Reviews of Ikurangi Eco Retreat 4 stars

It’s really nice stay here 6 night, it very chill and all the greens and trees around you, it’s very relaxing!

It’s very nature so you will see geckos in the room, they don’t bother you but it’s quite big one which it a bit scary

Friendly hosts Good breakfast

the toilets are no water closets but rather compost toilets (which is not pointed out in the online information) worn-out, partly broken furnishings (toilet seat loose with broken hinges, rusty cutlery, stained towels, stained blanket)

We really enjoyed staying at the Eco retreat, we arrived a bit early but Vicki got us checked in which was appreciated. She also gave us lots of information on how to get around, on what to do etc.. They have lots of maps and booklets at reception which are handy. The tent was bigger and better equipped than we expected from the photos. It doesn't feel like camping at all, it's more like a spacious room, the bed is huge and extremely comfy, we slept really well and the pillows were perfect for us. Other highlights were the swimming pool, super refreshing after a sweaty day and we had it all to ourselves every day! We also loved the outdoor bathroom, showering under the palm trees looking at the Pacific pigeons was a great experience. We had milk, fresh water and a room turndown everyday, breakfast delivered to our tent and even a chia pudding in the fridge ready for our 6am wakeup. We found the bikes really handy, yes they are vintage and a bit old, but honestly the road is so flat and in this area of Raro there are no potholes, we made the most of them and used them every day, to get to the start of the Needle track, to go to Town for shopping and to go snorkelling at the Fruits of Rarotonga. If you like cycling it will be a breeze, 20 mins each way maximum and you get to see so much more that way! For a couple of our dinner reservations we caught the bus which was handy as well. It was great not having to use a car for 3 days.

The only thing we can mention is that a lot of landowners around the eco retreat burn either garden waste or plastic at night, which will be quite strong if the wind is coming towards the tent. It happened to us on one night when it's dry, luckily there were short rain showers on the following nights which meant the fires were put out. It was not really pleasant trying to go to sleep with plastic burning smell, especially at an eco retreat. But we did flag it to the owners and it is out of their control, they did advise to use the fan which is provided in the tent.

It was quiet and relaxing - Alan and Vicky were amazing hosts and their cleaner was so helpful

It was amazing but some of the tent - tent 2 needs a little maintenance on the integrity of the space!

Our stay at the Ikurangi Eco Retreat was wonderful. My partner and I wanted something different for our holiday and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. My partner and I arrived late due to unforeseen circumstances and was worried when Alan and Vicky did not respond to our messages. However, when we arrived they had printed out a notice for us regarding the location of our cabin. It was nice to have breakfast served every morning and they also provide a local phone to make calls if needed. We are very appreciative of Alan who gave us a lift into the nearest island car hire the next morning. Thank you Alan! The location of the accommodation was perfect and quiet. Close to the bakery where they also serve really nice coffee. On the property there is yoga and a salt water pool which we thought was amazing, but we didn't use. There is also a giant avocado tree which had heaps of ripe avocadoes which were delicious! We had a fabulous and unique stay, thank you Alan and Vicky.

Unfortunately we arrived when the weather was not ideal. The effect of the cyclone hitting NZ resulted in extremely windy conditions at Rarotonga. The first night we struggled to sleep as it was extremely loud due to the wind. However, we got used to it after the first night and bringing ear plugs definitely helped. This is no fault of the accommodation, just something to keep in mind before arriving. The bikes onsite we used were not great. The gears were broken and the pump for the tires we couldn't get working. We only rode them once to grab coffees. Would consider renting bikes if considering going for longer rides.

Everything was on point, would recommend gladly.

We had an issue for two days with a fan for the compost toilet which offers us a present smell throughout those two days, but it wasn't a big issue as we did not stay long in the room those days.

Our hosts!!

Awesome and peaceful location, loved our stay at Ikurangi! Breakfast from Alan was something we looked forward to every day and Vicky was super helpful with helping us book activities.

We were looking for a base from which we could visit all the sights, but also be able to return and relax. Ikurangi proved ideal. It was conveniently located, but had a degree of serenity which is not easily found in the beachside areas. We very much enjoyed our walks around the area and the locals were always friendly and courteous. The pool was a great spot to relax on a quiet day, Possum the cat would pop over to say hello. The hosts and staff could not have been nicer. We walked to M & R Roast for dinner, it was a great meal, whilst being serenaded by a local singer. There are also cafes and convenience stores not too far away.

The breakfasts were amazing, hosts were helpful. The location was so quiet and restful!

You really need a car - wasn't a problem and we found one quickly.

Everything - beautiful gardens, private and tranquil, yummy breakfast delivered to you every morning. Vicki and Alan are the best hosts. Such a personal and relaxing experience staying at Ikurangi Retreat 😍

Everything was perfect 🤩

The breakfast was epic a surprise to wake up to every morning and took in dietary needs

Very peaceful and tranquil location

Not getting a choice for breakfast, they all suited me fine however my husband can't eat banana or oats so couldn't eat breakfast several days as there was only one option

Lovely breakfasts. Brought to our rooms. The salt water pool was great and refreshing The hotel managers, Vicki and Alan were very friendly, supportive, warm and helpful around orientating us to services in the area, getting a car booking, and tracking my lost suitcase. Tea and coffee in our rooms were lovely. Someone came everyday to clean our rooms and make our beds. Sheets and towels every 3-4 days. But hosts were accommodating when I asked for a fresh towel for the pool. We had the best sleeps with the quiet and felt very relaxed at Ekurangi. It felt we had a really nice holiday in just a week. It was refreshing and replenishing experience before going back to work.

Beds seemed a little old and soft. Towels and bath robes were a little old with small stains. The only direct flight to Rarotonga from Sydney leaves Sydney at 9.30pm and arrives in Rarotonga at 7.30am. Check in is at 2pm. In order to have access to our room we agreed to pay for an extra night. This enabled us to sleep after arriving very jet lagged. This was an added cost that was unexpected when we booked. I wondered if there was another way to accommodate this flight time without having to pay for an extra day?

Breakfast was great, secluded location

Alan and Vicky were incredibly welcoming and helpful. My little bungalow and verandah were a perfect retreat after 2 weeks aboard a boat. Very comfortable bed, great shower, plenty of coffee and tea and a delicious breakfast.

Having to leave

So relaxing and simply beautiful gardens. Staff excellent.

Could be better sign posted. A little hard to find.

The location was perfect, far enough away from the main road for peace and quiet and close enough to the mountains to relax. The room itself was the definition of tropical glamping, everything was comfortable and fully equipped. Breakfasts made by Alan each morning were such a highlight!

Couldn’t fault it!

Loved the peacefulness and tranquility. Had the pool to ourselves most times. Helpful and informative hosts. Daily breakfasts were amazing.

Nothing to complain about at all.