Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa

6/10

Pleasant

19 Feb 2026

Maureen

Room needed a spring clean... coffee stained plug hole in sink, icebox needs defrosting (ice cubes would be great). Bathroom ceiling needs dead bugs removed, vent need webs removed, garbage bin pedal was broken. However it was clean. Good tv facilities were there but you had to sign in to stuff. We watched tv1 but it kept dropping us. Spa the treadmill vibrated when running at speed so remote was flung off and slammed into wall (all still worked)

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

trevina

Clean, peaceful and breezy swift check in. Had everything we needed. Other than assigned studio parks where someone stole ours.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2026

Sarah

The service and experience is what we expected for the price. Very comfortable beds! The team fitted us in for the day spa at very short notice which was very much appreciated and the pool was lovely. Thanks so much for having us.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2026

Hayley

Peaceful location, clean room and friendly staff

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2025

Peter

Every thing about the accomodation was great in our opinion. Clean, plenty of utensils etc in the kitchen, ample breakfast each day, comfortable beds. The location is handy to town. Bonus having an indoor swimming pool.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2025

Denis

Clean room, good communication and friendly reception, nice healthy breakfast

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2025

Lynette

Clean room, staff, brekkie

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

20 Sep 2025

Paul

Brackenridge was good overall. Underfloor heating and privacy is really good. Door lock is unusual but functional. It should lock behind you without having to put the code in again. Things to improve on are; the curtains needed to be wider to block out light and the ironing board was not really suitable for anything. So if you are having a wedding and staying there take your own board.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

Stay in Martinborough as part of a longer NZ trip.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Jan 2025

Stephen

Staff were very responsive to concerns. We were also late to he in and they communicated with us, we would stay again.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

17 Jan 2025

Leanne

This is not a pet-friendly motel as advertised, it is very expensive with hidden costs, it is not clean and is unkept in places. We will not be returning, and I do not recommend this motel, keep your money.

Leisure Pet

8/10

Excellent

16 Jan 2025

Stan

The unit was very spacious and clean. However, the shower/bath was very hard to get into and very slippery and dangerous to use. There were no grab bars and you had to step up to get your leg into the shower.
The outside walkway of the unit was also not clean so we tracked a lot of debris in with luggage and shoes.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

Perhaps it used to be better.

The property looks like it used to be good at some atage. However it's now pretty worse for ware and a bit run down.

I feel like it was overpriced what we got at the end of the day.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2025

Susan

Some niggles on dust but always love our stay here

Love staying here for the relaxation silence and breakfast supplies.

On the letdown side... A bit of dust and cobwebs particularly up high and round dryer and washing machine. A guests view sitting on the toilet or looking from couch tells alot.
Responsive to request to split beds as per booking.
Great to have a smart TV to enable more TV options. Couches are not the most comfortable as they are itchy fabric but the bed throws fixed that. And you're meant to be out and about enjoying the environment.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2024

Glenn

Excellent stay, the breakfast with fresh sourdough and eggs, juice and cereals was a treat. Also the pool was lovely for a dip in.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2024

Vanessa

Great spot enjoyed our time and would stay again

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2024

Joanna

Unwind….

Relaxing and quiet! Excellent self-catering breakfast option in the studio. Short drive to the square. Nice to hear the birds in the morning and none of the big city noise - a hidden gem.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2024

Izzy

Beautiful property, can easily see why it is a wedding venue! Loved the spa onsite and the gym/pool was very handy. Is qbout a five minute bike from town but not bad.
Thanks for the lovely stay!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2024

Robyn

Very comfortable. Had everything we needed.The studio we were in had a log fire which was great on a cold windy night. The only downside was the chimney rattled loudly in the wind.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

02 Sep 2024

Susan

A cottage of one's own. A fire to light in winter evenings. Excellent breakfast supplies provided. Couches could be a bit more comfortable but we love visiting here in summer and winter. Spa treatments also amazing.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2024

P

A nice retreat in the country.

Absolutely recommend this place. The Studio Unit was spacious, comfortable and well appointed.

Shower, pillows and bed were great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2024

Linda

Wonderful place to stay.
Loved the open fire

8/10

Excellent

12 Jul 2024

Charlotte

Spa is amazing, had a lovely treatment. The cottages are great, spacious for families and they take dogs! (we didn’t bring ours this time). The decor is a bit dated and the larger sofa in our cottage had died (springs broken) so should be replaced. Beds were super comfy, softer than you tend to find. It’d be nice if the daily cleaning crew could empty bins and maybe make the beds. Awesome to have breakfast stuff supplied, fresh eggs, apple juice, proper coffee and sourdough. Not sure if it’s more expensive in summer but we thought it was bargain compared to other Wairarapa options we could find. We’ll be back for sure!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2024

Philip

Lovely rural setting yet only a couple of Kms from the town

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Jun 2024

Maree

Nice place to stay. Quiet as a bit out of the town but not too far. Nice basic breakfast provided to have in your room.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2024

John

Romantic retreat

Fantastic overnight stay next to a cozy fire!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2024

Una

Very relaxing stay, not many guests so it was very quiet. The continental breakfast with eggs was a pleasant surprise. Unit was warm and having a fire was a nice bonus. We’ll be back at some stage.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2024

Lorraine

There was an open fire in our room and a ready supply of wood.It was very romantic.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2024

Stephen

Had a very enjoyable 5 night stay. Underfloor heating in bathroom was terrific. Loved the breakfast items with daily restocking. Excellent indoor pool. Staff were terrific. The resort is well located to all the major attractions in the Martinborough region.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

Loved the stay. Quiet, roomy, comfortable beds. Everything you would require

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2024

Rodney John

Holiday get-away

Comfortable property in pretty surroundings, good for a get-away break.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2024

Charlene

Quiet cottage, comfy bed , breakfast provisions good and plentiful.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2024

Prashant

The 2 bedroom cottage is wonderful and warm, well facilitated and clean. The reception staff are very friendly. Will definitely be staying here in the future. 😊

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2024

JD

Wonderful stay, was quiet and close to town. Eggs and juice were delicious.

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2024

Robert

Great place

Great well kept establishment. The rooms are spacious and well appointed. The beds and pillows were comfortable. The spool and gym were well equipped.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2024

Verified traveler

Will definitely be back!

The host was very communicative. Really impressed about it. We're happy to stay in the layout as requested. The interior wasn't brand new, but kept very clean and tidy. Well equipped room. Loved the breakfast item provided. Will definitely come back for the next stay.

Thank you all the staff members for the lovely service.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2024

Katherine

Absolutely fabulous! Set in several acres of beautiful countryside. We stayed in two of the 2 bed cottages as there were 5 of us which gave us more than enough space. The cottages are fully equipped and beautifully furnished - I love the fact that there are photos of where the kitchen equipment belongs, breakfast is provided to make yourself (basket of eggs, sliced sourdough in the freezer, refillable jars of cornflakes and museli etc..), oodles of fluffy towels and a washing machine/dryer to keep up to date with the essentials. The staff are really friendly and the surroundings are simply serene - we sat for hours listening to bird song and taking in the calm atmosphere. It's great for watching the stars at night too as there is very little light pollution.

Martinborough is a lovely town and only a mile or so down the road. Cannot recommend this beautiful place highly enough.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Feb 2024

Prabhu

It's in a stunning location, and the property is very tidy. However, the house keeping did not clean our room despite the fact that we went out of the room around 11:00 AM and came back to find out room still messy.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2024

Sarah

Will be back!

The cottages were delightful - lots of space, airy and comfortable, as 5 adults we didn't feel crowded/on top of each other at all.
We didn't have time to partake in the lovely breakfast items left for us in the kitchen but it looked great.
Pool was a welcome feature in summer and aircon in the gym ideal.
Excellent location even if you do really need to drive (or e-bike) into the township/to the wineries.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2024

Dean

Very good stay

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2024

mary

One of the most delightful spots I’ve ever stayed! Wonderful personnel, beautiful grounds. I’d get married here. Last nights sunset with the hills behind was unbelievable

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2024

Maxine

Brackenridge is our favourite place to stay in Martinborough. The countryside views are gorgeous and it’s super quiet. Our deluxe studio was recently refurbished and super clean.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2024

Anne

A quiet retreat just outside the town - easily accessible to everything Martinburough offers including the excellent wineries in the region. Accommodations were lovely and very comfortable. Enjoyed the breakfast options left in the room. The fitness area was great also - well equipped and clean. We really enjoyed our stay.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Nov 2023

Nicole

We loved the country feel. Nice and quiet, close to town. We were expecting breakfast every morning but were only left with one mornings supplies. We also had to get our own kindling wood for the fireplace.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2023

Roger

Clean awesome pool and gym. Room had everything you needed

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2023

Layne

We stayed in the cottage and it was warm and comfortable. I booked a treat at the day spa and it was a must do!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2023

Kathleen

Staff so friendly, wonderful accommodations, beautiful countryside

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2023

Andrew

An absolutely relaxing stay and fantastic accommodation and the day spa was certainly an extra bonus.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2023

ALANA

Nice, but not luxury

Nice spot, more rustic than luxury but comfortable once we got the heatpump cranking and the underfloor heating on in the bathrooms. Beds were very comfortable , shower had excellent pressure but TV needs an update and the bathrooms/kitchen need to be modernised a bit. Having stayed at other “luxury” properties in Martinborough this one didn’t really hit the same mark but was nice enough.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2023

Nicola

Wonderful breakfast food, comfy beds, lovely and warm inside on a freezing night.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

03 Jul 2023

Robert

Overall appeal of Brackenridge

Everything including colour and general repair of fittings and fixtures. TV very dated. Edges of kitchen cabinetry née painting and the black mould could be dealt with. Overall it was clean and tidy. The cane chairs aren’t particularly comfortable to sit I.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2023

Grant

Have stayed here before and keep returning. Beautiful peaceful setting. It was cozy having the fire lit in our room on a cold winter’s night. Having breakfast ingredients provided in our kitchen was great. We wished we could have stayed longer but will stay here again.

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jun 2023

Caroline

We had a lovey time, and overall the property was nice, but it was just let down in a few ways, there were very dirty oven trays in the oven from previous guests. There were sticky marks on the walls and ceiling, from a previous guests, drink? perhaps. which led to a feeling that the cottage was not well cleaned. Otherwise it was a beautiful setting and very comfortable.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

23 May 2023

Gordon

Lovely surprise will come back

8/10

Excellent

24 Apr 2023

Christina

The wording used in the note left regarding having a dog in the approved dog friendly unit and the threat of a $100 fine for any hair found on furnishing was unnecessary and very harsh and upsetting. Totally unnecessary.

Leisure Pet

4/10

Poor

18 Mar 2023

Verified traveler

Misleading to list pool and gym

Overall disappointing stay, they allow locals a membership to pool and gym and we were told don't disturb the members, get out of pool if a member is using it, kids aren't allowed to swim as it may disturb a member - ridiculous, I have never ever come across this. I paid more for 2 nights stay than a member does for a year. Apart from this one of our toilets was broken, ours was 'the only' cottage without laundry, guest laundry was broken also, power outage meant cold showers last day, mold/mildew on windows. Overall cottage large and comfortable, great setting near farm, kids loved running outside. A more accurate listing would have overcome most of our disappointment.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

14 Mar 2023

Anne

Set in the country outside Martinborough - 3G only. Not suitable for business travellers. You can get 4G by driving to Martinborough (6 min) or Greytown (20 min). Nice lap pool, but no pool towels, and a shortage of toilet paper in the ladies’ changing room - and the spa was closed from when I arrived on Saturday afternoon until an hour before my check-out on Tuesday. There was a wedding reception on the Saturday evening - I was told I would hear nothing but the band was very loud. The cottages are all rustic charm but there were small maintenance issues that needed attending to, such as the broken remote on the DVD player. Breakfast was DIY. But the kitchen accessories were fine (a china teapot!) and there was a well-equipped laundry.
Great night sky observing when the cloud cleared.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2023

Anne

Lovely and quiet. Breakfast supplied in room was great!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2023

Denise

Nice & quiet, comfortable, plenty of room inside and out. Nice breakfast. Good to have 2 bathrooms. Well equiped and host was easy to contact.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2023

Amanda

Beautiful place to stay - clean and well equipped

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2023

Madeline

Lovely private cottage in a beautiful setting. Everything you need

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Jan 2023

Kate

Large, very clean cottage, private with beautiful surroundings. Interior a bit dated, and had to pay extra for a swimming cap to use the pool. Conflicting info on who could use the pool. But overall a very pleasant stay.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

13 Jan 2023

Shani

We liked it.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2023

Bruce

Very comfortable excellent gym

One night stay while on trip to Wellington. Very comfortable, very friendly staff. Fantastic gym and pool facilities. Very quiet and a three minute drive into town. Only thing to be aware of, shower is over bath

Would recommend

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Jan 2023

Stephen

Great location

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2023

MLFromont

Restorative & restful

My Brother & I loved our New Year's visit to Brackenridge Country Retreat. Our standard studio room was beautiful, clean and quiet, peaceful, with all the amenities we could require so that we could really relax with coffee, cook a light breakfast, chill out with a wine in between social outings, and sleep, change, and have a great holiday. Thankyou Courtney for your lovely hospitality!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2023

Sonya

Beautiful spot

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 Dec 2022

Camilla

We absolutely loved our stay. Thankyou

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2022

Steven

We really enjoyed the property. Everything was nice and clean.

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

30 Oct 2022

Susan

We really like the area its just missing the final touches like conditioner. Rules of using the swimming caps in the pool and ants in the kitchen. I think for a resort i would expect more for a motel it was awesome. It was great that we could bring our fury friends

Business_and_leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2022

Michael

Excellent facility..staff very accommodating.. location was great.. we will return

Business_and_leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

25 Sep 2022

Peter

Nice place, tidy room with good amenities. Free range eggs and sour dough bread with other bits (coffee and cereal) nice for easy breakfast.

6/10

Pleasant

01 Sep 2022

Charmaine

Be great if they can extend my checkout
Happy to pay for night

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2022

John

Fantastic place to stay. Great quiet location about 2km from Martinborough township.

Weather was awful, so the nice cosy studio with a fireplace that we were staying in was ideal. We only left it to check out the pool and gym, which we didn't end up using, and to restock the firewood.

Would have preferred a separate shower rather than one over the bathtub, but the shower itself was great, and the bed large and very comfortable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2022

Fiona

Great place to go for a weekend away. Lovely staff and rooms are comfortable.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2022

Max

Beautiful quiet stay

A lovely stay in a nice quiet location, biking distance to town. Beautiful breakfast daily

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2022

Graham

Warm and cosy French-country inspired delightful little unit. Loved the fireplace and heated tiles in the bathroom. Would definitely stay again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2022

Jacqueline

Fantastic!

Group of seven girls stayed for a girls weekend in 2x two bedroom cottages. Communication was great and the check in/out process was a breeze. The set up and layout of the cottages was superb! We couldn't have asked for better. Was extremely handy having two bathrooms (both with shower and toilet) and the water pressure was amazing. We loved our stay and would definitely stay back here again.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2022

David

Very clean. Great ammenities and loved the lap pool. Very quiet. Bed was one of the most comfortable we have slept in

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2022

Jenny

Lovely place to stay. The room was super clean and the staff were really friendly

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Feb 2022

Hayley

We were the only ones staying in the studios which was nice, very quiet.
The room needed a clean, cockroach on bathroom door, daddy long leg spiders in the corner of room, floor was dirty, shower needs a good scrub.
Also would have been nice to be asked how our stay was when we checked out but nothing.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Feb 2022

Sharon

Out of town, quiet, private cottage, with everything you need. continental breakfast was great, with fresh eggs and coffee beans.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2022

Chris

Great quiet place just outside of Martinborough

It’s always great staying at Brackenridge: the staff are friendly, the cottages comfortable, and the breakfast goodies are a nice touch. The bedding is the only issue that could use a refresh as the mattresses seem to have seen better days.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2021

Sue

We enjoyed our one night stay. Reception was very helpful and friendly. No issues at all. thanks

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Nov 2021

Verified traveler

Great choice

Overall Brackenridge is a great property. We stayed in a studio unit which had the convenience of a kitchenette including a microwave and a portable hot plate to cook eggs as supplied as part of the included breakfast. Unfortunately the pool and gym were unavailable for use due bookings for conference patrons and outside membership bookings. I’d definitely return to stay.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Oct 2021

Mark

Fresh provisions good, attention to detail a bit lacking, crooked pictures on wall, inadequate quantity of cutlery and crockery, missing BBQ

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Sep 2021

Verified traveler

Good country break option

Stayed in 2 bed cottage, very cosy, nicely decorated. Any issues dealt with and feedback taken on board. Good range of options at the spa.
Beware if you have a dog that there are sheep nearby and get into the gardens, make sure \"leave it\" is well taught so they don't eat sheep poo. Not a complaint, just advice for other guests.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

Disappointed with mildew etc on window glass. Timely for a refurbish and a seperate shower... not very safe climbing in and out for a shower, particular no hand rail.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

Lovely peaceful setting out of township so a car is helpful.
Great pool and nice to have breakfast provisions left in room to cook yourself.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Family stay

Great family stay as usual. Our kids love the swimming pool and the open fire to toast marshmallows. Good quality breakfast provisions. Only complaint is we would love them to bring back the outdoor hot tub.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Very quiet and good amenities.

Business Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

Was quiet and peaceful. Would have liked blackout curtains.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

Quiet and pleasant views and room. Lovely setting

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Second time here, no issues. Nice place to stay, great ambiance. Thanks,

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Some of the Towels put out were not clean. Appeared to have foot print marks on them. Both days of stay
No fry pan in room-had to request.
Dish washing liquid was empty- had to request more.
Lichen growing on wood above outdoor sitting area.
Cockroach in room.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Feb 2021

Julia

Nice Stay in Martinborough

Nice stay. A little bit out of town. Nicely appointed room and good local products supplied for a self made breakfast.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2020

Raewyn

Great indoor pool and gym in super location. Very enjoyable couple of days relaxation.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Sep 2020

Paula

A great place to stay in Martinborough. Only 3km from centre. Staff were very friendly and accommodation was excellent. We will definitely be back as we enjoyed our stay at Brackenridge Country Retreat.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2020

K

Really enjoyed the cottage style accommodation overlooking paddock with sheep and new lambs, roominess and open fire for our winter stay. Had all self service kitchen and laundry needs, breakfast supplies locally sourced and was a quick drive into Martinborough

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2020

Verified traveler

Very nice property, the amenities available were fantastic, breakfast supplied was excellent, would definitely stay here again

Leisure Partner