Reviews of Te Waonui Forest Retreat 5 stars
3 Wallace Street, State Highway 6, 7856 Franz Josef, New Zealand
#21 of 33 hotels in Franz Josef
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 160 hotel reviews
8.6Score breakdown
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Cleanliness
9.2
-
Comfort
9.2
-
Location
9.4
-
Facilities
8.7
-
Staff
9.3
-
Value for money
7.8
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Free WiFi
10.0
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Reviewed: 25 May 2024
Derek
Australia30 reviews2 helpful votes10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing
Comfortable and clean Staff were very welcoming Would definitely stay here again
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: 24 May 2024
Jason
New Zealand38 reviews4 helpful votes10“Best place I've stayed on the Coast”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
Really, there was nothing we didn't like, it was beautiful
The service was incredible from the moment we walked in the door... being greeted with hot face towels and a kiwifruit punch was pretty special! Rooms are gorgeous, nothing is too much of a problem, and they even have bikes available to hire.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: 18 May 2024
Karen
Australia12 reviews9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
The restaurant wasn’t open at night for normal dining. They had a degustation menu which we didn’t want.
Central to the town & very comfortable. Staff were great. Breakfast was good.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: 9 May 2024
Deb
United Kingdom45 reviews4 helpful votes9.0“A relaxing stay”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
The hotel only offers a 5 course digestion menu for dinner with no other options.
The setting of the hotel is stunning and the rooms, clean. spacious and very comfortable. Breakfast was good and the front desk team were very helpful and friendly. There were at least 5 restaurants within easy walking distance as were the scenic flight operators.
Stayed in May 2024
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Reviewed: 1 May 2024
Alex
New Zealand1 review10“Worth the $$”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Not much
Everything
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: 27 April 2024
Nicole
New Zealand11 reviews10“Stunning place and amazing holiday”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
For a place catering for adults and a retreat having young children there was difficult considering the price and the idea of the location
Loved the beauty and serenity of the place and the small touches the water every night and chocolates and the bird song that was playing in the bathroom
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 1 April 2024
Joann
United States1 review10“Perfect stay in a Rainforest!”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Geez, I can’t think of anything we didn’t like! More of the delicious chocolates!
The hotel is in the middle of a rain forest. I just kept waiting for a dinosaur to walk by. The staff was AMAZING! Absolutely, exemplary! Five course dinner was delicious and romantic. Breakfast was anything you could dream of!
Stayed in April 2024
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Reviewed: 29 March 2024
Alison
United Kingdom8 reviews3 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
We didn't sleep well. Beds were too soft and had a bow that pushed you to the edge. Room was too warm and air con kept cutting out. Karaoke from across the way woke us up the first night.
Staff were friendly and helpful at all times. Exceptional in fact.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 22 March 2024
Ludmilla
Australia41 reviews1 helpful vote9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
Very comfortable accommodation, great ambience and attentive staff.
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 18 March 2024
Janiece
United Kingdom7 reviews2 helpful votes10“A very lovely few days in a unique location”- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
The bar was a little 'cold' in comfort/appearance and shut rather early, but I think this is typical of NZ compared to UK
Hotel is in an amazing location, which was why we chose it. We only stayed two nights but managed to do everything we wanted to in the area. The main one being the Franz Josef heli hike. Hotel restaurant was very good and the all inclusive dinner & breakfast (which I hadn't realised at the time of booking) was a bonus.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 18 March 2024
Tracy
United States21 reviews10“It was a lovely stay and we enjoyed the facilities.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
I was a bit disappointed with the vegetarian dinner options. The risotto and the cauliflower steak were not tasty.
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 13 March 2024
Fiona
Australia7 reviews1 helpful vote9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
Room was a little dark.
Great breakfast buffet, friendly staff
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 13 March 2024
Jane
New Zealand11 reviews1 helpful vote10“The staff made our stay from the moment we stepped through the doors”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing, enjoyed it all
Loved how it was nestled in the forest
Stayed in March 2024
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Reviewed: 12 March 2024
Julie
Australia19 reviews1 helpful vote9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Obviously the price 🤪
The room was luxurious.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 8 March 2024
Robert
Australia11 reviews1 helpful vote9.0“Enjoyable and comfortable”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Location was excellent Amazing restaurant and food awesome
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 4 March 2024
Elizabeth
South Africa60 reviews8 helpful votes9.0“A lovely stay in the rainforest.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
Food is good, rooms are comfortable and the forest setting is lovely.
Stayed in March 2024
-
Reviewed: 3 March 2024
Harold
Australia21 reviews8.0“Great location, comfortable room, could not use lounge because it smelt of cigarette smoke. Hotel over priced, even with”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Lounge smelt like someone had been smoking in, could not sit there and relax after dinner.
Great location, comfortable room.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 22 February 2024
Douglas
United Kingdom34 reviews1 helpful vote8.0“Really nice spot in Waiau, great location and team. Don’t raise your expectations too high.”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Nice to have 5 course tasting menu meals included,but a simple a la carte restaurant might work better, allow more flexibility and perhaps lead to somewhat better quality. Several of the dishes were pretty disappointing.
The rainforest courtyard was lovely. Comfortable, decent-sized room. Lovely, chatty, helpful team.
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 19 February 2024
Christine
United Kingdom6 reviews10“Exceptional rainforest retreat near a glacier!”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe King Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The place would be exceptional if it also had a gym, hot tub or sauna.
Lovely spacious rooms with on suite bathroom. The rooms are exceptionally clean and kept that way throughout our four day stay. We had ample coffee and tea making facilities and even enjoyed a complimentary chocolate treat. The hotel meals had a wide selection which meant my gluten intolerant partner had a good choice of options. The location is a short walk to the high street and walks out from Franz Josef so ideal. All staff were very nice and certainly went out of their way to ensure we’re were happy.
Stayed in February 2024
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Reviewed: 17 February 2024
John
United Kingdom27 reviews10“Fabulous pricey but worth it”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Nothing
Everything great food and very nice hotel
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 15 February 2024
Mike
Canada9 reviews10Exceptional- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Everything. Beautiful building, friendly staff, clean room, great breakfast buffet, good dinners.
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 6 February 2024
Aabeale
New Zealand43 reviews1 helpful vote8.0“Birthday holiday break”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 1 night
Fuit selection replenished more often
Busy but light and airy A good selection of food
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 5 February 2024
Vicentiu
Romania33 reviews6 helpful votes9.0Superb- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Location, staff, amazing food
Stayed in February 2024
-
Reviewed: 4 February 2024
Karen
United Kingdom11 reviews8.0“Wonderful staff!”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Deluxe Twin Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
The sign to the hot pools needs removing considering they shut down during covid and haven't opened since. The bar was a bit tired although the barman was lovely. The furniture in the restaurant and bar is a bit basic. I feel the hotel is saved by the staff and food.
The staff were excellent, mostly young and extremely well trained. The 5 course evening dinner was outstanding and the attention to detail regarding my daughter's allergies was very welcome. Rooms were comfortable and well maintained.
Stayed in February 2024
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