I Spend a weekend on the Maple Leaf House boat at the end of last year and it was great. Its really is the way to see the harbour in all its beauty. Judy who run's the house boating is very helpful. There is some great fishing spots to catch some snapper. The house boat also has a BBQ on board to cook the catch which is fantastic. Would highly recommend it for a weekend away to the far north.
The experience is what gives the 3 star review cause the boat really really needs work! It's dirty, sticky, moldy and old. Very friendly people running the business but I would not recommend this boat to hire till it has some updated work done! The kids loved the kayaks and spend hours of fishing in the bay!
Love it
We recently spent 5 nights on this houseboat at Whangaroa. the setting was lovely, but unfortunately the houseboat was not good. It is very old and tired, things we were told were there were not, eg. fishing net and gaff, cd player. There was no hot water in the living area, only cold water that had to be pumped! into the sink. The cooking facilities were very scant, and poor. Sleeping arrangements were woeful, and the beds that were there were very uncomfortable. One part of the deck railing was broken, and was very dangerous, if anyone had fallen against it they would have gone overboard. The toilet was awful, and did not always work properly.
I really don't think this boat should be available for hire.