Harbinger House
209 Fraser Street, Tauranga, Tauranga City, Bay of Plenty
Physical address
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Home from home
Thursday, 19 March 2009
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o Howick and Pakuranga Times
Harbinger Houe
209 Fraser St, Tauranga.
Ph (07) 578-8801
Travellers who have discovered the joys of the B&B experience for an overnight bed and at least one good meal a day will kow that hosts and fellow guests are likely to provide some fascinating encounters.
An unexpected trip to Tauranga over a busy public holiday had me online looking for last minute accommodation.
Knowing motels and hotels would most likely be booked out or very expensive I searched through bed and breakfast sites and discovered Harbinger House. Just off 18th Avenue, it was close to town and to the home of friends we were meeting up with.
Now I've stayed in a variety of B&Bs, some quite palatial with en suites and all sorts of extras but accommodation of that standard usually comes at a price. After the expense of Christmas a tariff of $90 per night (per couple) at Harbinger House, including a continental breakfast (and, by chance, some excellent company) suited our pocket.
With the two queen rooms already booked, we were happy to accept the third twin bedroom offered. All B&B accommodation was located upstairs and shared a bathroom in this typical Kiwi home. On this occasion there was no fighting for the shower - we three couples worked easily around each other.
Our first night was New Year's Eve and on arrival we stayed just long enough for a round of introductions and to drop off our bags.
Then we were off to celebrate. Arriving back at around 12.45am we collided with our hosts who were also returning from partying. Convivial goodnights all round and we were soon in bed and out to the world - what's more we slept through still 7.30am almost unheard of in our early bird house. And that says something for the comfort of the beds!
During our stay we enjoyed two continental breakfasts - fruit juice, tea or coffee, a choice of cereals, fresh fruit salad and scrumptious homemade bread toasted with a selection of spreads.
Hosts Doug and Helen Fisher were welcoming and chatty. A keen amateur chef Helen was busy cooking for several functions while we were there and her kitchen was filled with tantalising aromas.
When we came in from dinner on our second night the couple warmly invited us to join them in the lounge and before leaving the following day the conversation had covered a variety of subjects.
We were well cared for at the appropriately named Harbinger House and thoroughly enjoyed staying in what most people would think of as an ordinary New Zealand home owned by good-hearted folk who delivered a happy mix of intelligent conversation, wholesome food and relaxed living.
With its pretty cottage garden and handy location, this temporary "lodging" house was well suited to our needs.
- Helen Perry