Piha - Black Sands Lodge

Accommodation in Piha - Comments from Guest Book

Piha Guest Comments: from our visitors books in Piha - Black Sands Lodge's Kauri & Tui Suites.  We have delightful guests from all corners of the world and enjoyed each and every one of you. Thanks for staying with us.

Lonely Planet; World Guide

What a wonderful, relaxing spot!  Fantastic beach, sublime nature walks but most importantly : friendly and gracious hosts and possibly the most comfortable bed I have slept in for a very long time!  Thank you.  Wouldn't hesitate to return!  Enjoy life, until the next time . . .  Kevin, Salisbury, UK

Unless you arrive in the dark you already know that Piha is beautiful!  What you don't know is that your hosts are beautiful too!  (blush)  What a fantastic spot - this is going to be hard to beat!  Love waking to the sound of the sea and tweety birdies.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Disco and Lottie, UK.

Feb 09  We were married in the Kauri Suite.

It was beautiful and a perfect spot out fo the rain.

Thank you for your kindness.  Fondest Love; Jeff & Elizabeth Usun

Englewood, Colorado, USA

Oren Bloedow and Matt Johnson popped over to Piha, from Sydney, for a break from touring Australia backing Marth Wainwright.

They were hard case guests : seen here ready for a swim in November!  This is Matt's third visit to Piha.  Oren has fallen in love withPiha.

Just click on the image on the left to read a Review on Black Sands Lodge in the Express Magazine Feb 09.

Dec '08  Dear Bobbie and Julia,   We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Tui Suite. What a charming little village within the village you have developed.  And the service is just over the top.  We especially enjoyed the little chats we had with you two.  It amazes me that Piha has changed so little in the fifty years since I was last there.

It was a once in a lifetime experience for me to re-connect with the  Surf Club  members.  They were in their late teens in 1958 and I was 22.  Now they're 68 or so and I'm 72  (that's for Bobbie so that she doesn't have to try to add it up).  I didn't recognize most of them at first, but after a few days I began remembering their personalities.  Sure is a fun loving bunch.  All the best to you two,  Bing & Conlee Copeland

Julia & Bobbie, what a fab place !! Real paradise in Piha, beautiful surroundings & wonderful hosts,  great way to start ourmarried life in such a home away from home  :-)

There really is no better way to start the summer than a stink-hot weekend at Piha ... the cicadas are chirping, the tui's sweet song ... and even the pohutukawa is showing first signs of Christmas.  Thanks for making such an awesome 'retreat' ... we will be back !! Phil & Sharon

Amazing attention to all the little details made this the most wonderful place to stay and walk the beach.  Thank you for the special welcome  Sam & Anne

What an amazing place. We've lived in Auckland for 27 years but never stayed overnight in POiha.  It has been such a treat to stay at your beautiful spot for the weekend.  I love the native trees, birds and walks.  I also enjoyed your books and your 'Kiwi' decor.  Thanks Chris & Phil

Dear Bobbie, thank you very much for a superb dinner YUM!!!  You are like NZ - warm and natural  :-)  We'll definately be back.  Love Graeme & Jane, Australia

Graeme and Jane:  It is always a pleasure to have our neighbours, Australians, come and stay.  Bobbie

Dear Bobbie & Julia.  Thank you for a wonderful weekend - we've been in NZ for 6 weeks now and it was Piha that made us realise we're in the most beautiful place in the world!  We'll be back a lot over the next year - you'll be sick of us!  Take care - Ben & Yvonne (Irish - Canadians!)

Bobbie & Julia  thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with us.  Your generosity and kindness was the 'cherry' on top for us and meeting and spending time with the locals has made this an extra special visit.  This is the start to our NZ journey and what a wonderful start it has been!  Thanks again!!!  Koos & Mara, PTA South Africa

The 3:30am greet was special indeed :)  Thanks for the loan of your beautiful place - it really felt like home and I'm a convert to heated towel racks now!!!  Hannah & Jason  Melbourne - Aus

Great spot,  great storm last night,  added to the passion & romance & was a perfect setting for me to "pop the question", she said YES!   Thanks  Matt & Justine  (An absolute pleasure - Bobbie & Julia)

We had the most wonderful time, exactly what we needed, uninterrupted time in a quiet & beautiful spot.  The power cut the first night ensured an enforced early night which did miracles (14 hours sleep!) for our wellbeing & enjoyment of the rest of our stay.  Our special dinner was divine, gorgeous food, gorgeous setting & wonderful company.  Many thanks for such warm hospitality & such a wonderful place to share with those who need it.  We take away special memories of this holiday.  Jack and Katrina, Wellington, NZ.

A gorgeous place to stay in beautiful surroundings.  The weather made it perfect but will have to give it a go in summer too I think.  Thank you Staff and Kristine.

Firstly this was an amazing surprise to me that such a nice place exists tucked away @ NZ's premium Surf Beach - Piha.  I absolutely loved it and you will see me back here again :)  James Mathieson, Auckland Central  (West is Best)

First night ever in New Zealand - what a place to stay !!  Gives a new meaning to the word Serendipity!!!  The Irish are said to be famous for hospitality but Bobbie & Julia could teach them a thing or two.  Fond memories. Brian & Rita - Derry, Port Steward IRELAND

Hi lovely ladies,  We just wanted to say thank you for having us once again.  This place has become very special to us.  You both inspire us to follow our dreams, and we can't wait to enjoy your company again.  We think you are both fabulous!!   ps: we are seriously in love with this place, if you ever sell please let us know xxoo  (we will have the $$$ in 10 years!!) Arohanui Awa & Lise

Thank you for such a great place to wrap up our journey through NZ. Your rooms are beautiful & "just right" for a peaceful getaway - and our son thoroughly enjoyed your garden & plantings!  We look forward to our next trip here, and this time we'll plan on staying with you for much more than one night.  We'll be in touch  Drew, Anne & Sebastian Bareman, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl, USA  PS: Bobbie - so sorry we didn't get to meet . . .

Last stop on our long journey from South to North . . .  definitely the pick of the bunch by far!  Perfect place to relax and take stock before back to work again.  Beautiful design, decor, furnishings and very cosy.  Lonely Planet should be ashamed of their commends - not good enough!  We'll be back.  Pete & Caoimhe - Denny, Ireland (Whangarei for the mean time!)

It was so wonderful to meet such gorgeous souls. You made us feel so welcome and kicked out weekend off to a fantastic start! What people! What a space! What a vision to aspire4 to when we get our own place!!!!  We will most definitely be back for another visit - in fact you may get sick of us!  Love Kate & Lucy xxx

Congrats on owning & living in such a wonderful place - we enjoyed our stay! Jennifer & Max Vancouver

What a perfect place to finish our trip to NZ - taking home best memories.  Tene & Alexandra, Vienna, Austria

Dear Bobbie & Julia.  Thank you SO much for EVERYTHING!!! We feel like we landed in heaven .... its better than home - in fact, can we just stay here forever ..?! Look forward to seeing you on our return leg to Auckland early June.  Kate & Ruth x :) UK

Dear Julia & Bobbie  Thanks once agaIn for making our stay in Piha so peaceful & relaxing; we have now enjoyed both the Tui & Kauri Suites & each have their own special character & warmth.  This time round endulging in your 'in room massage' service topped it off for me. I was so blissed out & content to snuggle in for the night I chose to enjoy the quiet of the Tui Suite rather than the after wedding function!!!  To me that is a clear sign of quality accommodation, it felt like home  :-)  Jodie & Ben xx

Dear Julia and Bobbie,  Thank you for the great adventure in Piha!  You are like the best sisters/aunts/mothers & great mates a guy could ever want to stay with & I can't wait to come back & finish my next movie here.  You & Piha inspire me and I can't wait for the next adventure!  XOXO Rick McKay

Gorgeous place Julia & Bobbie: so peaceful and perfect.  So pleased we stayed 2 nights.  I love each of your dwellings - something for everyone.  Beautiful gardens & trees.  You have the prime spot! Thank you so much - we will definitely recommend your place to friends.  Tyrena & Marcel xox

A delightful week in 'the office' - what a place to be based, and how much more creative you can be in this kind of natural heaven.  Great design too and most importantly great support (and food & wine!) from you both - thank you,  Fiona, BBC, Natural History Unit, London/Bristol

 Been on honeymoon in NZ for 2 months - this is the best accommodation yet!  THANK YOU.   Damon Clark - London

Everything said so far is True!! as everybody says would like to stay longer.  Pat & Audrey (Townsend) England.

Thankyou for a wonderful couple of days!  It has been lovely: very relaxing and homely; just what the doctor ordered.  What a wonderful place . . . . Thanks again.  Libby & Craig Blackett UK (London)

Thank you for a wonderful weekend.  It's a beautiful location and hopefully we will be back again soon.  The surfing was great.  Jonny & Fiona  Go raibh maith agat!  (Thanks in Irish)

Great location & hospitality to chill out having arrived in NZ.  Would have loved to stay longer.  Thanks again Bryan & Julie Hammond UK.  (Tui Suite)

Thanks so much 4 the warm welcome, caretaking and this beautiful place! We enjoyed it sooo much! It feels like home but then in paradise . . .   The lamb was marvellous!  We slept like babies in the wonderful bed! We wish U all the best and as they say: 'you see each other minimal twice in life!  Hope 2 see you again somewhere! Take care, wads of success.  Iris & Tim   (Belgium & Holland)    PS: The Suite is so full of details : perfect stay!

Thanks for your wonderful hospitality! This is way too good for just one overnight stay to get to the airport.  The typical Airport Holiday Inn relates to your place like a Fiat Punto to a Red Ferrari!!!  Georg, Frankfurt, Germany  (Tui Suite)

Thank you so much for your great hospitality and for your warm and friendly people that you are.  Manu and I have well and truly enjoyed our time together here @ Piha Beach both in the Kauri & Tui Suites.  No doubt that we will meet again but in the mean time keep doing what u 2 do best (ie smile & 'keeping it real') and take care.  May God bless u both.  Warmest regards Manuele & Pereira Nov 07

I just got home and I was thinking I'd sent you a "thank you" note ... for the lovely time we had there.  We'd love to buy the TUI suite ... but seeing how that is not going to happen .. we reckon we will just have to visit more often  Thanks for everything :)  Regards,  Kash/Fred 09/07

Dear Julia and Bobbie; We came out here expecting a break from the city &  found paradise!!  Everything was beautiful.  We loved the cottage  (Kauri Suite)  and will definately be recommending this place to everyone.  Thanks, we'll be back :)  Simon & Wendy, Newmarket, Auckland. 

Thanks for your hospitality and making our experience an unforgetable one.  Piha is paradise and of course we're envious that you live here year round.  We wish you gals the best and we'll be back.  Dennis & Ronda Rose. Yakima, Washington, USA 

We will ba back - nothing nicer than the sound of the ocean.  Lisa Hertshire & Rob Duncan, Tweed Valley, NSW.

Our stay was so relaxing and so beautiful - we loved our accommodation and loved the hike to Kitekite Falls. It seems like no matter which way we look around Piha we see beauty.  Thanks for your gracious hospitality - sharing drinks on the deck was especially fun for us.  Have a wonderful Anniversary Trip!  Sue & Larry Dillehay  

We had a fantastic relaxing time in this beautiful Suite. Breakfast on the terrace, surrounded by so much beauty, was surely one of the highlights of this stay here. We wish you a marvellous New Year.  Alan & Emmanuelle from Paris - France.

Thanks so much for a really chilled out stay in your Kiwiana cabin. It was an extremely relaxing 3 days and to get to see the surfing competition was a real bonus for us. Thanks also for sharing your sky tv ( the banana cake was very nice) so that we could see the Waikato/Wellington final of the Air NZ cup, and yes the best team, Waikato won. What a beautiful slice of paradise you live in, nestled amoungst the nikau palms and the pohoutukawas and so close to the beach. Pure heaven!!  Sue & Ross Steele, Tauranga.

Dear Julia & Bobbie - This has been a treasure. I rested so deeply, I swam, I walked. Your good company gave me inspiration. I will see you both again. Many thanks, Rhiannon  PS: You two are as gorgeous as Piha Beach - Beautiful to meet you.

Thanks a lot to Bobbie and Julia who were great hosts and gave us great advice on what to do in Piha! We had a wonderful time relaxing but also experienced nice walks and activities! Thanks also for the exchanges we've had with you, we might not have changed anything in the world on that day, but at least it felt good discussing with you! Pour ceux qui parlent français, surtout n'hésitez pas, vous rencontrerez deux personnes formidables et qui feront de votre séjour une expérience très agréable, Piha, lorsqu'il fait beau, est un endroit magique! Cheers to you 2 - Francois and Muriel

Guests relaxing on the Tui Suite deck

Thank you very much for a wonderful stay, we could not help but relax. Great facilities, great environment. We will certainly recommend you to our friends. Regards Joseph & Penelope, Auckland NZ

Dear bobbie + Julia, Thank you very much for such a relaxing and chilled out environment provided here at Piha Accommodation. Nothing quite compares to being woken by the sound of the Tui. A very memorable stay, we'll be back! Kindest Regards Jonathon & Sonia, NZ

Bobbie & Julia. Thank you for making our first day and night in NZ so fabulous! Piha is beautiful - Kitekite Falls was like Hawaii, Costa Rica & Switzerland all in one. We will definately be back!!! Thank you also for the wonderful coffee, wine & breakfast rpvisions + comfy accommodation! Kim & Bud, Florida, USA

Guests enjoying dining in the garden on an autumn evening in Piha

Just what the doctor ordered! A perfect two days of rest and romance - dinner on the deck was the icing on the cake - Bobbie & Julia - you are fantastic cooks and great hosts! World of mouth is the best form of advertising and you bet we'll be spreading the word. Can't wait to come back to the Tui Suite . Thank you so much.

Daniel Beetham & Christian Brendum - Auckland, NZ

Very charming & comfortable place to spend our last evening in New Zealand. thank you for your hospitality. We love this town!! Scenery is spectacular & the surfing awesome. We love the Kauri Suite . . . clean, modern, secluded yet so close to the beach. I will definitely tell all my friends about this wonderful getaway. Hope to see you again in the future!

Janie & Dave - California

I had a great time here in Piha, my only regret being that I couldn't stay longer to enjoy your flawless hospitality. I will make it a point to send all my friends to stay with you and to stay an extra night in Piha Beach Cabin an extra night to go canyoning with Cam. That was excellent.

David Hughes - Canada/New York

Wow! As I sat all day, alone, on Anawhata Beach every 5 minutes I marvelled at another worry or care lifting from my shoulders. What a beautiful place! What glorious hosts. Definitely coming back. Thanks to Julia, Bobbie and Lace (the cat) for making me so welcome. The Kauri Suite

Simon Burke: Sydney - AK05

Just what we needed; a few relaxing days in beautiful surroundings, but without your expert knowledge of Piha and your great company it would not have been so special. We will be back possibly with the children? or possibly not! Alyson & Robert Mayer: Balgowlah, Sydney

A wonderful, peaceful place to stay and it doesn't surprise me at all that you were the wonderful people who tried to provide shelter for tragic Iraena.

I know the others would have loved to have written as well but they left beforehand but, they all say, they will be back - as I will be! Thank you so much Carolyn: NZ

Words cannot fully describe my Kiwi experience here. Right off my wonderfu hosts made me feel at home with a great cup of coffee. I felt as if I was visiting old friends rather than at an accomodation. Look forward to telling others about this great place. Paul Roberts: USA

It was a dark & stormy night . . . . and we were so lucky to find Bobbie and Julia's hide-a-way! We woke up to the birds singing and the sun shining through the windows.

Then we had tea and biscuits with you in the morning and fell in love with New Zealand and New Zealanders even more.

Thank you for sharing your heaven and yourselves with us. Come see us in Santa Cruz if you're ever in our town!Margaret and Bruce: USA

A greaat place to stay! Where else can you find a place with huge surf and people supporting you in surfing both the ocean and the internet? ThanksLexi, Jaggy & Ulla: Germany

Wow! Such warm accomodation and hospitality - close to the beach, great parking and not much more expensive than a backpacker. We'll be back.Cindy and Mark - Brisbane

Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise and the usual Kiwi hospitality. Loved our accomodation and see you again. Pauline & Norman - Gosford, Australia

thanks for a wonderful stay. Cosy and comfy accomodation in Piha - even in torrential rain! Piha is beautiful - a very special place - hope I'll be back again someday ... Jess - Glasgow, UK

Thank you so much for such a welcome. Won over we have really enjoyed the 'Piha' experience and the rugged, mixed with tropical beauty of the surrounds. Wishing you both good health, peace and joy in this gorgeous retreat from the world. Margaret & Andrew

'Hey ladies, thanks for all the tips on Piha. We had a great time and thanks for the champagne. We hope to see you again.' Sebastian

'When we arrived we were more dead than alive. But thanks to your hospitality we now feel vibrant and alive & thanks for the great wine. We have enjoyed ourselves very much. Big Kiss.' Katrina Sebastian & Katrina - Holland

'Thank you so much for your warm Piha hospitality and for making us feel so welcome. We have really enjoyed our stay and felt like home away from home. Take care and keep in touch if you are ever in London.' Tyrone and Katie - London

'Thankyou for a wonderful stay! You were so helpful and lovely. Gave us a real idea of New Zealand life. Thanks Bobbie for our Crowded House / Piha Tour! Sad to go actually!'Katie & Jo

Thank you so much for making me feel at home here with you at Piha and for giving my friends another memorable experience and yet another reason to think about moving to NZ. You two are perfect hosts for sending more overseas friends to stay with. Moira, NZ

There are no coincidences - meeting Bobbie in the store was meant to happen. This has been an extraordinary 24 hours ..... beach walk was so relaxing and you two ! What a treat to meet both of you. Thank you for a wonderful place to stay. Madeline, Canada

"Thank you both for a most amazing (albeit short than we would have liked) holiday. Piha is so beautiful but the company of both of you is what really made it memorable. Its such a great treat to spend time with my Mom, and being here just made it that much more wonderful. Thank you so much!"Haley - USA

What a find ! Thank you both for everything (especially that Aussie sitcom 'cardonay'). It was perfect. Russ & Adrienne - Rhode Island, USA.

"Indeed a very memorable experience with two bright smiling faces. My husband and I will never forget 2/11/2003 at Piha with you"Seema & Prabhakar - India

My 1st objective was to 'Get outta town' .... did that & more... a cosy cabin, great weather, fun & inviting hospitality, All Blacks -vs- Tonga, crushed chillies, borrowed hats, lounge chairs in the sun... & I haven't even gotten to the beach yet! Walks in paradise, looking @ baches NOT bachelors, Market Day ... Enjoyed! Relaxed! I'll be back.Jill - Campbells Bay, Auckland - Oct

"Thank you for the possibility to stay here in our last days here in New zealand - in Paradise. It's been so wonderful, we can't describe! I don't know when, but we will come back, so see you then. Have a nice time in Paradise!"
Lilli & Hendrik - Schleswig Holstein

"I've been very comfortable and at home here, if only briefly. Look me up in the South island if you're driving thru Nelson Lakes." Debbie

"A wonderful and very relaxed couple of days in fantastic company. Many thanks" Chris - UK. 2003

"On our way to Auckland we decided to stop somewhere. It became Piha. It is very cosy. Unfortunately we could only stay one night. We had a beautiful walk on the beach and made great pictures at the sunset. Our stay was short but it was great and we really felt comfortable with you. Thanks" Rene & Peggy - Holland '03

"Thank you very much for those very nice two (only 2) days in Piha. I've appreciated your accomodation a lot!!!" Wolfgang - Germany '03

"This is very good accommodation! New Zealand is very beautiful country. Thank you." Ryota & Sakuro - Japan '03

"Had a great time and thank you for all your help with the camera. Maybe we will get to see you again sometime. Lots of love" Jean and Chris - Devon, UK. '03

"No words to express our feelings to you." Dalia and Sharon - Israel. '03

"Helow (sic) to all. I just spent here a great time wich (sic) I recommend all to do so. Bobbie and Julia are the most kind people I met here. Bye" Onn Urlich - Germany '03

"We have had the best time here - we've loved it and are sorry to be leaving. I am going to work very hard in Scotland so I can come back next year!! Thanks so much Bobbie & Julia - you have made Piha a truly memorable experience. See you at the Tattoo!" Mandy - Scotland '03

"A great place to weather out the storm. Thanks a lot" Joel & Wendy - New Zealand '02

"Thank you for accommodating me in my heeling process at this difficuilt time. Wonderful, gracious and cathartic" Keith - Auckland. NZ. '02

"Thank you so much for our stay out here to take refuge from the madhouse in the city. We've had an absolutely fabulous time" Sally & Ben - WellingtonSally & Ben - Wellington. NZ '02

See some of our favourite photos of Piha RIGHT HERE

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