Rainforest Retreat
Rainforest Retreat descritpion
Set on 6.5 acres of native gardens and trees, Rainforest Retreat is 150 feet from glacier hot pools. Guests can enjoy the hot tub, restaurant and a bar. All accommodations feature a balcony or patio offering garden views.
Franz Josef Rainforest Retreat is just a 2-minute walk from the center of town and just over a quarter mile from the start of the Franz Josef Heli Hike. It is a 5-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier.
All accommodations include a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. Electric blankets and tea/coffee making facilities are provided in all accommodations. Some also include a full kitchen.
Guests can enjoy massages and treatments on site or just relax in the sauna. Share a pre-dinner drink on the patio or next to the fireplace in the bar. Monsoon Restaurant serves international cuisine, while the bar offers a range of fine wine and beer.
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Facilities of Rainforest Retreat
Outdoors ：Terrace
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Sauna | Hot Tub
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar
Internet ：WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and charges apply.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Tour Desk | Baggage Storage
General ：Paid WiFi | Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms
Languages Spoken ：English | German
Reviews for Rainforest Retreat
Review 1：Nothing really, bathroom was very small, but was functional and clean.
Review 2：This places offers a variety of accommodation. The gecko huts are fairly new and offer private accommodation right in the rainforest, pretty awesome. The hot tub is for around 6 huts but we never saw anyone else in there. The hot tub for the backpackers lodge looks like an STD breeding ground so it was nice to have a private spot.
Review 3：There were like bugs in the bed woke up with me and the girlfriend with bites all over our legs and arms. The room assigned is nothing like what was displayed. Rooms are very close together, we can hear people next door talking and people above walking. Very hard to sleep, with all the people getting drunk and back packers staying up all night.
Review 4：the community and area was great to explore.
Review 5：If you book a small room its really small, we were there over christmas and it was somewhat chrowed and loud aspecially since the dormrooms of the lodge are right in front of the motel rooms. Wifi was slow, but probably only because so many people were using it. (But it was free of charge!)
Review 6：The motel was perfectly situated almost opposite to the GlacierGuides Base (as we took a tour there)/ iSite and in short walking distance to the town center. Since they also have camp sites and a lodge in site there are facilities such as a laundry room, big kitchen and Barbecue grill. Wifi is free for 24h
Review 7：The staff were not helpful, seemed like a bunch of exchange kids lookingto have fun on holiday instead of work. They left us lost as we luggedour heavy bags around searching for our cabin. The bathroom is bigenough for half a person. Might as well not have a sink if it'ssmaller than my face. Every morning we'd make the floor entirely wetjust by washing our faces.
Review 8：Rooms well maintained and clean Lots of lush greenery just outside thewindows. Within walking distance to the town centre. Rainforest lodgeshave a big spacious room.
Review 9：Noisy customers from the bar at 3 am; coach party pick-up outside our room at 7 am; fire alarm set off by someone else's shower at 7.30 am, so not a good night's sleep.... Our room should have been advertised for backpackers. Room showing signs of age - bathroom flooring lifting. Room not cleaned during day, and not convenient to take up offer of an instant clean at 6 pm.
Review 10：Discount after we complained about the noise.
Review 11：The tree house we stayed in severely needs maintenance, especially in main bathroom. Wall rotting next to shower and basin looking water damaged too. Toilet seat perished. Used washing machine to find the drier didn't tumble, but staff handled well by allowing us to use communal drier. Rest of unit was great and an enjoyable stay. Would be great to have espresso machine in restaurant
Review 12：Great location surrounded by bush and a very nice setting. Nice to have separate entrances to 3rd and 4th bedroom as it gave a lot more privacy. Great to have use of communal spa
Review 13：Nothing really
Review 14：We stayed at the three house , the facilities was top notch , the view of the rainforest was magnificent and the service from the staff was excellent .
Review 15：No Wifi. Not bad wifi, no wifi. They give you a card but it does not work at all they tried to tell me the whole town has this problem but nowhere else does. Another staff member told me its because they only have one little router in reception so wouldn't reach anywhere else. Paying so much for a room you expect wifi in there or you are just stuck with a TV with a couple of channels. Annoying. It didn't even workin reception.I work remotely so had to spendmy time in other cafes in the area as they all worked well
Review 16：Quite nice room
Review 17：Central to everything, walking distance to main street. The night wewere there 7 contiki busses pulled in to stay at the lodge and they hada party at the lodge bar. Didn't bother us at all as we went therefor drinks and was pretty fun. But for our stay the name"rainforest retreat" did not reflect our time there. Id keepthis in mind when booking a relaxing stay to check that the whole placehas not been booked out with a contiki tour.
Review 18：It was actually one of our most expensive places to stay as we have been doing hostels and it wasnt the standard of the hostels we have experienced. The wifi was probably the worst I have ever experienced. It just didn't work or was painfully slow. And you only get it free for 24 hours on one device. This is fine if you get good weather but We had heavy rain for the two days so it was very frustrating as we could have been planning the rest of our trip, or emailing family and friends. We stayed in the motel rooms. And we could hear every cough, yawn and sneeze of the people either side and above us. And there was a kiwi experience bus load the time we stayed who were all for a party. So bring ear plugs if you are looking at the motel!
Review 19：The staff was great, super friendly and helpful. The setting of the retreat was also pretty cool.
Review 20：Room was a little small
Review 21：Well positioned in centre of Franz Josef lively setting, very popular with young backpackers Reception staff were extremely helpful Simple double room for overnight stay Restaurant was good
Review 22：We booked the motel and it was sooo tiny and not very comfortable. Probably the lodge is much nicer. Would not stay there again. Has more of a youthhostel atmosphere.
Review 23：The Small Double room was too compact & suffocating with no place to move. There was not enough space to keep luggage, there were no extra pillows, the sheets were torn. It was a cramped little place which charged too much for the stay. Room pics in profile are misleading.
Review 24：The location is beautiful and gives you a feeling of entering a rain forest when you enter the premise! The restaurant was great and food was good.
Review 25：The room walls are thin so if you don't like noise, you can hear everyone else.
Review 26：Great kitchenette - was easy to cook and clean. Easy to walk to the main road too.
Review 27：Frank Joseph and Fox Glacier are amazing and so close by. The accommodation was great and had our own little section as had 2 rooms so stayed at Kamahi house across the bridge, felt like out own little section of the national park. Town and activities are close by, walking distance and so much you can do by yourself or in a tour. Great place and variety of staying options to suit all needs and budgets. Driving around and out of town the scenery is breathtaking and amazing.
Review 28：It is hardly rainforest and definitely not a retreat. It is a backpackers hostel with hotel rooms attached. I understand the need to cater to all travellers, but if I knew this at the time of booking, I would have gone elsewhere. Loud music was playing at the bar until 2AM. I complained to staff believing it was the backpackers. one staff member told me that there won't be any more noise, as those people have left. That same staff member was overheard by my partner telling another group of incoming backpackers that there is a DJ who plays at the bar to the early morning. Lying to your paying customers is not the best way to receive return business. If you want a relaxing place to stay, look elsewhere. I was extremely disappointed and will not recommend this (unless you are a backpacker who likes loud music at 2AM)
Review 29：The walls were paper thin so we got no sleep as its a busy complex. Fire alarm regularly went off due to steam from people having a shower. Wouldn't stay again.
Review 30：Lots going on, a good mix of people and good bar / restaurant on site.
Review 31：The room was filthy dirty, I went to make a the coffee and the jug had food that had been heated up in it, the toilet smelt . There was hair in the bed, dust everywhere, Overall disgusting, we left there at 6.00 am On top of all that the web site showed a log cabin, so it was false advertising
Review 32：First of all be very careful what room you book.I have booked small double room for 120$. When booking the room the photo of the room was really nice-wooden walls, not big but I would say normal size room. second photo was taken from the different angle but still looked good. I was shocked when I saw our room, which was like a container (size wise). Our sheets smelled of BO which I thought was absolutely disgusting -thankfully staff changed it on my request. The bathroom sink was the smallest sink I have ever seen in my life. The place was cold, damp and just not nice at all. When I complained to the reception lady she was nice and changed out sheets but she didn't really do anything about our situation. All in all it was the most disappointing experience of accommodation in NZ. If that would be a cheap hostel it would be ok but this is hotel price, so I expect a little bit more.
Review 33：nothing really
Review 34：Lovely rain forest location, quiet & peaceful. Opposite glacier trips office & rainforest pools. Welcoming bar & restaurant.Great Indian/ Chinese restaurant minutes away.
Review 35：Brilliant location. Excellent helpful and friendly staff. Restaurant food good and happy hour from 7 to 9. Rooms were small but comfortable and clean. Loved the hot tub especially after the long walks to the glaciers. Definitely recommend this place, good fun.
Review 36：Staff were efficient but not friendly didnt take the time to talk about what to do where to eat etc...total contrast to other places I stayed. Room was very small. Little things like the kettle didnt fit under the tap to fill it and they charged for wifi which was so slow it wasn't worth having
Review 37：Clean lovely setting
Review 38：The bathroom was too small - sink was the tiniest we've ever seen; shower was tight - turned water off when turning in shower; and no place to hang clothing.
Review 39：It was located within walking distance to the town's restaurants and stores. It felt nice to be staying in a rainforest.
Review 40：The room was tiny - 4 walls around a bed! And the bathroom smelled awful - very damp and mouldy. Not a nice place to stay. I would pick somewhere else.
Review 41：When I took the comfortor off the bed a small, nondescript insect jumped on me. Might have been a flea or a bed bug. The good news is, it was the only one I've found. So far. The whole room just seemed slightly dingy. Also, the wifi is basically unusable. Go to one of the several coffee shops in town.
Review 42：Location in town is ideal, grounds seem to be lovely.
Review 43：Liked everything to be honest!
Review 44：Lovely site & location. Very helpful friendly staff. Great facilities including laundry. Bedroom excellent with bathroom. Nice area outside apartment to relax with a cupper.
Review 45：A bit overpriced for small room and no free internet.
Review 46：Very near to heli-port for franz josef glacier. Friendly place, lots of people around, restaurants and bars.
Review 47：room very small which was basic. OK for overnight stay only. Overpriced compared to other places we had stayed in nz .
Review 48：Close to town which is small anyway, staff friendly and helpful. Licensed restaurant on the premisses.
Review 49：The two things that I would say are the word retreat isn't really what this place is all about as it's more a hostel and the second thing which is more an individual thing is our mattress was very soft.
Review 50：The Rainforest Retreat is in a good location and easy to find . It is clean and the staff are helpful and friendly
Review 51：The customer service was great- we received a free upgrade to a Gecko cabin because the room we had booked was unavailable. The views from Gecko Village were amazing, and the surrounds were very peaceful and relaxing. After a cold and rainy walk to the glacier terminal, the spa was a welcomed (free) luxury!
Review 52：The hotel wants you to think you will be staying in a log cabin the woods. We had a prefab wooden hut which was quite small but comfortable. But not the same as a log cabin and there aren't many log cabins. Directions around the site need to be improved as it was a big pain driving round to our hut.
Review 53：Comfortable and new room although felt a bit cramped and the washbasin the bathroom was very small. Very nice bar/ restaurant on site. Hot tub close to room was a treat with lovely views of the surrounding hills and forest.
Review 54：Bit of confusion with waitresses bringing out food. Maybe need more staff in restuarant / bar as we had to wait a fair bit, although it was busy
Review 55：Reception staff were outstanding, they are the friendliest and most helpful I've ever met. Beautiful surroundings and decor inside and out. Decent food also. Probably suits younger travellers more
Review 56：Sounded like there was more to do online than there actually was
Review 57：Being out in nature, different from everywhere else we stayed, not a big building/hotel
Review 58：The bathroom smelt bad and there was constant noise during the night, of people walking above us,the room nextdoors tv etc.
Review 59：Accommodation basic but ok and staff friendly.
Review 60：As a return visitor to the Rainforest Retreat, it did not disappoint! The setting of this place is beautiful and remains so in any type of weather. Staff, facilities, bar, hot pool, types of accommodation - this place does everything right for every type of traveller!
Review 61：Staff are so friendly and helpful. We were travelling around new zealand and stayed here as part of our honeymoon - we were given a bittle of chpagne which was really nice!
Review 62：Did not realize that this was a campground as well as a hostel. Thought it was an "upscale hotel" . You need to advise customers as to this. Horrible noise due to hostel.
Review 63：Great Staff. Nice location. Very clean but ask for upscale locations.
Review 64：Internet could be quicker but you don't need it up there anyway!!
Review 65：Beautiful location, good value considering this, great all you can eat pizza night for $17 on a Thursday at the local Monsoon restaurant.
Review 66：My small double room had a midget sized wash basin & the room was too small to enjoy.
Review 67：A mountain stay & everything was fine but not four star comfort
Review 68：Nothing not to like - it is a larger complex though that may not suit those looking for a secluded getaway.
Review 69：Great location - walking distance to town and hot springs. Interior recently refurbished and well serviced with fresh towels etc.
Review 70：We stayed in the treehouse, very comfortable. It had its own little hideaway away from others which was lovely. We had a partial kitchen which was perfect to cook a meal in. The surrounds are gorgeous, in the rainforest and just a short walk into town. The staff were lovely, all travellers who went out of their way to make our stay comfortable. I would certainly recommend this hotel.
Review 71：We booked a four bedroom apartment to house adults with four children. Unfortunately the apartment said it had adjoining bedrooms but the bedrooms were only side by side and had to be entered from separate outside doors along a common veranda. This was not suitable or safe for housing small children and was very inconvenient for our family. The advertised 4 bedroom apartment is misleading!!
Review 72：As soon as we stepped into the Retreat we were welcomed with warm greetings and big smiles! As it was our first time in Franz Josef and NZ, the staff were incredibly helpful in providing us with what to do and places to stop by onto our following destination (Wanaka) - shout out to Mel for being so great. Our room was clean, spacious, warm and comfy (Grecko village, highly recommended). Being immersed in the forest was beautiful. The weather was wet, but that made the environment even more of an experience. The perfect place to stopover for an overnight's stay!
Review 73：The upgrade when they realised we just got married no extra cost .. The room and surrounding rainforest so peaceful & they considered our privacy when giving us our room .. Very thoughtfull .. We loved it best out of all our stop overs
Review 74：A lot of things were broken (blinds, kettle) very noisy since there are a lot of groups coming at this place(contiki and others)
Review 75：The surroundings. Good place to stay one night (not more )
Review 76：The staff were really rude. The spa was dirty with staff even advising us that they'd 'seen some gross stuff and wouldn't want to know what was floating in there' We went for the pizza night, but after a really long day of travelling wanted to sit on our own table. Staff told us we had to sit on the crowded tables or we couldn't have any dinner :/ they wouldn't even let us take a few slices. Not worth the money and we were pretty upset.
Review 77：No oven.
Review 78：We stayed in the tree house and it was spacious and comfortable , and set in a secluded area amongst trees so we had complete privacy. Kitchen was very nice , the only issue was that it didn't have an oven which we thought was odd considering it was reasonably big. However it did have a utility room with sink, washer and dryer which was a nice touch. Beds were very comfy..
Review 79：Lucky to have considerate neighbours because the sound proofing between rooms could definitely be better.
Review 80：Central with modern ,small room which had good space-planning.Very comfortable, double bed and not stingey with towels,etc.
Review 81：The meals we both had , would have to be the poorest value I've ever had. Sorry for the negative feedback but they do need to be addressed. I had roast pork and partner steak. Value for money, extremely poor. Maintenance seemed poor too, TV not duned correctly, lights outside and in blown.
Review 82：Location and setting was amazing. Friendly young lady on arrival.
Review 83：Tiny bathroom in the gecko cottage. Quite cold. Bad odour of sewage coming from bathroom.
Review 84：Location to hot pools. Relaxed bar with nice fireplace, free pool table
Review 85：My boyfriend heard a noise throughout the night..:.i didn't hear it???
Review 86：Good, cozy restaurant on property which was great to have during downpour, manager was able to upgrade our room and it was fantastic! Good location in rainforest.
Review 87：It was faultless
Review 88：Amazing geko house. Excellent hot tub in the open rainforest, fab experiance. Staff were so helpful and meals in thd monsoon bar were excellent
Review 89：Hot tub for the Gecko suites very dirty with scum on top - dud not use.
Review 90：Restaurant excellent with a roaring fire, great bangers and mash plus friendly staff.
Review 91：Such a nice feeling to the whole place... We originally booked elsewhere and decided to move on after two nights. As soon as we got to Rainforest Retreat, we felt much happier. We stayed a week and it was great.
Review 92：Bathroom was terribly cold (I can't imagine to use it for bathing of small children), WiFi - terrible issue to stay connected, the signal is extremely fluctuating, I would better say extremely low which made my stay really uncomfortable.
Review 93：Nice place, outdoor whirlpool is great for relaxing after a long day
Review 94：There was the hot tap in the bathroom that was loose,let managment know.
Review 95：The set up was great. It was so good having excellent lighting in the bathroom. I'm a contact lense wearer & could actually see what l was doing.
Review 96：The bed wasn't particularly comfortable, and the fridge was very noisy!
Review 97：Having our own space in the Gecko cottages was great, even though there it is quite a large accommodation site it felt private and peaceful. Surrounded by greenery and mountain views from the hot tub!
Review 98：The WiFi was not particularly good, and the bed a little saggy, but I thoroughly recommend the stay anyway
Review 99：The facilities, location, staff, atmosphere.........everything really
Review 100：The room didn't have any where to hang clothes up, no wardrobe or cupboards. Although the room (gecko 4) had a microwave, there was no bowls or knives etc for cooking, though crockery and cutlery for eating with were provided. The kitchen in the hostel area also had no pots or cooking utensils. Very difficult to move a wheely bag through the gravel (though you can borrow their carts)
Review 101：Gorgeous setting, great location, nice free spa pool (Gecko village). Free use of umbrellas (with a deposit)
Review 102：Only one staff member in the office who at times was off dealing with other things so we had to wait several times to sort things out.
Review 103：The layout of this resort is both interesting and scenic. The rain forest is a nice study in plant life. The private spas were a pleasant thing to enjoy.
Review 104：Very thin walls. We could hear everything going on in the next rooms,outside and even footsteps on the verander above seemed to boom throughthe room. A box fitted to the side of the building was beeping every fewseconds all night as well. This left for a sleepless night.
Review 105：Beautiful place to stay surrounded by Rainforest. Gives the feeling ofbeing isolated but only a short walk to shops. Log cabin feel Restaurant/ Bar also on the premises.
Review 106：We found the noise of the upstairs guests intrusive.
Review 107：The setting of this accommodation is superb among the native trees and birds. Really enjoyed the private spa, a real treat after a days exploring. The staff were very helpful and friendly
Review 108：For those with luggage, its a bit hard to drag wheeled suitcases on the gravel pathways and also up & down a flight of stairs to the upper rooms. But its only a minor inconvenience.
Review 109：The staff are very helpful. We love the ambiance of the resort, it's as if you are in the middle of the rainforest. The resort organizes a Pizza Party buffet every other day, we were lucky enough to join one on the day we checked-in. Yummy pizza at an affordable price! Really enjoyed it.
Review 110：Perfect for my requirements as a tour leader. My group stayed elsewhere but this option was ideal for me. Inexpensive, comfortable, large room, clean, friendly service and good location. Will always stay here.
Review 111：The electric sockets blew in the middle of the night so no radiator as it was hard wired into that socket. The electric blanket didn't work on one side either !! Log cabins are not warm in the dead of winter and the radiator was woefully inadequate. However the lovely receptionist procured a fan heater for us and this kept the space toasty. The bathroom needed either a heating element or a heated towel rail
Review 112：Loved the log cabin - very very cute and well appointed with porch/balcony. Liked the free bookable private hot tub Loved the monsoon bar and restaurant although service a little distracted Great receptionist
Review 113：Restaurant was pretty ordinary for the prices but there are good alternatives nearby
Review 114：Great location central to tour guides, walks, and restaurants but off the main street . A wide choice of accommodation is offered from basic dorms to boutique cabins for couples or families . Great staff and adequate recreational facilities for those rainy days .
Review 115：can get a bit noisy by the neighbours, lots of stomping sounds.
Review 116：the atmosphere of the place, the facilities available like the hot pool and sauna, and being in the middle of everything
Review 117：I was in the gecko area which wad lovely. Although it had a kitchenette, it had not cooking utensils and the shared kitchen had no oven, nor any cooking equipment. Also my room had nowhere to hang my clothes, no wardrobe or even hangers
Review 118：Gorgeous setting, free spa pool in Gecko area, (though not that warm). Helpful staff.
Review 119：Just the toilet door near the kitchen facilities needed fixing - it had tape in it.
Review 120：I just loved the feeling of being in the rain-forest - may as well have been in the middle of nowhere:)
Review 121：The apartment lack of hot water. therefore we had a problem to take a shower, and the parking space in the family apartment is not available
Review 122：We like the apartment very much because they have all facilities we needs. However, we have a problem with hot water when taking a shower due the lack of gas for hot water in our apartment
Review 123：Drunk kids - large tour groups of young travellers means late night noise, especially when the bar closes - avoid the rooms near the dorms. Avoid the hotpool for the same reason. Paid for wifi that was painfully slow.
Review 124：Room was spot on. Very comfortable, private, clean and most importantly warm! The onsite bar and restaurant is pleasant and good value. The grounds are gorgeous, literally within the rainforest.
Review 125：The self catering facilities were excellent. We were warm and comfortable with plenty of heaters,electric blankets hot water and towels.There was generous teabags,coffee and milk provided. There was plenty of channels on the TV's, we washed and dried clothes in the free laundry. There was excellent wifi and a great place to eat and drink on site. All together a great stay and had we time we would have stayed more days.
Review 126：could not get the wifi working. Generally I do not have problems. May have been the number of users or that our hut was a distance from the wifi unit.
Review 127：Loved the Tree Hut. Great with its placement in the bush and view from window. Well laid out facilities, good lighting at night. Clean and cosy.
Review 128：I actually can't think of one thing.
Review 129：This place is really special - right across the road from the Franz Josef glacier. We were given one of the huts which was very clean with its own kitchenette, fridge, tea/coffee facilities. The staff were so nice. They knew it was our wedding anniversary and left us a bottle of bubbly and a card which was so generous and kind. We hadn't much research done on this location and when we asked one of the receptionists for advice, she pulled out all the stops to make sure we were kept entertained - even phoning up and booking activities for us, which again was so kind and greatly appreciated.
Review 130：The pipes froze and did not have hot water, however, the manager was extremely helpful and accommodated us in another unit, as was quick onto it. Also, it would help to have a hairdryer in the place.
Review 131：Being between the mountains
The Fine Print
If you expect to arrive outside front desk hours, please inform Rainforest Retreat in advance, using the contact details found in the booking confirmation.