The Marlin - Kaeo

The new hotel managers May and Dennis were going over and beyond with everything and made this stay the most memorable we ever had anywhere. Down to earth and w... read more The new hotel managers May and Dennis were going over and beyond with everything and made this stay the most memorable we ever had anywhere. Down to earth and welcoming, the two treated us like family. We booked a room in the main building, everything was sparkling clean, modern and we had a stunning view from the balcony over the harbour. We loved the common areas, balcony and kitchen. There is even a BBQ for use and everything is super easy. Off street parking provided. We made lots of daytrips from Whangaroa the area and beaches are just stunning. We needed only 2 hours to cape reinga and every day was a new adventure. It's a hidden gem for the normal traveller. Lots of fishing going on too if you're interested. Thanks May and Dennis!! Mario Diana

Beautiful location right on the waterfront. Parking in front. Amazing views from the shared balcony. There is a fan but it’s still hot at night so I sat on the... read more Beautiful location right on the waterfront. Parking in front. Amazing views from the shared balcony. There is a fan but it’s still hot at night so I sat on the balcony and had a lovely wine. You can buy bottles from the bars. Has recently been taken over and newly renovated so all the older reviews (pre Aug/Sep 2018) are outdated. Lovely new owners. New blue carpet upstairs in the rooms and hallway. Shared kitchen with delicious Italian coffee, a fridge and freezer. Can buy a breakfast pack for $11 with some muesli, juice, spreads and dried bread. Reception closes at 8pm so ring ahead to organise late check in. There is a fishing club across the road open for dinner and the hotel has a restaurant too. There is a small shop up the road with water and food and snacks. Kayak hire down the road too. Beautiful walk up to St. Paul’s summit down the road as well. Fabulous views. Rooms are nicely decorated with nz paintings. I had room 8 with a slat bed (room 7 is box spring) depends what you like. I was lucky and got to choose. Tv in room and shower and sink. Quiet slice of paradise with killer views. Nice and safe. Nice area. Improvements: Dishwasher brush would be handy in the kitchen instead of a sponge and inside of fridge just needs a tidy, just make sure sheets don’t have stains on them. Mine had one but the sheets were freshly cleaned. I liked the flat pillow but some people might like thicker ones too. Red and white Wine glasses in the kitchen would be awesome too. Also an aircon unit would be amazing! Thanks for the lovely stay!

Rugby, motor racing and great food from Luke's, I always have the scallops, can't think of a reason to go to a better place. Great people, good beer. Great live... read more Rugby, motor racing and great food from Luke's, I always have the scallops, can't think of a reason to go to a better place. Great people, good beer. Great live action TV.

On a whim we drove to Whangaroa from Mangonui for a coffee with a change of scenery. Wow, so glad we did! The young lady who served us was delightful and made t... read more On a whim we drove to Whangaroa from Mangonui for a coffee with a change of scenery. Wow, so glad we did! The young lady who served us was delightful and made the best coffee. On seeing a couple of meals come out, even though we weren't hungry, we thought we would try the bacon and egg pie. The best I have had. The pastry was light, flakey and buttery and the filling moist and plentiful. We then thought we had better have a chocolate fudge slice. Yum! The chef was so nice and even gave us a sample of their homemade baileys ice-cream.. divine! Can't wait to go back for lunch when we are hungry and can do it justice. :

Stopped in on the way back from Taupo bay looking for some lunch and was super stoked with the service and standard at The Marlin! The chef there 'Fish ' is a g... read more Stopped in on the way back from Taupo bay looking for some lunch and was super stoked with the service and standard at The Marlin! The chef there 'Fish ' is a great guy who offered to cook our own filleted catch that we brought in which was fantastic! We brought in a bunch of kingfish fillets and 'fish ' cooked them beautifully with a nice side of chips and salad and a wicked sauce! Really pleased with the service and I reckon $20 for a cook your catch meal, however you want it is awesome. We could 've had it crumbed or sashimi or battered or whatever we want in a big platter so it 's a good option for a bunch of hungry fellas. Also have a great selection of home cooked (everything made on site) pies and savoury and sweet yum stuff. Definitely worth staying for a meal and exploring the beautiful Whangaroa harbour!