2 hours drive north of Ruakākā, at Kerikeri for the night, in a pleasant motel with a recently felled forestry block behind it.

Motel units with tall palm trees around a spacious driveway.
A large expanse with logs lying around and a few trees still standing.

We walked 5 minutes into the heart of the town and found The Grill #21 where we shared a very large pizza that was quite tasty.

Exterior of The Grill, with sign.
Large pizza.