Awaroa Lodge

A magical place to visit. You arrive by sea (or helicopter) to be hidden away in the middle of the national park, surrounded by exotic vegetation and with your own golden sand beach. The fabric of the lodge is becoming a little tired but in every other respect this is a lovely place to stay. We were looked after mainly by a bright and very engaging young English woman called Anna but all the staff seemed tremendous.

We wanted a quiet and relaxing “gap” in our travel program and did we get that - YES! All from the boat voyage out to the Lodge through the return voyage we were meet with nice and personal service, charming living huts, fabulous food and wines - and - fantastic nature. We got two days and nights at this fabulous place which felt like much more - when we left we just said to ourselves - what an experience!

If you are looking for a piece of heaven on earth - you have found it here. From arrival shared areas are so beautifully appointed - welcoming receptionist so knowledgable and kind. Kevin and Amber in restaurant so knowledgable on wine and menu choices. Food is insane, each dish created with care and love. Such pride in what they do. I had a session in spa with Flo and I feel refreshed and totally relaxed. This is sheer bliss, even though the weather was stormy at night the warmth of the team made our stay so so special 🔥🔥

This place is a little gem - whole team were first rate. The room we had was well equipped and had fabulous views over the bush and the eel pond and very close to the restaurant and other hotel facilities as well within easy reach of the stunning beaches and walking tracks. The lodge has so many good features but with a few small easily sorted thing which stopped it getting a 10 out of 10. Rooms could have been better presented - with only a couple of weeks into the summer season - one would expect the rooms to have been freshened up over the winter - an hour with a screwdriver and a paint brush and some good "spray and walk away" and it would present so much better. Tea, Coffee and sugar (my partner likes a cup of tea after being out and about) was not refilled each day and biscuits on arrival did not appear on subsequent days. The real issue I had was - we were on a Dinner Bed & Breakfast package and for example - during meals we found it embarrassing and I am sure the staff felt the same - having to say within earshot of all the other dinners - "as we were on a package I was not allowed a certain fruit juice for breakfast as it was extra" - I do not drink tea or coffee so do like a nice fruit juice at breakfast - but did not want the world to know it was going to cost me extra!! - there has to be a better way !!!

Beautiful tranquil location. Very nice staff who were flexible and willing. There was a lack of options for vegetarians however, meaning we are the same thing for dinner 3 nights in a row and had the same packed lunch 3 days in a row. A lot of things not available due to being the end of the season.

Stayed two nights here during our honeymoon. It is a truly incredible setting, accessible only by water, then a short walk. Staff at the lodge transport guests luggage from the beach using a quad bike/beach buggy. We checked in with a lovely English girl at reception, whose name we completely forgot to ask! She was very personable and knowledgeable on the area, providing recommendations and guidance on what we could do during our stay there. Including feeding the eels in the wetlands, seeing the glowworms and the local walking/hiking options. We stayed in a superior suite. The room itself overlooked the wetlands and surrounding hills, it had a large decked balcony which was very tranquil. The restaurant has a good number of beers and wines on option and the gourmet food was nicely presented and tasted delicious, and there was a good variety so we were both able to try different dishes each night, this also applied to breakfast and lunch. Unfortunately whilst we were there due to the season, the outdoor pizzeria was closed.