Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Hotel in Franz Josef / Waiau
5-Star Hotel
Reasons to book
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this hotel
Surrounded by natural rainforest on New Zealand's West Coast, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a short drive from Franz Josef Glacier. Guests enjoy free WiFi.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Hot tub or spa
TV
Wheelchair accessible
Garden
Map of Franz Josef / Waiau
Available Rooms
2 Double • 355 ft²
Sleeps 4
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 355 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
100% verified reviews
5.0 / 5.0
Stunning the staff were amazing food was delicious and the rooms were so comfortable so relaxing
We loved everything
4.0 / 5.0
Gute Lage zum Franz-Josef Gletscher.
Zimmer mit schönem Blick in den Wald.
Alles sehr sauber und funktionell eingerichtet.
Das Abendessen ist exzellent.
Der Service ist sehr gut.
Sehr gut für 1 Nacht als Zwischenhalt.
Sicher kein 5 Sternehotel. Wer Luxus erwartet ist hier definitiv falsch. Eher ein einfaches 4-Sternehotel.
Frühstücksbüffet ist sehr mittelmäßig, es gibt keine a la carte Option, Cappuccinos werden nur auf Bestellung und mit Aufpreis angeboten.
Sehr hellhörig wie fast alle Hotels in Neuseeland.
3.0 / 5.0
The location is amazing! The spa is sensational!!! Truly do prebook a massage as it was incredible!
The staff are helpful and nice to deal with. Some of the junior members require more training as they weren’t aware of processes etc
This isn’t a five star hotel. It tries to be but it is dated and the food in the restaurant is really bad - well presented but the salmon was overcooked, the cheese wasn’t great quality and I’ve never seen my husband pull a face at pate but… ! It also isn’t made clear that you can eat at The Landing, King Tiger or Snake Bite. It was only when I asked if we could switch to room only rate that it was offered. The hotel needs a spruce up internally.
4.0 / 5.0
We enjoyed the location despite being at the wrong time of the year to enjoy the forest surroundings. The concierge was excellent in providing a warm smile and helpful hints of places to visit and when to do so.
The degustation menu only changed slightly on the last of 3 nights and though of reasonable quality was not what we would call a degustation meal
4.5 / 5.0
Beautiful setting, great dinner and breakfast. Staff were friendly and helpful
it was a little to warm in the commom areas such as the dining room
3.5 / 5.0
Location was great. Lovely staff, very helpful.
The dinner and breakfast that was included the room price were not as good as I expected for the cost.
For a five star resort I expected more, although the meat on the first night was nicely cooked.
4.5 / 5.0
Close to town and restaurants and on the foothills of Franz Josef
The main photo is misleading, you’re not in the bush at some remote location, you’re nearby several other motels etc.
The food was good but for the cost it could be better. I think a cheaper hotel and going out for dinner would be better value.
4.0 / 5.0
Outstanding dinner included in room price. King room on back of property was great. We seemed to be surrounded in a rain forest. Staff were very responsive and welcoming.
Restaurant dinner was so good I thought breakfast might have offered better choices. Our reason for stopping here was to view the glaciers via helocopter, but unfortunately due to rain, our flight was cancelled and we had to move on.
2.5 / 5.0
location was amazing
we left our jackets accidentally and was surprised that for a place of this ranking the main concern in returning them was we accept all charges in doing so.
5.0 / 5.0
Built in a tropical forest, each room and restaurant seem like a tree house among the foliage. A fixed plate gourmet dinner (included in price) is beautifully presented and delightfully delicious. All staff are courteous, service-oriented, and top professionals.
Price will scare away some, but as a one-time experience it's a highlight of travel to New Zealand's South Island.
3.5 / 5.0
nice staff
no spa, no gym which should be basic for 5 star hotel.
3.0 / 5.0
Staff were very attentive.
General hotel areas very dated, spa closed because they have no spa staff, dinner Ok without being exceptional and even though the restaurant had only four tables occupied we waited between 20 to 30 minutes between courses, breakfast very disappointing. Overall very underwhelmed by the hotel particularly as I didn’t have an option to book anything other than dinner, bed and breakfast. The hotel is overpriced.
5.0 / 5.0
Amazing rainforest retreat stay. This was some of the best accommodation I’ve ever stayed in. Loved all the extra touches and the location, staff and facilities were great. The bed was amazingly comfortable, and the room overall was quiet and peaceful with a beautiful view of rainforest from the doors. We left feeling rejuvenated and refreshed!
5.0 / 5.0
Fabulous. We would all stay here again
5.0 / 5.0
Loved the location set amongst natural rainforest but only a 5 minute walk from the cafes and restaurants in Franz Josef. Beautiful, clean, well appointed rooms and professional staff. Can't fault the place! This would definitely be our pick of hotel if we visit again.
5.0 / 5.0
Overall everything exceeded my expectational, especially the food, when you see it doesn't seem like much but it's very delicious and fills you and the staff were all very friendly and helpful
nothing
4.0 / 5.0
Nice location. The breakfast was adequate.
More cereal based options on the menu.
FAQs
How much does this hotel cost compared to others in Franz Josef / Waiau?
The average price for a rental in Franz Josef / Waiau is $204 per night. This rental is $82 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this hotel?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Te Waonui Forest Retreat. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this hotel?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this hotel. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Te Waonui Forest Retreat pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this hotel is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Te Waonui Forest Retreat?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Franz Josef / Waiau
Explore all rentals in Franz Josef / WaiauFranz Josef / Waiau travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Best East Coast Beaches and Getaway Locations You Can’t Miss
Budget Travel
7 Most Affordable Snowbird Destinations for 2025
Guides
Top Activities to Try in Panama City Beach, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu