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Te Waonui Forest Retreat

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel in Franz Josef Glacier with restaurant and bar/lounge

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Photo gallery for Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Exterior
Property entrance
Lobby
Massages
Bar (on property)
Nestled in nature, Te Waonui Forest Retreat offers a serene escape with a garden and laundry facilities. Cycle through the surroundings or unwind with a massage at this luxury eco-certified hotel. With fine dining at Canopy Restaurant, high-speed WiFi, and attentive staff praised by guests.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Non-smoking
  • Spa
  • Free parking

Main amenities (11)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • Spa services
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Bike rental

Feel at home (6)

  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Refrigerator
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Private bathroom
  • Garden
  • Daily housekeeping
The current price is CA $276
CA $318 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, Accessible

Deluxe Room, Accessible

Deluxe Room, Accessible

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Connecting rooms available
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Premium bedding
Hair dryer
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Accessible Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Deluxe Accessible Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Deluxe King Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Deluxe King Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Deluxe Two Queen Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
Bar (on property)

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Connecting rooms available
8.2 out of 10, Very good, 620 reviews
The price is CA $128
CA $148 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
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About the area

Map
3 Wallace Street, Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier, Westland, 7856

What's nearby

  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Our Lady of the Alps - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • St James Anglican Church - 12 min walk - 1.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Snakebite - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Monsoon Restaurant at Rainforest - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Full of Beans - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Landing Restaurant & Bar - Franz Josef - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Alice May - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Enjoy your visit to Franz Josef Glacier with a stay at Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Guests indulge in massages, then grab a bite to eat at the coffee shop/cafe. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include a bar/lounge and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.

Languages

English
VISIBILITY

At a glance

Hotel size

    • 100 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

    • The property charges 1.5 percent for credit card payments
    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18

Pets

    • Pets not allowed

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

    • Free onsite valet parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop

What to do

  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Skydiving nearby

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Bicycle rentals

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Spa services

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • MP3 docking station
  • LCD television
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Espresso maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Bathrobes
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Premium bedding
  • Free crib/infant bed

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio
  • Heated floor (bathroom)

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
STAR_OUTLINE

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include massages.

Dining

Canopy Restaurant - Onsite fine-dining restaurant. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
MONETIZATION_ON

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 1.5 percent

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Also known as

Te Waonui
Te Waonui Forest
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Te Waonui Forest Retreat Franz Josef Glacier
Te Waonui Forest Retreat Fran
Te Waonui Forest Retreat Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Te Waonui Retreat
Waonui Forest Retreat
Te Waonui Forest Retreat Hotel
Te Waonui Forest Retreat Franz Josef Glacier
Te Waonui Forest Retreat Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Frequently asked questions

Does Te Waonui Forest Retreat offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Te Waonui Forest Retreat does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at Te Waonui Forest Retreat?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Te Waonui Forest Retreat?

Yes, there's free valet parking.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Te Waonui Forest Retreat?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

What is there to do at Te Waonui Forest Retreat and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. Additional recreation nearby includes ecotours. Enjoy amenities like spa services and a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Te Waonui Forest Retreat?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant, Canopy Restaurant.

Does Te Waonui Forest Retreat have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.

What's the area around Te Waonui Forest Retreat like?

Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a short 3-minute walk from Glacier Hot Pools and 3 minutes' walk from Waiho Hot Tubs.

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Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

ann, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

Honeymooners Look Elsewhere
If you are in your late 20s/early 30s I highly recommend booking elsewhere. My husband and I stayed at this hotel expecting a high-end experience, especially given the price of $500+ a night, but it did not live up to expectations. There were several large, older tour groups here during our stay. Perhaps they have a better experience (ex. they receive different dinner course menus, etc.) but as individual travelers we found Te Waonui to be extremely lacking in genuine hospitality and customer service. The dinner portions were extremely small. The wild rice 'salad' had three pieces of arugula. I was served a single ravioli for my main entree. The service was slow, and there was no effort to check if we needed more wine or even refills of water. We ended up leaving the restaurant hungry, which is not something you'd expect for the price. We provided feedback to the front desk who appeared to be incredibly uninterested and did not offer any solution or apology. The room itself was dated, which wouldn’t have been a deal-breaker if it had met the other advertised features. For instance, the heated floors didn’t work and we found dirty wine glasses that had noticeable lipstick stains on them. It was clear that the attention to detail just isn’t here. At this price point, we were expecting much more, and unfortunately, it felt like we were overpaying for a subpar experience.
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Reasonable for one night stay.
Small, functional room - very dark. Comfortable bed but lacked bedside power sockets for phone etc. Yes there are rainforest plants ( ferns etc) quite literally outside the window - solid wall of greenery so almost zero sunlight. The included dinner was reasonable enough. There was a choice of 5 main dishes and choice of desserts. Seems to cater mostly for upmarket tour groups, but with a bit more refinement than you would normal expect. Breakfast was also reasonable. Very efficient and welcoming staff.
Nigel, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Lovely
A beautiful hotel with views of nearby mountains. Rooms tastefully decorated and nightly turn down service left magnificent chocolates. Dinner and breakfast were included in the price for our room. Unfortunately the five course dinner menu was the same for the three nights of our stay. Lovely to sit on the balcony for meals to enjoy the view- don’t forget your repellent, the sand flies are fierce. A lovely place to stay.
Lisa, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Serene Escape with Luxurious Comfort
A Hidden Oasis of Relaxation and Comfort! This beautiful, spa-like property offers a serene escape, perfectly tucked away for privacy yet close to conveniences if needed. The dining was excellent, and the relaxing environment provided a truly zen-like sleep experience on the best beds I’ve ever slept on. Highly recommended for a rejuvenating getaway!
Cindy, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Superb hotel and friendly staff
What an amazing stay at a beautiful property surrounded by lovely flora and forms. Service and food were exceptional as was the room and view into the beautiful garden. 5 course diner was exceptional. Relaxed absently service from all.
Juliet, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Staff were amazing, very friendly and welcoming. Kiwi juice and hot towels on arrival was so appreciated. Buffet breakfast was great. Chocolates and water to our room was a nice touch. There are washing machines and dryers for guests to use.
Lara, 2-night family trip
Verified Wotif guest review

8/10 Very good

Definitely NOT a 5 star hotel! The receptions and bell staff were lovely and the glass of Kiwi juice offered very refreshing. Our room was fine, 2 queen beds however the walls are paper thin and we experienced a constant slamming of doors and children shouting well into the evening. In the bar the staff seemed nonplussed when we asked for Gin & Tonic (also cucumber in Tanqueray??) They presented the bill with every drink even though they had our room number. Nothing is offered with the drinks and when I asked for some nuts I was told they were $5. I said ok and yet they still didn't materialise until I asked again! The meal was nice 5 courses, 2 of which are prechosen (soup and sorbet) the other 3 courses can be chosen from a choice of 3 or 4 items. Again the food was delivered with a speed and disinterest that would not be acceptable in a 5 star hotel. Breakfast is a self service buffet. Overall its a nice hotel but 4 stars at best!
Dawn, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

E, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Matthew, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

.
Alan, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Kaley, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Comfortable escape
I enjoyed my stay here. My room was very comfortable and was surrounded by forest. It was an oasis. Service was excellent. They drove me to the InterCity bus stop upon checkout. Meals are included. There was a good variety at breakfast. Dinner was a five course degustation feast. Since I do not eat cheese, they substituted fruit for the 4th course. Much appreciated.
Robert, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay.
Brilliant hotel. Comfortable. Clean. Wonderful feeling of calmness being surrounded by trees. Food, amazing!
Michael, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Martin, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Impeccable service from the moment we arrived, nothing was a problem and made us feel so welcome, would definitely come back.
Hayden, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly and helpful staff and great breakfast. Highly recommend.
Mark, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

It's a unique place! We loved it
Virginia, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Nice hotel at Franz Josef Glacier; We travel to Franz Josef town to visit the glacier and happy with hotel. Spacious room, great breakfast, friendly staff and walking distance to restaurants and main locations. Great price-value.
horacio, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Quiet with with lovely grounds. Restful atmosphere. Excellent restaurant for both dinner and breakfast.
Carolyn, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Recommended
Ittipol, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic property. Very quiet and secluded (even though it is in the heart of Franz Josef).
Daniel, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice!
Great food, rooms were nice, and the location was very convenient. I wish the pools had been reopened.
Catherine, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review