Name: Ratanui Lodge
Address: Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara, 818, Golden Bay, 7183, NZ

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2026

Cara

We had the most comfortable 4 day stay at Ratanui. Everything was better than expected! What made the stay exceptional was the amazing staff. They went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and right at home. The chefs and the menu were such an unexpected surprise! The food and presentation so far exceeded our expectations. 5 stars all the way!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Anna

A lovely stay - we wish we could have stayed longer as one night was not enough in this beautiful area! Comfy bed, lovely additional comp amenities, cute pool area and incredibly comfortable bed. Fantastic location and the staff were a highlight - Rachel was so friendly and accommodating and extremely helpful. Breakfast included was a great extra and made the stay feel good value.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2026

Kathleen

Clean, beautiful friendly

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2026

Lynn

The restaurant was amazing! Beautiful lodging and area.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2025

Eleanor

Very friendly staff, comfortable bed and well supplied tea and coffee station.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2025

vicki

Out of all the places we stayed during our three weeks on the South Island, Ratanui Lodge provided the best service and hospitality. Firstly, the staff are so friendly and helpful, nothing is too much for them and the two ladies we dealt with went out of their way to give recommendations and ensure our stay was fantastic. We were on honeymoon and we were left a card and bottle of bubbly in the room which was a lovely touch, as was the robes and bottled water in the fridge.

The breakfast is probably the best hotel breakfast you’ll ever get! A la carte options but I opted for the blueberry pancakes both days.

The location is ideal, close to so many activities and in my opinion the right side of the Takaka Hill to make driving the area a much easier task (as opposed to basing yourself in Kaiteriteri). So many stunning walks and quiet beaches nearby. We loved Wainui Falls and Wharariki Beach.

Sadly the weather didn’t allow for us to go Kayaking but I’m sure this would be a great activity to do.

I really hope we can return from the UK one day and I would happily spend longer here! If we lived in NZ this could easily be a super week away.

Absolutely amazing experience.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2025

Clare

A upmarket lodge that was recently refurbished. Our room number 10 was large and tastefully furnished with a large modern bathroom and good amenities. The breakfast and dinner served at the restaurant was high quality. All the staff we encountered were polite and friendly.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2025

Elaine

Great stay

Great location and the staff were fantastic and very helpful and friendly

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2025

Paula

Great launch point for many activities. Breakfast was excellent

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2025

Jacqui

It was quiet & peaceful & relaxing. Staff were friendly & helpful. Outdoor dining area was just lovely with a lovely garden.
Expedia's pricing on line was confusing. We ended up paying more per night than what was advertised.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2025

Diane

Nice but not the price

Not what we expected for the price but it was nice. Their restaurant is very good and the people who work there are very nice.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

Great place central to hiking

It's always a treat to stay here. Quiet and clean in a central location to so much to do.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2025

Antonios

A comfortable stay with very friendly staff. New furniture and bathrooms were very clean. We used the hot tub and were provided with extra towels. Breakfast was excellent and parking was easy.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2024

Chung Shan

This place is awesome! Great location, close to beautiful beaches. They also serve delicious food here. My room was clean and comfortable.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Nov 2024

Joel

Wonderful two night stay at this beautiful property. Great value, and incredible service. The breakfast was especially good.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Nov 2024

Dan

Wonderful boutique lodge.

Lovely stay. Staff were wonderful and the food exceptional. Room was very clean and comfortable. Great place to explore the Golden Bay area. Highly recommended.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Nov 2024

donna

Staff were very helpful and friendly. Beautiful rooms and lovely location

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2024

Martin

Ratanui Lodge was awesome, the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, providing lots of information on hikes in the area! Location was fabulous and directly across from the beach.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2024

Wendy

Amazing staff and beautiful accommodations. We loved our stay here!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2024

Glynnis

great

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2023

Balthazar

This place exceeded all of our (high) expectations - an excellent place to stay and eat.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2023

Paul

Excellent client service and upscale feel to the entire property. While a bit “off the beaten path”, was really quiet, much less commercialized but we were treated to a beautifully appointed room, a fine dining meal and atmosphere with superb service and quality.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

21 Nov 2023

Kirk

Very comfortable lodge with great restaurant and friendly staff in

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2023

Destiny

Great location, amazing staff, wonderful food, comfortable accommodations. We will be back!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2023

David

Great place with exceptional staff, they are just awesome

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2023

Dylan

The most charming and beautiful place with touches that made our stay so comfortable. The manager Ethan went above and beyond. Highly recommend.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2021

Wendy

What a wonderful place to stay and dine at. The food is amazing and everything is so clean and comfy. Love the gardens and would be keen to return

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

Our room (#10) was huge, with wonderful antique furnishings. The lobby was furnished the same with comfortable seating for reading with a cup of tea or a wonderful gin and tonic from their range of NZ gins. The dinner was excellent.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2021

Cristine

Comfortable but overpriced

Very comfortable rooms and beds. Continental breakfast supplied but quite basic for overall price. For example no special muesli or porridge or different yoghurts. Would have appreciated plunger or machine made coffee. No cheese knives for cheese board. Dinner was good. Cheerful service

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2021

Anne

I don’t know about the other rooms on offer, but both our bedroom and bathroom were furnished with an array of antique furniture which looked attractive, but was not particularly convenient or user friendly.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

Nice and cozy.

Clean hotel and restaurant. Spacious bathroom however airflow was non-existent therefore making the floor tiles extremely slippery and dangerous.
Used the outdoor pool and spa. Very peaceful out there however there was a swarm of ants around the spa tub.
Check out communication wasn’t so great. Hotels.com mentioned an 11am checkout however we were asked to leave earlier (around 10:30am on the day) due to the next guests checking in at 11:30am. They apologized for not letting us know but again, communication wasn’t great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2021

Grant

Great NYS 2020/21

First time staying here and I can only just praise the hotel managers and staff for a lovely stay. Dined twice for dinner and highly recommend the restaurant as well. Great you can now have a one night stay too.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Spacious, clean and comfortable. Small and personable. Fine dining on site. Across from a beautiful beach.
Bathroom and show floor very slippery, with no shower bars.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2020

yahya

Simple but confortable and cosy

Very cute , small hotel that is very charming. Staff is very nice and friendly, rooms are simple but confortable

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Ratanui Lodge is a gem. The Lodge is in a great location to explore Abel Tasman. The dining room has an excellent chef. The hosts are terrific, provide guidance on excursions and will make bookings. I highly recommend staying there.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Comfortable rooms in a beautiful location with hosts Steve and Paul making our stay very enjoyable. Dinner was very special and breakfast hearty in a convivial atmosphere. This is a great place to stay and highly recommend it to all visiting Abel Tasman National Park.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful property: rooms and gardens. Not ocean facing but still a beautiful spot and loved the fact that is was a small boutique hotel with only 10 rooms.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful place. Steve was very helpful and welcoming after a long journey. Highly recommend!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2019

Julie

Beautiful 2 night stay. Exceptionally comfortable beds. Steve was a great host. He gave us a lot of useful information about the surrounding area and trips that we could do. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2019

Kate

I can't recommend this highly enough. The superb service and attention to detail is impeccable. Super comfy beds, great shower, lovely toiletries and tasteful decor are better than a 5 star hotel. The food is wonderful too!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2019

Katharine

From the offer of tea or coffee on my arrival (which I enjoyed overlooking a well tendered garden) to the exceptional care and attention to make me and others feel welcome it was no average accommodation lodge. Breakfast was a total delight and dinner highlighted New Zealand produce and culinary skills - the duck (served that particular night) was fantastic. I’m so glad I (very) spontaneously booked (and extended) my stay.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

This property is amazing. From the carefully thought out design of the grounds and rooms, to the amazing service from Steve and staff, I thoroughly recommend Ratanui Lodge.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Excellent stay. Beautiful property and beautiful rooms. Check in was a breeze and the property managers/owners were very kind and welcoming. Breakfast was a lovely affair with gluten free options and tons of choices and fruit. Great location right across from a beach.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2019

Ashley

Very relaxing.

Very relaxing. Clean as. Great pool and proximity to the beach.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2019

Vicki

Perfect Vacation

It was spectacular and our host was so gracious.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Fantastic personal and professional friendly service.
Great pool and spa.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

An excellent stay with an excellent host. The room was very comfortable and the meals superb.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Would recommend

I would recommend this place on Steve and his constant efforts to ensure all gets have a great stay alone, but the rooms are large and clean, the pool is great if you want a break from the sea which is only feet away. Steve one of the owners was great, nothing was too much effort and his knowledge on the area was very useful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2019

bernard

Ratanui

Steve, one of the owners, appeared to be everywhere. Greeted us with cookies on arrival, very knowledgeable about local activities (which he booked for us). The rooms were spacious, great shower. They served a 3 course dinner everynight (too much food for us) but we did have a fantastic cheese tray with wine on the terrace. Very friendly staff. All round great place to stay when exploring Tasman.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

So close to the beach and the Steve and Pete are super friendly and always accommodated our every need. Perfect service!

10/10

Exceptional

27 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

The lodge was perfect in everyway. The decor is gorgeous and the facilities are fantasic.
The cusotmer service is what really makes the stay though! Pete, Steve and the team go out of their way to make your stay a pleasure. So many little personal touches that make you feel personally welcome. My partner proposed to me while we were in the area and once Steve knew he helped us celebrate in every way. We will be going back for sure. I would highly recommend this lodge.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2018

Hannah

Above and beyond personalized care ! Very friendly and helpful !

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2018

john

Great location close to beach and set in a calm spot below a mountain .AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2018

April

Amazing accommodation and loveliest personal touches in the service, would absolutely recommend!

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2018

Verified traveler

Stay here. It’s the nicest.

Lovely spot in the middle of nowhere. Clean, updated and good coffee. Tasty breakfast and owner was helpful. WiFi was strong.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Welcoming, attentive, quiet, comfortable, excellent meals, value for money

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2018

terry & janice

Perfect! Great facilities great host.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2018

Christine

A memorable stay in a high quality lodge!

Great lodge to stay in. It is up-market accommodation where the hosts go out of their way to make you comfortable and the service is outstanding. The rooms are furnished with lovely furniture and the en-suite bathrooms are large. Would recommend. The fantastic Abel Tasman area speaks for itself - a great place to explore and do some walking.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2018

Verified traveler

First class small motel experience.

Very welcoming. 5 star experience in a small coastal town beside the world class hiking and beauty of Abel Tasman National Park.
All of the dinners and wine pairing were simply amazing.
This was our best stay in the 2 weeks on the South Island.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2018

Bob and Hanneke

Very Special service.

Outstanding service and awesome help with excursions. Great comfort. Steve, prop.. couldn't do enough and the sense of humour was catching. Food among the best eaten in NZ.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2018

Kevin

Personalized, comfortable lodge

30 minutes drive to Abel Tasman Park. Great service; we dined there twice. Well hosted small Lodge. Very friendly and helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2018

Christine

Wonderful British atmosphere and very comfortable and the garden was amazing. Perfekt.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2018

Lynn

Exceptional elegance, comfort, and very friendly!

From the moment we arrived and were warmly greeted, we felt pampered and cared for by Steve and Pete. Our room was immaculate and beautifully decorated. Great big shower with great water pressure, lovely continental breakfast service on gorgeous china, and helpful laminated directions to local hiking trails.

Dinner of beef fillets and vegetables preceded by gazpacho was every bit as good as the best restaurants in Auckland and elsewhere.

Would highly recommend!

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2017

Joyce

Complete Experience

From being met at the car when we arrived to the friendly wave goodbye when we left Ratanui Lodge oozes with charm and friendliness. This also encourages the guests to interact with each other if they so wish and share experiences and ideas of where they might like to visit in the area. Steve also gives information of the hi lights of Golden Bay.
The decor of the lodge is comfortably old worldly and lovely and the bathrooms are excellent as is dining room and lounge. A small pool adds to the experience even though The beach is over the road.
The gardens are magnificent and well cared for.
Ratanui Lodge tucked away in Pohara Golden Bay is a little gem and we certainly hope to return some time and as we live on Nelson this is a distinct possibility.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Nov 2017

paula

Location, service, accommodation - nailed it.

The reviews I read before booking were spot on. The hosts were delightful and very helpful and knowledgeable. The room was clean, welcoming and the bed very comfortable. The personal touches made you feel ‘special’ and genuinely welcom.
Cocktails in the lounge are a must do and thoroughly enjoyable. I dined in the restaurant at a table that had been set properly (very rare these days!) with a cloth and silverware and the food was delicious. Continental Breakfast was included and plentiful with cooked being available for an extra charge.
This is a jewel of a place with hosts and service to match. It will be Pohara’s loss when they move on to their next venture but I wish them all the very best, they deserve it. Thank you Pete and Steve.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

Great location in a very beautiful corner of NZ

Immediately felt at home with the owners' friendly and welcoming approach, attention to detail etc.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2017

Daryl

Brilliant small hotel / amazing service

Fabulous stay in a small boutique hotel right on the beach with service other hotels can only try to emulate. Meals were brilliant, the attentiveness and careful yet never obtrusive availability of the owners just amazing and we've booked in again both for later this year and again this time next year. This is our go to hotel for every special occasion. Best value for money for enjoyment and service in NZ.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2017

Sue

The perfect place to relax and be spoiled.

Only two days but a chance to do some walking, explore new places as well as relax at the hotel with a good book. The food and drinks were wonderful and Steve, the owner/manager made us very welcome from the minute that we arrived. The visit was a birthday treat and one that we will definitely repeat.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2017

Ian

Fabulous!!

Lovely, clean accommodation. Fantastic hosts (Steve was a really nice guy and so helpful). Superb food (Pete, part owner and chef, deserves a Michelin star in our opinion). Good location too. What more could you want? We were there for only three nights but would love to have stayed much longer.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Feb 2017

Jody

Upscale Motor Lodge Near Ocean

Upon arriving at the lodge I was a little disappointed that it was a motor lodge which I did not expect and it was right off the road. However everything went uphill from there. Steve the host is excellent and everything from check in to cocktails and dinner was terrific. Elegantly set table for dinner, nice room, flowers everywhere and a pool and hot tub.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2017

FrontierAcct

Very Expensive, but Worth It

The Ratanui Lodge is directly across the street from the beach in Pohara. Steve, one of the owners is very friendly and very helpful. You have a choice of a continental breakfast or a cooked breakfast and cocktails and a Prix Fixe single-choice dinner menu is available in the evening. Suggest trying this dinner at least once during your stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Everything about this hotel was just lovely. Accommodation, staff, setting and food!

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2017

Diane

Great place to chill out

Walked into the lobby and just new it was going to be a great place, spacious , clean, good atmosphere.
The room was just as good facing on to the gardens. I forgot to say luxurious. We ate there on 2 occasions food was amazing best meals we have had in nz. Steve was knowledgeable about places to go and went out of his way to help. Not forgetting it had a spa and pool.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2017

Silvia

Best WiFi ever

The Lodge Is very nice. Hospitality Great. Dinners were superbe. We enjoyed our stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2017

Divid

Nice room, wonderful food, friendly people.

My wife and I stayed at the Ratanui Lodge for two days in early December and only wish we could have stayed much longer. Our room was great, the staff were extremly friendly and the resturant was fantastic. A very special thanks to Steve who helped make our stay very memorable. This is a somewhat small, pleasant lodge (I think 10 rooms) and has alot of character and class. If your in this part of New Zealand do yourself a favor and stay a night or two (have dinner and a drink also).