About Us
Welcome to our Bed and Breakfast
We are husband and wife, Frank Fontein and Ina de Paauw-Fontein, both from Dutch origin. We speak several European languages and are familiar with cultures and customs other than our own. Our Dutch heritage gave us a love for coffee, so come and join us for a cup at breakfast.
Frank has lived in New Zealand since 1973 and currently offers computer support as the Waimate Computer Doctor.
He loves anything on wheels and is licensed to drive most vehicles. Given the chance to try out a special vehicle, he will grab it.
From farm machinery and large trucks to a Centurion tank, he has 'been there, done that'.
As a part-time tour bus driver he has traveled New Zealand extensively while
with his commercial pilot’s licence he has also flown a lot around New Zealand.
Frank is available for regional guided tours.
Ina joined Frank in New Zealand after their marriage in 2010 and is an Independent Celebrant for any offical event - be it a happy or sad one.
She has traveled extensively around the globe, loves nature, cultures, all of the arts, singing, languages, reading and more. All but one of the many pictures in the apartment were taken by her.
Ina has styled and decorated the guest apartment, making sure it was fully accessible for people who struggle with their mobility without compromising on luxury.
Ina bakes her own spiced (not hot!) bread so be sure to ask for Ina's secret recipe bread for breakfast!
We both love cooking and travel the world through our kitchen. We grow a variety of vegetables and take time to keep the weeds out rather than spraying them.
You are welcome to share our table if you wish (three course dinner NZ$30 pp) and we can send you on your way with a packed lunch (NZ$15 pp).
We would love to talk about traveling and discuss your plans - maybe offer some tips or food for thought.
Frank has driven tour buses around New Zealand and can travel with you as a guide or be your chauffeur to show you our beautiful country (NZ$45/hr plus expenses where applicable).
We try to be kind to the planet by re-using, reducing and re-cycling as much as we can. We hope you'll share that with us by avoiding plastic and needless waste.
Our vegetables love coffee as much as we do, so please put the grinds (and anything else organic) into the container in the bottom drawer. Our plants will love you.
Feel free to contact us before or after you book and ask any questions you may have. You are our guest(s) and we like to give you the best experience possible.
Ina and Frank