Highland Lodge

Everything was amazing , clean, tidy and very helpful, beautiful location

Was nothing to dislike

cream of the crop, lovely host max, with a beautiful lodge. couldn't ask for more cozy, comfortable, and how it should be done. this is the level of what a stay should be. thanks max. 😊 look forward to staying again.

Design de l’hébergement et la gentillesse de Max.

Everything!

Nothing

Great accommodation and reception by the host.

Cockroaches in our room. No reception but that was the idea, but at the same it's a bit scary as we didn't know the host properly. After talked to him longer we realised he is a great and reliable man.

Everything

Nothing

Beautiful apartments and beautiful forest and towns

Nothing

主人Max人很親切，溫暖，對居住的環境很用心，環保，還養了可愛的高地牛

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Loved this place. Quiet, no access to internet, just the chance to relax and chill. Beautiful accomodation and surroundings and a very sociable host.

Nothing. All worked well.

Remote and accessible location - ideal for hiking in Karangehake Gorge area. Simple elegant design - single storey well designed modern glass & local wood building - blended in beautifully with surrounding bush. Incredibly well thought-out sustainable systems with careful attention to detail in use of local materials, clever eco solar energy, heating and water systems. Plus wonderful high quality furnishings from around the world. And owner Max is a gem full of lots of stories about NZ, leadership and living with nature.

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The location is wonderful. Very off-grid, so a great place to un-plug from your daily grind and soak in the natural surroundings. Beautiful walks and swimming holes nearby, and Waihi is only a short drive away to stock up. The highland cows are fun. Learn to read again.

Pack some sandfly spray for the evenings when you help to feed the cows

The location, the rooms, the continental breakfast and the best host Max

A great designed building in a native bush environment. Bush walks and cycle trails nearby. Very relaxing and we didn't miss the internet!

Being off grid in the Bush, surrounded by birds and the gentle highland cows

An incredible lodge that felt more like a perfect home thanks to Max. All the attention to detail in each room was beautiful

We wish we could have stayed forever :) leaving was the worst part

Max was a great host overall, the bedroom, flooring materials and bed were exceptionally comfortable as with the linens, towels and bathrooms all 5 star plus quality and comfort. A very high quality building and rooms made for a luxury stay and an escape from internet, television, communications and wifi to aid personal relaxation. An outdoor heated hot tub to relax before bed also aided relaxation. The fresh breakfast offering was also excellent with fresh fruits and juices.

A coffee machine and fresh coffee beans would make the stay a little better and compliment the breakfast provided.

Exceptional modern lodge but fully off the grid facility. Great for a relaxing retreat but close to Local towns and beaches Very friendly host

Sehr ruhige und idyllische Unterkunft mit sehr moderner Ausstattung. Max, der Gastgeber, war unglaublich hilfsbereit und das Frühstück war super! Wir kommen auf jeden Fall wieder.

Peace and quiet. Birdsong and our hist Max was wonderful. It was just what our travelling soul needed.

It was superb - nothing to report.

Very accommodating, super comfy bed, beautiful bathtub and spa, adorable highland cows

The property was absolutely lovely — a peaceful retreat nestled in nature. I loved how you’re completely surrounded by trees, birdsong, and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife. It felt like a world away from the noise of everyday life, offering a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors that’s hard to find. Just being there made it easy to relax and breathe.

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Breakfast was great. Everything you could want.

No bedside light!

Loved the scenery, peace & quiet. Beautiful rooms that were well designed, interior was superb 👌 Beautiful place to switch off and relax as there is no reception. Host was accommodating and full of recommendations of where to eat and explore. Wine, chocolates and fresh fruit were waiting for your arrival. The outdoor spa bath was amazing and the beautiful Highland cows too.

Unfortunately there was no heating in the rooms, so if your going in the cooler months make sure to bring some warm pjs, slippers & dressing gown. A hot bath or shower will sure warm you up.

Bedroom with private bathroom along with the common area were amazing. Very modern and spacious and extremely well furnished. Wine, fruit and home made short bread on arrival. Delicious breakfast provided. Definitely value for money.

There is so much to love about this property. However if I had to give any negative feedback it would be this: it seems that the common area - lounge, fireplace, kitchen and dining area all combined (which is an amazing space)- are also used personally by the owner who is very chatty. I am just making this comment so that other guests are aware this is the case. If you want to spend the evening at the fireplace chatting just to your partner this may not be possible. Also there is not internet or phone service. This may sound a good idea but in reality it is not very practical.

Our stay was absolutely amazing! Max and Shelley were so kind and inviting - we had many lovely chats each morning. Breakfast contained many options such as pastries, muesli, yoghurt, toast and fruit. The entire place is beautifully designed, so cozy and always spotless. It is surrounded by bushy mountains, an incredible river, and a swim-able waterfall just down the road. The cows are just so cute! Highland lodge is in the perfect location, allowing you to be surrounded by New Zealand's nature but still only be 10min from the local town and 20min from the beach. There is little to no service here - although this was a positive for us as it allowed us to disconnect and embrace the area around us. We loved every minute of our stay! Thank you Max and Shelley :))

We loved everything!

Breakfast was perfect, all the little extra details, beautifully presented. Most comfortable Bed I have ever slept in, apart from my own bed. Stunning lodge, bueatifully apointted. Max, the host was wonderful company too. Complementary bottle of wine of choice, fresh fruit and homemade treats to top up

Honestly nothing! Highly Recommended

It was very cleverly designed, very spacious, very clean and modern. Good location The hosts were exceptionally nice. Totally eco frienldy.

The hosts were very friendly and the rooms were large and well furnished.

Absolutely nothing.

Be aware, no WiFi or TV. Stay was excellent, and host Max, made it wonderful with excellent breakfest. Thanks

Magnificent location. Only downside was no access to the internet and no cell phone coverage.

Above

Stunning location convincingly next to the Hauraki Rail trail if you are cycling the same.

Phone reception is poor in the area due to the topography - mountainous

Amazing property, beautifully fitted out and there are the cutest highland cows in the paddock next door. The booking came with a bottle of wine and breakfast, the owner took care of us so well. We will definitely be keen to return!

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Beautifully designed home in restful surrounds. The room was generous with a delightful bathroom sliding doors opening to outdoor aspect.

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This property is "off grid" ie no wifi and no mobile reception. We had not registered this, and had to delay our catch up with work. However once we got our heads around it, we loved it. Good for the soul.

Nothing really, it was a really special place with helpful friendly hosts

Modern and attractive accommodation. Spacious and relaxed.

A tasty but simple breakfast.

Super clean, beautifully decorated. Best bath ever! The fruit and complimentary bottle of wine was great. Perfect overnight if you want to relax away from the city. Had a little bunny come say hello. The host, Max was excellent.

No mobile reception

love our stay! It's such a peaceful place and the host was nice. Thanks for the breakfast 😊

Nothing

Layout, size of room and bathroom, bed linen etc very good. Breakfast and hospitality excellent.

Everything! Our hosts and their property are exceptional, the room was very comfy and we loved our getaway!

Nothing. (But be prepared to be disconnected with no Internet available in the area)

Nestled in green hills. Calm surroundings with possibility to see Highland cattle, rabbits, etc. Waking up to Tui birds singing. Clean facilities all around. Great conversations with Max, who is super knowledgeable and can answer most of your questions about NZ and the surrounding area. Delicious breakfast options. Loved the fact that there is no internet reception, just being present in the moment.

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The facilities are excellent! Max, host, is an absolute star. We will be back!!

There was nothing to dislike!

Beautiful, tranquil setting in the Waikino area. Very comfortable with stylish decor and amenities.

There is no wifi and very limited mobile phone coverage. So guests need to be comfortable with being off the grid for the duration of their stay.

Max is a great host, but it sounds like his boss drives him pretty hard,(he probably needs the structure). Lovely home with comfortable rooms overlooking a beautiful setting. It's a little slice of heaven.

The view was absolutely stunning! Such a big, beautiful house as well with a lovely owner. Great location. Got to see the highland cattle next to the house. Just such a relaxing experience, we would definitely go back!

Honestly I couldn’t fault it, my partner wanted the internet a couple of times to check how far away things were but there was no internet, some like myself find that peaceful others don’t haha.

the location is absolutely incredible - really beautiful lodge with all necessary amenities. Great opportunities to walk in the immediate neighborhood and to explore the gold-mining past of the region. The hosts, Max and Shelly were terrific and we had great conversations -- this helped us to better understand the "kiwi-ness" ... thx for that Max and Shelly !!!

well ... it is the ideal location for a complete de-tox of social media / connectivity ... but with no internet and no cell coverage, it feels a bit "isolated" now a day ... but, the hosts made up for that ... :-)

Peace and quiet, space and surroundings incredible hosts all in a beautiful area which you could lose yourself in. Many thanks Max and Shelly

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Very kind and welcoming hosts! The easy access to the Karangahake trail and the trail itself, amazing

Perhaps also a pro, but there's no internet around here.

Beautiful location, great room and comfy bed.

Breakfast was a bit plain.

Beautiful scenery, accommodation and wildlife plus awesome hosts

Nothing

This beautiful modern house is situated in the forest, where you immidiately forget about all of your day to day problems. The room was clean and very comfortable. The host was very kind and helpful. We absolutly enjoyed our stay and we would 100% recommend!

The room is so clean and comfortable. Love the bedding and the service is exceptional. Highly recommended!

First Class -wonder selection of food Amazing building very cool and stylish.

This lodge is off the grid. no tv no internet no phone cover This is not a problem if you your family need a break from distraction.

A luxurious way to experience the tranquility of New Zealand’s bush and nature. Max was a font of knowledge about the local area and the bush. A wonderful host. Facilities are exceptional and we felt exceedingly comfortable throughout our stay.

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Stunning views, SUPER comfortable room, luxurious bedding and facilities. Highly, highly recommend if you need a space of zen, and comfort away from home. We left feeling well-rested and well catered for. Thanks Max!

Absolutely nothing, will definitely return!