The Jolly Poacher Retreat

Wonderful location, very quiet and peaceful. The accomodation was exceptional and timeless and the hosts were lovely. Only stayed for a few nights but with the bbq available it’s the type of accommodation you could stay and relax at with family for quite a while!

Great location, stayed in the Fishing cottage which was very comfortable with exceptional attention to detail regards decor. Dave and Helen were great hosts, Dave brought breakfast over in the morning including fresh scrambled eggs and home made jams. We had a great meal in a local hotel which they had recommended and thoroughly enjoyed being shown around Dave’s ‘messy shed’ and seeing his 350 Mustang. A great place to stay.

Nothing, Dave and Helen are wonderful hosts providing great hospitality in well appointed and quite exceptional cottages.

Beautiful spot in a lovely garden with all the comforts of home.

That we couldn't stay longer!

Charming and very comfortable accommodation and kind, interesting hosts.

Just wonderfully spectacular.

Quiet and very clean

This was one of the nicest places we stayed in New Zealand. Really comfortable really clean run by two fabulous people could not recommend this place highly enough.

Nothing

Amazing accommodation attention to detail...well you need to see fir yourself....it's a treat!

Beautiful surroundings. Well appointed cabin. Fantastic breakfast. Dave and Helen were the nicest hosts we have experienced for a long time

Nothing. It was perfect

Amazing

Es war eine von zwei besten Unterkünfte, die wir auf der Südinsel hatten. Alles liebevoll gestaltet, auch das Frühstück. Ruhig gelegen in einem wunderschönen Garten Danke Helen und Dave

Accoglienza, arredamento, colazione

Niente!

Helly and Dave were very welcoming and really good fun. Nothing was too much trouble. The gardens are lovely and the accommodation was nicely thought out and easy to slot into. The bed was extremely comfortable!

Nothing

Very clean accommodations, quiet, convenient location, delicious dinner recommendation, comfortable beds, friendly cow, what more could you ask for?

Only update I would make would be softer towels.

Sehr nette Gastgeber Wunderbare Oase zur Erholung Zwei Cottages als Themenwelten „Jagen“ und „Fischen“ sehenswert Sehr gutes Frühstück ins Cottage gebracht

The setting is beautiful and peaceful. Waking up to the sounds of birdsong gets the day started off right. We loved sitting out on the porch,sipping a glass of wine and looking out onto the lovely gardens. Our cottage had a hunting theme decor and it was so well done with little decor details that even non-hunters (like my husband and I) appreciated and enjoyed. Such a peaceful place to stay and very convenient for exploring the Marlborough Wine Trail and Blenheim (about an easy 8 minute drive to Blenheim). Dave and Helly are great hosts and the delicious preserves served with breakfast are made by Helly with fruit from their orchards. Highly recommend!

I couldn't tell if the coffee pods were regular or decaffeinated because they weren't labeled. So minor!

What a wonderful experience. The attention to detail in the room was amazing. We loved the fresh flowers with breakfast in the morning. Great that we could take the dogs, and thanks for the nearby walk recommendation.

The accommodation is located in a small park and is wonderfully quiet – perfect for switching off and relaxing. I particularly liked the selection of individually decorated cabins: Each is themed, either in the "Hunting" or "Fishing" style, with lovingly selected antiques that create a very special atmosphere. Everything was very clean and well-maintained; you immediately notice that great attention to detail has been paid here. The breakfast, which was delivered directly to the cabin every morning via tablet, was super convenient and a great start to the day. For those who want to prepare something themselves, a microwave is available. This gives you a bit more flexibility without having to forgo comfort. Overall, a great accommodation with character!

While a microwave is provided for simple meals, there are no stovetops or hot plates available, so cooking options are limited.

What a great experience! Location was amazing. Quiet but not cut off. Two accommodations next to each other near owners home but felt private. Owners are fantastic. Funny, welcoming and provide recommendations for meals, etc. Loved staying. Hope to stay longer next time. Breakfast was amazing, thank you!! Best shower! Jerry and Carolyn

Loved it all

Amazing

The lodge was so comfortable and the owners had paid so much attention to detail to decorate the lodge after its name - The Fishing Lodge. They had beautiful gardens too.

Nothing

Nice self contained unit in a very rural, quiet location but with easy access to the winelands. Dave and Helen were excellent hosts and had put considerable effort in to uniquely styling the two lodges. Breakfast delivered to your lodge at a time to suit with eggs, juice, toast and jams.

Whilst the lodges have a microwave there are no other cooking facilities other than a bbq which we felt could do with a clean.

Cottages beautifully set up with Hunting and Fishing themes throughout. Helen & Dave excellent hosts going the extra mile. Love the quietness and tranquility of the property. Highly recommended

Everything, beautiful furnishings, clean and comfortable. Lovely owners.

Nothing

Everything was terrific

Great Location but a lovely quiet setting. Our cottage was roomy. Our hosts were a fabulous help with local restaurants and wineries. We had steak on the grill one night...my husband learned a new trick: slipping an oyster inside a steak. Carpet bagger! 😆

Wish we had more time!

Just so quiet and tranquil. The room we stayed in was definitely for the avid fisherman, filled with articles and items of huge interest. The owners made you feel so very welcome.

Dave & Helen were very hospitable very warm people who would do anything to deliver a great holiday memory. We would highly recommend this accommodation. Great cottage, Barry && Marion from Mornington in Victoria.

Nothing

Location was great. Breakfast the eggs were amazing.

Complimentary hot breakfast delivered to our door at a pre arranged time - fantastic - eggs from their own chooks...does not get better.

We only booked for one night...

David and Helen were wonderful hosts. Unique property in the country yet only 10 minutes to town and many wineries. Very quiet and relaxing. Great breakfast. Very comfortable bed, great shower. Many eclectic decorative touches added interest and fun. Highly recommended!

Nothing.

One of our favorite places in the world to stay. This is our third return to this wonderful retreat. We love it warm, friendly atmosphere, the wonderful hosts, Dave and Helly, its location in the heart of Marlboro wine country, and the advice of the proprietors in things to see. We look forward to our next visit in great anticipation.

Lovely quiet location in a beautiful shady garden, lots of mature trees. Extremely comfortable bed. Efficient air con. Qirky decorations added charm.

Only 3 smallish quibbles: No teapot in kitchenette No fresh fruit for breakfast No night light option in bathroom.

Unique holiday bach reflecting its rural surrounds amongst lovely gardens. Hosts looked after us well. Would recommend.

Beautiful peaceful location, apartment looking out into lovely garden at the front and field of sheep at the back. Very comfortable, good space, great breakfast. Excellent shower room, comfortable beds with good linen. Very welcoming and very helpful hosts.

Everything was great

Unfortunately we had an early ferry to catch so weren’t able to enjoy the breakfast but the location was stunning

We’re gutted we couldn’t be there for longer

Absolutely beautiful location, beautiful gardens, gorgeous cabin and the best hosts we've ever had! Also - incredible breakfast. Just a wonderful experience.

Nothing. It is glorious.

The cabin/ cottage is gorgeous with grazing sheep in the paddock near by. Beautiful established gardens with lots of bird songs. Hellen and Dave were so welcoming and gracious to us. They allowed our family to use their pool. Beautiful walking areas along the river banks. This is our second visit and we will definitely come back again.

The property was very clean and well equipped.

The husbands host came across very aggressive and rude regarding having our dog. We were there for a total of 8 hours and had a retriever as the property has pet friendly however they wanted to know about it which we hadn’t been asked and the husband came over to say he wasn’t welcome and “I’m trying hard not to blow up right now” which made us very uncomfortable and ruined the experience.

Lovely place, very nicely furnished and themed, and also immaculately clean and super comfortable. Everything was great, and the hosts were extremely welcoming and hospitable.

An oasis of tranquility - outstanding landscaping and hospitality. Great warmth and advice from hosts Dave and Helen. Very highly recommended.

The Location was perfect for us and The Breakfast was so great!!! The place was lovely, we will be back with whole family!!!

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Very peaceful location, excellent friendly hosts. Well-equipped, spacious comfortable accommodation.

Nothing

Exceptional hospitality and breakfast in a tranquil, beautiful cottage with every comfort. Close to winery areas.

Beautiful surroundings Lovely hosts.

That we could only stay two days.

The Jolly Poacher is a true gem. The beautifully presented interior immediately impresses, creating a warm and cozy vibe that makes you feel right at home. If you love flyfishing, there is a treasure trove of memorabilia to keep you entertained. We stayed as a family for two nights and the highlight for my daughter was feeding the calf over the fence. The location is a dream—just a short drive to the local wineries and downtown Blenheim. The hosts were incredibly accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Highly recommend a visit to this delightful haven.

Charming. Dave & Hellie could not have been nicer or more accommodating. Ask Dave to show you his Man Cave 😀

lovely breakfast

Very big apartment with everything you need. The gas fire was a plus. Super relaxing atmosphere. Dave and Helen are great host. Good breakfast. Close to the ferry and to malbourough vineyards

Nothing

Extremely comfortable stay - and attentive hosts

Nothing

Cool spot couple min of the main road, lots of effort into presentation, welcome and facilities. The beds are amazing - personal choice I know but good as it gets is our call. Got there with gas fire on, place warm and lit, tv on and welcome message. Perfect for a cold winter night.

Nothing

This was the most beautiful quiet & relaxing location.

Nothing 😁

Beautiful place so relaxing

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Amazingly warm and hospitable hosts! Opening their home to us like good old friends. Very kind & generous. The cottage is very well appointed and features an incredibly well excited theme of “Fishing 🎣”

There was nothing not to like

Nice quiet picturesque location. Hosts were great, facilities excellent. Great idea having hunting and fishing themed cabins that were both modern and comfortable, yet still captured the history of yesteryear. Great value for money.

Spectacular place! The hunting lodge unit was so comfortable, wonderfully decorated and well appointed! The hosts are very friendly and helpful, and delivery a lovely homemade breakfast in the morning. The wifi was awesome, my husband was thrilled! The setting is so beautiful, lovely gardens and a few sheep out the back windows. The area is set in the wine country and is super quiet and peaceful. I wish we had booked more days! Make your reservations, you will be SO glad you did!

Everything…The cabin was spacious and well finished; the bedding was comfortable; super clean; quiet; great vibes from all the birds and livestock (sheep out the window, chickens and a young heifer down the drive, quails wandering by in the morning); and all a short drive to loads of wineries, hikes and restaurants!

Nothing.

We stayed here for 4 nights in February during our 5 week tour of South Island. The two lodges are exceptional along with the hospitality provided by Dave and Helen. Definately this was a highlight stay during our NZ holiday.

These are lovely hosts, it was an honor to be with them. They have arranged this "retreat" to be just that. This is a fine experience, in a lovely land, with two incredible hosts, as much as I hate to give the secret away, if you are going there with you vehicle from the North, this is a Gem, really a great experience, I thank them both, we stayed going and coming back...... we were lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My wife and I recently stayed and we were treated like old friends, The cottage was excellent, and the hosts were extremely welcoming and thoughtful. We were on a one month drive around both North and South Islands, and this was one of the highlights of our month. We rarely write reviews, but full credit is due here and we needed to take the time to recogise and appreciate the extra effort! Keep doing what you are doing, and being who you are!

There is little not to like, it is outside of town, so you need a car which we had, no issues with us, but for others it might be an issue

Dave and Helen are amazing hosts. They did everything they could to ensure we made the most of our stay. The cabin is kitted out as a fisherman’s delight but that doesn’t detract at all from the fact they make a very comfortable and cosy place to stay. They are well equipped with extremely comfortable beds and hot showers. There's air on for hot days and a fire if it,s chilly though we needed neither during our stay as the cabins are very well insulated. Breakfasts were amazing, brought over to the cabin on a tray, scrambled eggs from their own hens with toast, marmalade, raspberry jam or honey and fresh orange juice. The perfect start to the day.

Nothing

The hosts are very available, knowledgeable about the area and friendly. The property was quiet and lovely to relax in. The cabin was very clean and very well appointed. We booked their electric bikes for a day to ride over to some cellar doors. And aside from a sore bottom from not being used to biking it was great fun! The delivered breakfasts were a special treat.

Slight disappointment that the pool was not available when we were there. A malfunction which could not be helped but it would have been appreciated after the bike ride.

Location, comfortable, homely, attention to detail

Nothing

Serenity

Quiet location in a beautiful garden. Very comfortable and high quality interior with lovely details. Very nice hosts making a very pleasant stay (serving breakfast). E-bikes provided for a ride to the coast. One of best acc. in 6 weeks NZ!

Nothing to complain

Accommodation and friendly welcoming hosts. The “man cave” and gardens are extraordinary.

Nothing

Breakfast was just what we needed

We were very happy with everything but when we booked we specified Blenheim and didn’t realise we were going to be in the middle of nowhere which in the end was very good

Everything, linen, amenities, quiet, beautiful garden, extremely hospitable hosts; these all made our stay very special. Would highly recommend.

Could not fault this place.

A lovely warm welcome, made to feel at home immediately. Accommodation was perfect, everything you could want. Lots of great advice about where to go what to eat, one of the highlights of our 1 month road trip.

Nothing

The hosts built two wonderful cottages about 5 years ago. They are spacious and very tastefully decorated. Bed is super comfortable. The grounds have lovely gardens. The hosts brought breakfast to our cottage in the morning which was great. The nearby town has great restaurants. The Retreat is a bit off the main road, but that makes the seclusion all the better. You will see sheep out the back window! If you want a first class experience in the heart of wine country, this is the place to be!

Setting and gardens are beautiful. Cabins are well appointed, roomy and comfortable. Our hosts were a fun, lovely couple who made our stay even better. Can’t say enough good things about the whole experience. Highly recommend.

Breakfast served on time and in style. Grounds were pretty. Owners were gregarious and accomodating.

Great cabins, full of character, in beautiful setting , and most importantly Dave and Helen made us really welcome

Nothing

Extremely hospitable hosts and immaculately presented, slightly quirkily themed accomodations. Great spot to stop or stay a while and handy to berry farms north of Blenheim.

Lovely views, service, and facilities!

Spectacular place with beautiful views and very clean fantastic amenities all you need is there for a family.

Great location very cosy and beautiful set up would definitely be back in future….

farm animals, trees and flowers, quiet, good proximity to town, detailed themed decoration, nice facilities

Towels were not soft (maybe softener wasn’t used by accident)

Everything. The accomodation is well thought out and well situated in a beautiful garden setting. Care and attention to detail is shown in the individually themed cabins. The hosts were warm and welcoming and more than willing to share their special property with their guests.

Yummy scrambled eggs for breakfast - garden setting was idyllic, peaceful rural location and hosts were welcoming and friendly

It was quiet and peaceful in BEATUIFUL surroundings and only 10 minutes to the centre of Blenheim. The cabin was cleverly themed with lots of interesting artefacts as well as modern amenities. A delicious cooked breakfast was delivered each morning. The large bed was very comfortable giving us some of the best nights sleeps we’ve had in a long while. We awoke each morning to the sounds of birdsong and sheep bleating. Our hosts were very welcoming and suggested places to visit, each day, which we wouldn’t have known about or thought of going to. The Jolly Poacher couldn’t have been more perfect.

Nothing it was just perfect.