other for your stay:

  • Linen
Image 6 of Carrington EstateImage 7 of Carrington Estate

HOUSE RULES

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Groups:

  • When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00 to 18:00
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out:

  • From 07:00 to 10:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

HOTEL ADDRESS

109 Maitai Bay Road, 0483 Tokerau Beach, New Zealand

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