We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

5.0 of 5
3 Wallace Street, off State Highway 6, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 7856, New Zealand
Hotel amenities
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Ranked #1 of 8 hotels in Franz Josef
Show the lowest price for this hotel*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

147 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    95
    31
    15
    4
    2
Date Rating
Auckland
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

This is the perfect place to get away from it all and immerse yourself in the relaxing and beautiful environment of the west coast. On arrival we were meet by the outstanding manager of the hotel and taken to our beautiful room which backed onto the lush forrest. THE BEDS ARE EXTRAORDINARY COMFY, you literally sink into them. We booked... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
16 May 2013

Dear Annabelle Congratulations, it appears that you have posted the final Tripdvisor response for our 2012/13 season at Te Waonui Forest Retreat and what a great season it has been in the beautiful Franz Josef Glacier! Thank you for your valued feedback and we look forward to picking up from where we left on 1 September 2013! Please do not... More

Christchurch, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013

This would have to be the best service I have experienced in any hotel in the world. Friendly and efficient without being in your face. The food in the restaurant was also top class. We only had to ask for a small dietary requirement to have that rapidly accommodated. The rooms are comfortable with the view into the rainforest relaxing.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
30 April 2013

Dear Wayne Wonderful to see how many of our valued Chch guests are making the trip to Franz Josef Glacier, and especially pleasing to read how many are enjoying their time with us at Te Waonui Forest Retreat! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with others on Tripadvisor. Yours sincerely Richard More

London, England
Top Contributor
168 reviews 168 reviews
90 hotel reviews
Reviews in 95 cities Reviews in 95 cities
323 helpful votes 323 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2013

Recently spent two nights at Te Waonui. This is an exceptionally well run property. It is not chinzy, plush, luxe but more subtle and tasteful, even minimalist with natural materials. We were met on arrival and our luggage whisked to our room and are car valet parked in minutes. The hotel was not busy, less than a quarter full which... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
28 April 2013

Dear Whinbrook Besides your wonderful 5-star rating, the fact that you have reviewed over 160 other properties on Tripadvisor makes this feel more like a 10-star one! Thank you once again. Yours sincerely Richard More

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

When we arrived we were greeted by manager of hotel in car park and led inside to a warm welcome of hot towels and chilled kiwifruit juice. The staff could not of been more friendly and helpful. It is definitely worth the money .. you get value and that we bit of extra pampering.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
28 April 2013

Dear Barbara Thank you for putting pen to paper and for sharing your experience at Te Waonui Forest Retreat with others. Pleasing to read that you had the opportunity to enjoy yourself with us and we treasure your custom. Yours sincerely Richard More

Christchurch, New Zealand
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013

We have just returned home from a short holiday at Te Waonui Forest Retreat and the very first thing we did was to check our diaries for an available date to return!!! The hotel is magnificent and the staff well trained, attentive and genuinely helpful.They all actually appear to be passionate about their jobs. The eco-desihn is breathtaking and the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
28 April 2013

Dear Be R Thank you for your cheery response. Really pleased that you could make the trip from Chch to come and enjoy Franz Josef Glacier. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if I can ever assist with anything in future. Yours sincerely Richard More

Canberra, Australia
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
26 hotel reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013

Staff were exceptionally friendly, the rooms were superb. Internet was annoying but we got it sorted in the end. This was my birthday celebration and they gave me my wine for free when they realised. Would definitely recommend this place for the setting alone - but not 5 star - a definite excellent 4 star.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
28 April 2013

Dear Leonemoff Thank you for spending your birthday with us at Te Waonuui Forest Retreat. We appreciate your feedback and recommendation. Yours sincerely Richard More

1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

We have just completed a wonderful honeymoon in the south island of nz, staying in many different and beautiful places. As far as accommodation and customer service goes, this hotel was the best. Our expectations were continually exceeded by the genuinely helpful staff. Their enthusiasm and good nature is a clear sign of a well managed establishment. Comfortable rooms, excellent... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
28 April 2013

Dear Gablou We look forward to welcoming you back to Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Thank you for taking the time to make this posting. Yours sincerely Richard More

Oxford, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

The rooms of this "eco lodge" were delightful and the staff friendly although the service did not have the same slickness of a proper 5 star hotel. The only option for evening meal seemed to be an all inclusive gastro experience which took about 3 hours. We ate out on the second evening even though we had paid the inclusive... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
25 April 2013

Dear Salverlaterly Thank you for your feedback. I agree, we should better communicate our extensive environmental initiatives at Te Waonui Forest Retreat and I plan to include these in our in-room compendiums going forward. Whilst I understand that a 5 course degustation menu may not be everybody's cup of tea on both nights it is a pity this concern was... More

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

Both my husband and I have travelled around the world and I must say this place is one of the worst value for money. Reasons why: - No Sky (for a place that rains a lot! even the backpackers down the road has it) - No in room entertainment - Room wasnt topped up the 2nd day - Clearly run... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
11 April 2013

Dear Magdalena My personal apologies for not registering that you were so desperately unhappy with your stay at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, as I promise the last thing any of us wanted was for you to leave with such a bad taste in your mouth! Thank you for your Tripadvisor posting and you can rest-assured that all perception short-falls highlighted... More

Christchurch, New Zealand
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

My wife, two friends and I have just had the pleasure of spending two nights at this wonderfully relaxing hotel. From the moment we stopped outside the entrance until the time we left, the service was outstanding. All reception, dining room staff and Gwen the Concierge were polite friendly and helpful. Excellent setting, lovely food and comfortable room made for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Richard B, General Manager at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, responded to this review
11 April 2013

Dear Travelguy Thank you for your response as well as for your personal mention of one of our super-stars, Gwen. Thanks as well for choosing to stay with us in Franz Josef Glacier. Yours sincerely Richard More

Alpine Glacier Motor Lodge
Great value on a similar hotel
Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
4.5 of 5 stars 253 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Highly rated hotels in or near Franz Josef
Trendy
Queenstown Park Hotel
Queenstown Park Hotel 5.0 of 5 stars 280 reviews
Family-friendly
Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove Motel & Suites 4.0 of 5 stars 126 reviews
Romantic
The Dairy Private Luxury Hotel
The Dairy Private Luxury Hotel 5.0 of 5 stars 360 reviews
Luxury
Browns Boutique Hotel
Browns Boutique Hotel 4.5 of 5 stars 285 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d671097?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d485208?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d257545?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d264556?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Also consider these accommodations in or near Franz Josef
Alpine Glacier Motor Lodge 4.5 of 5 stars 253 reviews 58 On Cron Motel 4.5 of 5 stars 177 reviews Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier... 3.5 of 5 stars 213 reviews Westwood Lodge- A Select Hotel 4.5 of 5 stars 86 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d583325?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d636777?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d289046?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d295682?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 8 hotels in Franz Josef, ranked by popularity

Been to Te Waonui Forest Retreat? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Also Known As:
Te Waonui Forest Retreat Hotel Franz Josef
Te Waonui Forest Retreat Hotel
Address: 3 Wallace Street, off State Highway 6, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 7856, New Zealand
Region: New Zealand > South Island > Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) > Franz Josef
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Free Breakfast Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#1 Family Hotels in Franz Josef
#1 Luxury Hotels in Franz Josef
#1 Business Hotels in Franz Josef
Price range (per night): RM1,695 - 2,109
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Luxury Hotels in New Zealand don't get any better than this! Nestled amongst native West Coast rainforest at Franz Josef is a very special five-star Qualmark rated retreat. Designed with utmost care of its precious environment, guests at Te Waonui Forest Retreat will find themselves encircled by rainforest and accommodated in natural and sustainable luxury. Te Waonui Forest Retreat promises all its guests a truly unique and memorable experience. At one with nature, the five-star Qualmark rated Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the ultimate coming together of luxury escape and environmental awareness. Great care has been taken to ensure this exceptional forest retreat steps lightly upon the earth, from the organic cotton bedspreads to its recycled local building materials. Discerning travellers will appreciate the hotel’s attention to detail, which starts with attentive personal service upon arrival, and continues throughout all the hotel facilities and every aspect of your stay.As our guest you will enjoy exceptional quality and service, including: Luxuriously appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay, and high speed Internet access. Dining among the tres in ‘The Canopy’ restaurant, and savouring quality local cuisine, including an indulgent five-course degustation dinner. Innovative, environmentally sustainable architecture and building materials that create a healthy, warm and quiet haven for you to enjoy. Easy access to many excellent local attractions, including the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, just minutes away. ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Orbitz, Tingo, Venere, Travelocity and Hotels.com so you can book your Te Waonui Forest Retreat reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Te Waonui Forest Retreat, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Show the lowest price for this hotel (from our partners)
Show Prices