Merriwee, a lovingly restored single-story, 5-bedroom Victorian, is a wonderfully private 10 acre property located a short walk from Hawke's Bay and nearby Cape Kidnapper's. Owner Jeanne Richards is a fine cook, good company, and incredibly helpful. We stayed 3 nights in the queen bedroom with ensuite bath, sitting room, and private entrance. Attention to detail, quality linens, beautiful surroundings, a great porch with comfortable wicker furniture, and a selection of CDs made the stay memorable. The public spaces were wonderful--a beautifully restored living room, the light-filled dining room and kitchen, with doors and windows that all open wide to sunny mornings and sea breezes. Breakfasts were superb and cooked to order. Jeanne made dinner reservations for us at the Craggy Range Winery Restaurant and at The Farm at Cape Kidnapper's, an extraordinary property with wonderful views of Hawke's Bay. Her suggestion of dinner at Pipi's in Havelock North was quirkily delightful. We visited a few of the area's many wineries--generous tastes, many varietals, friendly vintners. Jeanne arranged our tour of the extraordinary gannet colony (during nesting season) at Cape Kidnapper's. Her suggestion of driving to the park at the top of Te Mata Peak yielded remarkable 360 degree views. Nearby Napier, the art deco town, made for a pleasant day-trip. Much as we loved exploring Hawke's Bay, had we never left Merriwee, that would have been fine, too. It is magical