“Max’s Space We’ve been travelling in New Zealand for 4 weeks. We’ve stayed in a few great places but this was the best. If 6 stars were available I would give it 6. The beautiful surroundings, the welcome sign in the front hall, colourful decor and art, comfortable bed, great shower, fully equipped kitchen (really). The kitchen was stocked with cooking necessities and extras like coffee pods, yogurt, cereal, a bowl of fruit and fresh eggs from the chickens. Through the garden doors, a beautiful furnished deck where we took our meals. We had a car which made access to the Paihia easier but it is walkable. Our stay could not have been better. Thank you for setting up such a comfortable and welcoming place.”
— Alex - Winnipeg, Canada
- March 26
“Max’s Space Walking the apartment felt like home. Welcoming and cheerful, I was greeted with a personalised message, selection of food and a beautiful garden to relax my mind. The place everything I could have imagined and more. From a spacious shower, comfortable bed, selection of coffee machines and kitchen supplies that would allow me to cook almost any meal. The home was quiet, the street was peaceful, and the neighbourhood was safe. I couldn’t ask for a better place to stay and would highly recommend to anyone. Thank you! ”
— Bob, Perth Australia - January 26
“The Smokehouse This place is fantastic. Book it now! Very quiet and peaceful. Lovely outdoor seating area. The Airbnb was very spacious and had everything you could possibly need. The bed was very comfortable. The shower was huge and has great water pressure. We would very happily stay here again.”
— Dayna, Goodyear, AZ - March 26
“The Smokehouse I would absolutely recommend this lovely and clean Airbnb. The host, Shelley is fast to get ahold of, gives excellent instructions on how to find the location and is just overall kind. The location is literally a three minute walk from a quiet, beautiful beach and a 20 walk into town along the beach or the road. Paihia is charming and only a 7 minute drive from the Waitangi Land reserve, the most historic site in the country. The Airbnb inside is very spacious and bright and there is a lovely outdoor spot. Shelley has thought of everything with milk, yogurt, sourdough bread and chocolates provided among other things. One of the best Airbnb experiences I have had. Highly recommend.”
— Carrie, Montreal, Canada - February 26
“The Smokehouse We loved our stay at this darling Airbnb. It’s clean and cozy perfect for my husband and a I. Shelley was a very accommodating and easy to communicate with. She gave us excellent recommendations for activities, restaurants and coffee shops. The location is perfect, tucked back on quiet street not far from the beach. All of the main restaurants and shops are just minutes away.”
— Mindy, Riverton, UT - February 26
“Shelley was an excellent host, who made regular contact with us before we arrived. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Esmerelda’s at Shelley’s place. Shelley’s eye for detail was evident throughout the apartment- the decor was amazing ! There was plenty of space and it was well equipped - she even contacted us prior to arrival and checked our preferred type of milk. She had left bread, butter, yogurt in the fridge, as well as chocolate, tea, coffee, muesli etc . I would not hesitate to recommend Esmerelda’s space to anyone looking for accommodation in Paihia”
— Carol - February 26
“Esmeraldas Shelley’s place was an incredibly relaxing spot to recharge. Kitted with all the amenities you need. Shelley left us some grapes from the garden and bought bread from the markets. Such a lovely touch. Can’t wait to stay again!”
— Isobel, London, UK - February 26
“The Smokehouse has to one of the best Airbnb’s we have stay in. It is so thoughtfully spaced with a nice private outside space perfect for breakfast, the kitchen has everything you need and well stocked, the seating area was great and very comfy after a long day of activities. This all separated by a sliding to the very comfy bed and luxury shower room. I wish my shower at home had the same water pressure! The unit is a distance away from the house and completely private. Paihia is walkable along the road around 25 mins to the centre but is up and down an hill, the better route is along the beach walk 20 mins however watch out for high tide as not accessible 1.5 hours either side. Would definitely recommend”
— Chris March 2025
“What a lovely place to stay. You have created an oasis n Esmeralda’s space. We enjoyed an afternoon drink in the garden and then headed to JFC for dinner - would ABSOLUTELY recommend! Thanks for having us and all the lovely touches. ”
— Tyrone and Katie Feb 2025
“Thankyou for your wonderful hosptality, we loved our stay in Esmeralda’s space. It is beautifully decorated, very peaceful and calming. We had a great sleep. Enjoyed our dinner at The tipsy Oyster, great fun and fantastic atsmphere. Thank your chooks for their beautiful eggs - they were delicious. P.S we loved the chocolate fish”
— Mike and Angie January 2025
“This is such a beautiful home and the place has such a cool style to it. So much care and love is put into this place and it really shows. The place has a great kitchen, Shelley keeps it stocked with fresh herbs from the garden, and also a beautiful patio. On our second night we stayed in, made a lovely dinner, and just enjoyed the atmosphere”
— Casey February 2025
“The Smokehouse was a beautiful hideaway for a peaceful break in Paihia and The Bay of Islands. Beaches are easily accessible and plenty of bars and restaurants locally. Brilliant shower and comfy, luxurious bed. Lots of little touches by Shelley and her generosity with her home grown fruit and vegetables together with the family history of The Smokehouse make this an extra special place to stay.”
— Lesley January 2025
“Staying at Shelley’s place was awesome ! Max’s space is very cosy, well designed and has everything you need to make yourself feeling at home. Not to mention Shelley’s special attention like fresh farm eggs and tomatoes from her garden. My partner and I had a blast in her place in Paihia. We hope we’ll get there again soon ! Thank you Shelley !”
— Etienne January 2025
“What a pleasure to spend a few days in Max’s space. The apartment is beautifully decorate with agreat eye for colours and plenty of charming details. The garden is very nice too, it’s noso nice to watch the chickens and other birds and it was very funny to see a cat suddenly peeping through the window at night. Thank you for all the foodstuffs as well, the variety of things available is amazing. Itisvery kind to think about the busy travellers who don’t have much at hand upon arrival. We felt special that we were asked our milk preference prior to arrival - and the fresh eggs were delicious. Max’s was ther perfect place to end our stay in NZ.”
