We were in Hokitika in January and we decides to stay at the Awatuna Homestead.
When we chose it we didn’t know it is a so wonderful place.

It is not in Hokitika but a little bit north and it is quite difficult to be found because near the main street there is the railway and the B&B is on the other side of the railway.
Don’t worry, very few train and even if during the night one train passed very near to our room we didn’t ear anything.
The B&B has very few room, three or four I think and more than a hotel is the house of Pauline and Hemi that receive you very kindly and that help you in everything you need.

There is a car parking in front of the B&B.
When you enter there is the room for breakfast (there is not a restaurant in the hotel) and a living room where you can sit down watching TV or talking with Hemi or the other guests.
The room was quite small but it has a huge built-in cupboard where you can easily put all your luggage.
The bathroom was quite big and very clean as the room.

The breakfast was fantastic: they prepare you more or less everything you want (honey, toasts, jam, marmalade, bacon, eggs,…) at the moment and when they are sure you have all you need they sit down with you talking.
It’s a great experience to understand the local way of life!

If you travel with a laptop here a free wifi connection is available.

This was one of the best places we stay during our trip in New Zealand! Thanks Pauline and Hemi!

Suggestion: go to the seaside at the sunset, seeing the sun setting down in the Tasmanian see is a marvellous experience! Be sure to go the Glow worm forest.

A friend of mine from Japan and I stayed at the Homestead for one night near the beginning of a trip around the South Island. We had been travelling for hours and were very tired, neither of us speaking the other's language very well and a little traumatised by the recent earthquake events in Christchurch. Pauline and Hemi and their family welcomed us in, gave us the studio with two bedrooms, let us wander in their garden and then brought us a three course meal cooked to order - and including fish caught across the road in the wild seas hours earlier - just for us. After dinner we spent time with the family and learned about family history and the attractions of the area. We slept blissfully and woke ready for our next installment of hospitality - Pauline cooked us the most wonderful breakfast. There were so many things to choose from and it was all delicious. We didn't want to leave and managed to fit in a visit to the vegetable garden and the special garage with collectable cars, patted the dogs and eventually went on our way. We would recommend staying here and look forward to a repeat visit later this year.

This was one of the locations where we stayed on our New Zealand trip of 2011. As soon as we arrived here, we have been greeted very warm by Hemi, and a little later by Pauline. When one of the other reviewers said that they feel part of the family, than we can agree fully - that was how we felt welcomed here as well.
Pauline and Hemi, knowing that we had a very long drive getting here, even made sure we didn't had to go out anymore but they accommodated us with all we needed. The animals of the B&B are very gentle.

The room we had was a little small. The common lounge is nice, spacious and has some nice books - not the ones you find in every other place. We have been waken up at night by the crickets that started a concert,, but hey - that's part of the lovely nature you can stay here in.

If you travel the new zealand west coast, than this is sure one of the places to keep in mind to stay.

We stayed here to break up our drive down the west coast. This is a beautiful spot located in a small town. The owners are very nice. They go out of there way to make sure that you are comfortable. When were arrived we were greeted by their two dogs and cat. Being an animal lover myself I was so excited after two weeks of travelling to go to someone's home and be greeted by their pets. It made me miss my own animals back home. The overall feel of this place is that you are guests in the hosts' home. We met their daughter when she took her house out for a ride. Only complaints, I felt the price was a little high for the accomodation/location. I don't want to deter people from staying here, but if you are driving around the entire south island as we did I would suggest if you are coming from Golden Bay you push on and drive to Franz Joseph area and stay for the night. There is more to do in that area.