Rainforest Retreat

Not worth the money

The hot tub was small for the amount of people. It didn’t look inviting. There were 8 young people outside our door at 1:00 in the morning talking loudly. I had to ask them to be quiet when they wouldnt I went out and told them to ‘go’ and wouldn’t leave until they did. If you attract this type of crowd you shouldn’t call it a Retreat. It would be better to have a person on your staff awake throughout the night to ensure all guests are well serviced. And have signs regarding being quiet and for parking. Do you have a place for people to go and get together? This was the most we paid in NZ and the experience was the worst.

Location and atmosphere

Very small room and tiny bathroom

Rooms were great! Exactly what we needed after a wet overnighter in the backcountry!

The spa advertised was lukewarm, and the sauna is broken as it doesn’t seal so wasn’t warm either.

The location very close to the Glacier.we ask to be down and they changed .

The recepetion desk were impatient..the noise from the above floor you hear poeple walking on your head.

So lovely, well organized, very functional. Beds had 3 pillows (!!!), extra blankets, tea, coffee and kettles in the rooms (I’ve never experienced that at hostel prices). Big hot tub, cozy sauna, walk in refrigerator, tons of stovetops in the kitchen. Amazing atmosphere.

No hooks in the room for coats or towels (only one towel rack in a bathroom meant for 3 people). Exterior lights shine up into the room even with curtains closed.

Location, parking, look from outside

Room/beds, price/quality especially for breakfast

While the location is very remote and a bit difficult to find (when you first arrive), this is also its charm. Beautiful views of the Cormandel Bay at a distance and rainforest surrounding the property. Very quiet, other than the birds! Well constructed, interesting building with modern amenities that still managed to feel rustic. We had the private suite with kitchen and made dinner one night—well stocked kitchen with everything you need. A bottle of wine and the attached porch, and we had a great night in dining al fresco! Very friendly and accommodating hosts.

Nothing!

Good location, clean, nice staff

We got a room for 4 people with two two storey beds not suitable for a couple, not as we booked. The room was suitable for a dormitory with no table and chair.

The location was great. The staff went out of their way to help me retrieve an item I had left behind.

The bathroom and kitchenette were pretty outdated.

Good facilities - sauna , hot tube , good internal restaurant and central location

Opening hours of sauna and hit tube should be extended

Our room was beautiful! The bistro table in the bump out and porch were very inviting. We really enjoyed the nature trails and the privacy you achieved with your landscaping.

The dinner service coming from the kitchen was extremely slow, causing your reservations to run behind and crowds of people. Your wait staff and host were doing their best, but it was very challenging for them.

Spacious room. Comfortable beds and pillows. Well stocked kitchenette. Spa and restaurant on the premises which we didn't have time to use.

Cozy cabin in rainforest like setting.

Difficult to find our cabin.

Location was great. Staff was very helpful.

The room we orignially booked was shabby and sad. We ended up asking for an upgrade. The house they moved us to was MUCH better but it was also double what we expected to pay. Sheets were rough.

bed is comfortable. Slightly cozy

Weird hotel and weird staff. The receptionist was staring at us as if she wasnt expecting anyone while checking in at 7 pm. No proper amenities. Wouldnt recommend or go back

Good location to walk to everything. Very nice Mountain View’s from our room.

Public Wi-Fi, not password protected. Uncomfortable beds, really broken down and too soft. Fan and heating light in bathroom not functioning. Rather loud mini fridge.

We were in a cottage that was small, but comfortable - very basic. The location was perfect. A block to town and a great restaurant across the parking lot.

The cottage was small and basic. They had other more modern, larger options. We were fine with our choice.

Had a lovely time staying in the tree lodge. Location was central to the small downtown area. Bed was comfortable. Room was moderately clean.

The breakfast at the restaurant on-site was lackluster. They had no coffee menu or any premade hot black coffee. They only offered freeze-dried coffee packets. The food was mediocre bordering below-average.The shower water temperature kept changing while taking a shower. The bathroom fixtures could use some updating.

Perfect retreat in the rainforest with easy access to Franz Josef glacier activities and hikes! Right in the small town center, everything is walkable. We stayed in one of the gecko cottages which was perfect for us! These seem updated and new. These have a large shower, tv and small kitchenette which were great! Felt very secluded in the rainforest while actually being very close to everything. The jacuzzi and sauna are right by reception for all the guests to use. There were many accommodation options here for all types of travelers.

Jacuzzi could use some updating. The Monsoon restaurant within the rainforest retreat area was very mediocre food that took a while to receive after ordering.

We had a lovely spacious lockwood home to ourselves nestled into the bush with it's own spa pool - DIVINE! we could have stayed a week! such friendly helpful staff, we had a yummy meal at the restaurant, and of course lots of walks. The whole vibe of the retreat felt so inclusive - lots of different levels of stay which meant lots of interesting and different travellers. We would go back in a heartbeat.