Rainforest Retreat

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Mindy

Gorgeous accommodations with an incredible view and convenient, walkable location. I loved everything about this stay (except that it wasn't long enough). The amenities were well-appointed, the bed super comfortable, and the staff were friendly and efficient.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2025

Thi Bang

We got an upgrade to one of the tree house which was fabulous! The room was spacious and we had everything we needed in the kitchen. The hot tub in the balcony was an absolute treat! Would defo go back if we can!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

Elizabeth

The gardens were beautiful and the shower with its big rainfall head and hand held option in grey stone large area was fabulous. The upgrade to a brand new room was also appreciated. The shared kitchen is very well equipped , clean with nice crockery and has a good vibe with it being a friendly hub involving people from all around the world and of all ages gathered to prepare a variety of cuisines. The restaurant on site is also a plus. The hot tub and sauna were also a bonus. Its location is grand too.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Nov 2025

Jessica

Room was incredibly clean and comfortable. Lots of natural light. Easy walk to local attractions. Definitely recommend!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2025

vicki

This was a lovely novel stay in a deluxe tree hut, ideal having parking directly underneath the hut. The WiFi was really fast and the location to the town was really convenient, would highly recommend if staying one or two nights passing through the west coast (it’s too small for more than this). Only main issue was the skirting boards and cupboard handles were full of dust and filth which seemed odd as everywhere else in the room was clean.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2025

Jan

Small ensuite but ok

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Amanda

10/5 this place is amazing! We were upgraded to a tree house lodge and it was nesteled among native plants and you could hear all the native birds around, truly felt like you were in the rainforest. Staff was kind and accommodating, they left a package for late night check-in for us outside the reception. Our room was fantastic , bed was cozy, views were incredible and there was an espresso machine in the room! We even popped into the hot tub for a bit which felt amazing. Close to town very walkable. Will definitely come back

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2025

Marisa

Beautiful place to stay. The Gecko Cottages were amazing and a real treat on our road trip. The spa was a nice touch too. Bit hard to walk around at night though due to no security- which made going to the onsite bar late by myself a no-go (i did ring and ask). I would stay here again in a heartbeat!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2025

Edward

Loved cottage

Lovely cottage, all we needed was met. Enjoyed a meal in the onsite pub/restaurant
Would highly recommend this place. Very pretty.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2025

Jason

The room was clean and comfortable. Clise to everything Franz Josef has to offer but feels secluded. So peaceful! The hot tub in the gecko village was a great way to unwind after a tasty meal in the restaurant and a day of hiking

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2025

Rupert

Very nice stay highly recommended

8/10

Excellent

09 May 2025

Szymon

Good place to stay in Franz Josef, not super expensive but the room we had wasn’t very big. We had problem finding parking space as we arrive late

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2025

Jacob

Nice quiet town, Rainforest retreat cottages were very nice

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2025

William

Beautiful location

8/10

Excellent

04 Apr 2025

Phil

Near to everything

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2025

Gavin

Stayed here for one night to visit the glacier. Check in was quick and easy, tree lodge was perfect for our stay, had everything we needed and we ate and drank in Monsoon, where the food was lovely!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2025

Keith

This was really just an enforced stop off for us but loved it. Fabulous scenery immediately outside your door. Great food & drink options in Franz Josef too.
Accommodation had everything needed and a really comfy bed & pillows. Parking was simple onsite. Check-in efficient. Was just a very pleasant stay, well priced, in a lovely place. Nothing not to like.. maybe lighting could be better.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2025

Shauna

Luxury in the rainforest

We absolutely loved our tree house and our stay. It’s a beautiful location and the room was fabulous. Very little detail was incredible. Heated floors and towel rack in the bathroom. The shower! The view of the mountains. The hot tub on the deck. The beds were so comfortable. Fabulous place all around.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2025

Keddie

The room was spacious. The hotel restaurant was pretty good.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2025

Brian

Amazing deluxe rooftop room. Upgrade to 2 room room which had private hot tub. Rooms so spacious, had everything we needed for our two night stay. Wish it was longer.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2025

Robert

Luxury rainforest rooms very good

Only improvement needed is the buffet breakfast and allowing guests to log into Amazon/netflix on the TV

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2025

Nancy

We only stayed a short night. We messaged the property about swapping two separate spaces for one two bedroom with kitchenette and living room. They were extremely responsive via messaging and helpful and generous with our last minute request. The deck was covered and perfect to experience the rainforest in the rain. There is a walk down to a cool beach and if not pouring down rain the sunset would be great. We sincerely appreciated the customer care and support.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Feb 2025

Nikhil

Beautiful property. Our room felt like we were near the canopy of the rain forest. Private and just natural - felt like glamping. The room was very comfortable and with modern amenities yet tucked in a rainforest. Would definitely recommend ( note: they have different levels of accommodations so please check).

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Jan 2025

Dave

Fantastic location with Kea flying around in the morning.
A bit noisy from the backpackers but not late so no disturbance at night

Business_and_leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Jan 2025

salma

Nice lodge type residence

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2025

Elizabeth

We loved staying in Nei Nei, what an amazing setting! It was very special. Thank you.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2025

Diane

Paradise in the middle of the rain forest

Beautiful rooms , we had 2 bedrooms and a kitchen area and a sitting area. It was right smack in the middle of a forest. Lovely stay!!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2025

Denise

Lovely place in a cozy environment

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2025

Philip

Lovely Rainforest Retreat

A really lovely place to stay in Franz Josef
Beautiful surroundings

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jan 2025

Paula

Good value - if you don’t mind a bit of noise

Our room had everything we needed - beds, small kitchenette and decent shower. The laundry facilities that accepted credit card were a huge bonus. The only problem was the noise - you can hear everything around you. Yes it was a busy period… but worth calling it out. Otherwise, good value for money in Franz.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2024

Liz

So many options for your stay here. Restaurant has fabulous food & the staff are super friendly & professional.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2024

Beti

The employees of the property were outstanding. Parry you're a gem. Helping out when my car wouldn't start.
The property is clean and comfortable and close to all amenities. I would definitely recommend the Rainforest Retreat.
Thank you guys.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

18 Dec 2024

Verified traveler

Part resort, part dorm

We splashed out on this relative to the rest of our trip and we're disappointed. No real benefit over a cheaper motel. Nothing to really complain about but didn't feel we got any extra value. The hotel seems to have several wings with \"upscale\" rooms, regular rooms, dorms and campervan sites. A big mix. Dinner in particular at the restaurant was disappointing.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2024

James

Luxury stay

A fabulous stay. Ended up upgrading to deluxe spa villa on arrival. Excellent amenities. Very modern. On site restaurant great food and service

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2024

Thomas

My stay at the Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand, was a truly memorable experience.

The rooms are nestled in the heart of the rainforest, offering a refreshing breath of fresh air and a unique, tranquil environment. The woody cabin rooms were impeccably clean and well-maintained, providing all the basic amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

The proximity to nature, combined with the cozy atmosphere, made for an unforgettable getaway. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to relax and reconnect with nature in a stunning setting.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2024

Lynne

we stayed in the delux two bedroom Spa Treehouse.
it was expensive but really worth it. is beautifully appointed and beautifully designed. we didnt have great weather so it was a lovely place to hang out. highly recommend

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2024

Farbod

These accommodations is real dog friendly, they helped us a lot with a dog

8/10

Excellent

20 Nov 2024

Bill

Really neat place with cool restaurant & bar, great staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2024

Beverley

Great little location, the hot tub was closed when I was there so didn’t get to use it, but other than that everything was great

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2024

Mohanan

very close to downtown & all the glacier tours & heli rides

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Nov 2024

Marcia

Wow!!!! What a beautiful accommodation!!!! It felt like you really were in a rainforest with all the lush plants and trees around.

Our unit was a bit small, but very, very nice. We did not have a freezer in our small refrigerator, but Reception gladly froze our ice packs for us.

It’s an accommodation not to be missed!!!!!!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Nov 2024

Steve

Great location and nicely appointed rooms although a little small

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2024

David

Not easy to find room and parking was a walk to the room.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2024

Margaret

We had a beautiful room with views out to the deck and forest. Fantastic setting. Lovely staff. Only marked down slightly on facilities because spa wasn’t working. Ate in Monsoon both nights which was good food reasonably priced

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2024

Nicola

Beautiful accommodation which was very convienient to the local shops and restaurants

8/10

Excellent

18 Aug 2024

Graham

friendly staff, accessible to restaurants. Accommodation average

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2024

Kristie

The house was set out very well and amenities were fantastic. Bonus outdoor spa added to our enjoyment of the stay.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2024

Lorraine

We loved our stay

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2024

Narissa

I liked the set up of everything so close together. Loved the scenery too.
Beautiful place to stay ✨️
Would definitely go back again

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2024

Scott

Second time I have stayed with my two children, great place to stay…
Will be back again

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2024

Simon

Stunning location and facilities. Received complimentary extras for a birthday weekend which were much appreciated! Highly recommend.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2024

Faye

Lovely unit and stay, there wasn't as much privacy as expected for the deluxe retreat when we could see camper vans from the deck looking in towards our unit and not just rainforest canopy

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2024

Daniel

Such an amazing and relaxing property. Really felt like we were in the middle of a rainforest. Didn’t catch the man’s name on reception when we checked in check in but he was an absolute superstar!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2024

Paula

You must stay here

Friendly staff,warm clean room,great service, value for money,we will definitely be going back

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2024

Lisa

X

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2024

Jennifer

Super cute and clean room. No issues. Arrived late and they left everything in an envelope outside. In with the keys they left a map with restaurants and even hours written in. I’d stay again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2024

Cheryl

Great place and location

Terrific place to stay. Friendly welcome. Our unit was very tastefully decorated. Very clean and well maintained.
Highly recommend it, would have loved to stay longer.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2024

Connie

Staff was great, and made really great recommendations. The unit was clean and tidy, we would stay here again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2024

Sandi

What a wonderful stay - beautiful setting and so peaceful!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2024

Deirdre

Super fun treehouse vibe in the rainforest with a very good restaurant adjacent. Highly recommend.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2024

Dean

Great spot and plenty of room and very helpful and nithing was a problem.
Beautiful spot ,wanted to stay a lot longer!!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2024

Lisa

Loved the setting. It felt remote yet we were close to everything we needed. Restaurants and shops were walkable.
The room was clean and comfortable. Our shower was open to our bathroom and left the whole floor wet when we used it. It seemed to be an accessible shower. Was not ideal for us. Otherwise the stay was pleasant.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2024

Michael

Being able to stay in a Delux Rainforest Room was a dream. I had my own personal hut with parking, a wonderful glass door room, and everything in the room was pristine. I wish I could have spent more time in the temperate rainforest paradise.

Self

8/10

Excellent

24 Mar 2024

Abilash

No proper instructions for the guests.i was staying for a night but others kept heater for whole night i was watering....i cant explain to them they speak different language..

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2024

Robert

Gecko cottage is the way to go!

We loved our stay at the Rainforest Retreat. We loved our gecko cottage. The plants made it seem private and the proximity to the hot tub was amazing. We always had the hot yum to ourselves which was great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2024

John

Pretty fabulous place to stay!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2024

Gloria

Sauna wasnt working and bed was too soft.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2024

Darryl

Excellent location, highly recommend.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2024

Collin

Very good Hostel. Stayed in a 4 person downstairs room. My only complaints are that the floors are a bit thin and people stomping around above me were noisy and secondly they close the hot tub at 8 pm, which seems a bit early. Otherwise this place is amazing. Great grounds and location

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 Feb 2024

Vinay

Be prepared for some adventure

There are no proper signages to find cottages as they are hidden behind trees which is what the appeal is but at the same time it is difficult to find them for someone who is visiting first time especially if reach after dark or on a rainy day which is what happened with us. Took us more than 30 minutes to find the cottage. We were in a single room cottage that has very small bathroom with a sink which is probably smaller than an aircraft sink. No service is available so one has to be prepared for doing everything on their own.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2024

Laura

I loved that the resort catered for all travellers regardless of whether they were a backpacker or someone that was looking for a deluxe accommodation to those who just needed a place to park their camper van. I found that it became it's own little community and everyone was very friendly and respectful of each other. There are a number of dining options close by and a supermarket that was 200m away. It was very clean and convenient to both glaciers. The staff were excellent. I seriously have nothing that I could fault. Very good value for money!!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2024

Patricia

Loved our stay at Rainforest Retreat!

We had a beautiful suite which made our stay wonderful despite rainy weather. Private spa tub was a real bonus!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2024

Paolo

Just fabulous a secluded spot in the rainforest we just kept the curtains opened and put on the porch light to watch the forest till we fell asleep. The room was perfect the bathroom with the heated floor was amazing. shower was great . Amenities perfect and everything was in walking distance. Would definitely go back!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2024

Susan

Da Best!

Check in was superb. Loved our whole time there from our comfy bed to our great meals at the restaurant. such a nice time.

Partner

2/10

Poor

23 Dec 2023

Shannon

Horrible experience

This place was terrible. The hot tub was cracked and the jets hardly worked. Our toilet ran non-stop. We brought it to the staffs attention and we were told mnx would stop by. If it couldn’t be fixed they would move us. We returned and the front desk was closed for the night. The showers soaked the entire bathroom and there is no ventilation so the place stayed wet. The WiFi was intermittent. I would not recommend this place.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Dec 2023

Sheena

We loved our stay and the property was amazing. Sadly we weren’t able to have dinner after 7.30pm or have breakfast in the restaurant as there was a function on which was extremely loud and went on for hours to not the evening. We would have appreciated being told about these restrictions when booking or at least prior to our arrival.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

07 Dec 2023

Subha

Property was clean and safe. However there were no proper signs to find our cottage. Reception did not have patience to give proper directions.
There was no hair dryer in the room.
There was no heating in the room and we felt cold at night.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2023

Mark

The property is conveniently located relatively to all places you want to be in the town. Rooms and beds were of a good quality. We stayed in a room with kitchen and full bath. I liked sauna and outdoor spa provided for all property guests. My only complaint was about our room that didn't have even a single hook or closet to hang or store our stuff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2023

David

Staff friendly and helpful.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

24 Nov 2023

Michael

Noisy. Terrible bed and mattess. Bad tv. Bad water. Very small. Not what I expected for the price.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Nov 2023

Andrew

A lot of care and money has obviously gone into creating the wonderful ground based and stilted high level ‘tree house’ apartments which have a fabulously easy and opulent feel. Quite the best laid out, equipped and stylish place we’ve stayed for a while.
This does set a high bar of expectation that - currently - the on site bar/restaurant has a long way to go to match both at breakfast and dinner. That said, given the diverse clientele, ranging from partying adventurers, young families and oldies, all on different budgets, we guess it’s a hard brief to fill.
That apart, definitely do stay here for the excellent quirky and brilliant rain-forest dwellings, but possibly be ready to eat out until the catering catches up. But we did like it.
And post covid, do support local businesses like this that are obviously trying hard. 5 stars.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Nov 2023

Elizabeth

The property was clean, quiet, conveniently located for our planned activities, and the property was beautiful!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Nov 2023

Ben

We had the deluxe 2br suite with hot tub. It was a marvelous property in every way, except for one. The service attitude was not up to what it could be. Housekeeping maids were delightful, but the front office was stressed and inflexible. Rushed at checkin. 10 am checkout but no later. No time for that last sunny morning hike. Our first night we were ignored for so long in the on-site Monsoons restaurant that we finally left without even being acknowledged by the tall waitress who passed our table countless times. We have never seen anything like this anywhere in the world.
Everything else was wonderful, from the linens to the furnishings to the landscaping.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2023

Frances Miriam

Beautiful rainforest motel

Quiet and comfortable. Excellent amenities in motel room in a beautiful setting with mountain and rainforest views. Only complaint was no hot water.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2023

Janet

Perfect for a trip to see the glacier. It was shrouded in cloud the first day, but because we stayed so close, we were able to go back the following morning for a perfect (and quiet!) view.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2023

Mathew

Thank you again for another great stay!

Business_and_leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2023

Verified traveler

Great place to stay

Beautiful scenery. Loved opening the door and seeing the snow capped mountains.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2023

Verified traveler

Overnight Road Trip

A wonderful stsy in the Gecko Cottage. Perfectly peaceful in the pungas and rain forest. Loved every minute and wished we could stay longer!

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

09 Sep 2023

Graham

It was a lovely quiet place to stay amongst the greenery

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Aug 2023

John

Lovely location close to town and restaurants and great staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2023

Beckey

Wow! We had such a short visit but our deluxe tree house was stunning. Petite but everything you need. Kitchenette and wonderful rain shower. Loved the huge windows looking out to the rainforest and mountains. Other buildings close by, but still felt private. Woke up to a pink sunrise and birdsong. Very few options for dinner in the area, so plan ahead. Still, this might be our favorite place we stayed during our trip through NZ.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2023

Carolyn

Lovely place to stay amongst the native trees. Very convenient. Highly recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2023

Gareth

Nice themed hotel in Franz Josef.
Room was huge with lots of walking space.
Issue we had was there wasn’t any hooks or clothe rack for us to hang our clothes or jacket.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jul 2023

Rohan

Beautiful property

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2023

Elena

Wonderful stay in a 2-bd deluxe spa room. Very clean and comfortable accommodation. The private hot tub was great - and hot (not lukewarm like we’ve experienced at other places). Parking underneath the room is a bit tight if you have a SUV but it’s manageable with careful maneuvering. Would definitely stay again! Front desk staff very friendly.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2023

Mathew

Thank you once again - beautifully maintained property with lovely staff to welcome a weary traveler. Nicely done and see you next time!

Business_and_leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2023

Curtis

We had a very enjoyable stay in our treehouse room. Big & comfortable room.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 May 2023

Rosiemay

We really enjoyed the relaxing & peaceful vibe around the accommodation. The room was really lovely and having an on-site restaurant was great too!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2023

Stephen

Really great time staying in the deluxe spa houses. Beautifully equiped and furnished, and loved having the hot tub out on the deck to use.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 Apr 2023

Steve

We were there as a couple seeking rest at a quiet and zen \"retreat\" location with a SPA. The suite was big and clean, but the \"retreat\" was more of a summer camp full of teens partying in the SPA and all over the place. So we didn't use the SPA and stayed in the room. We were there for only 1 night. Also the opening hours of the reception are very limited. The checkout is at 10 and the reception opens at 9 when you want to visit the glacier at 8. So let's say it was just ok.

Leisure Partner