Waipoua Lodge

Die sehr freundlichen Gastgeber Eric und Karen. Das Essen war hervorragend. Der Service perfekt. Die ruhige Lage.

The hosts were wonderful people Karen and Eric made me feel very much at home my apartment was amazing the gardens were so beautiful and well kept The food was excellent 👌

We recently spent 2 nights at the lodge and wished we had more! Karen and Eric were perfect hosts and made us very welcome. Eric is also a great chef and Karen very attentive with drinks. All meals were delicious & beautifully presented. The Woolshed was very spacious & well equipped. So peaceful & a great bed!

Had a wonderful night at the beautiful Waipoua Lodge. The property is stunning, the rooms beautiful, the food delicious and the hosts, Karen and Eric, lovely and welcoming. I stayed in The Calf Pen, which had a delightful view from the living area, bedroom and outside sitting area. The room was immaculate with every amenity you could wish for. The entire property is so peaceful and quiet, add to that an extremely comfortable bed, and you are guaranteed a blissful night’s sleep. The dinner in the evening was delicious, beautifully prepared and presented with lovely flavours, and breakfast in the morning was plentiful, making sure I was ready to continue my journey. All up a lovely way to finish my trip to the Northland. I will definitely stay again on my next journey to the area.

Previous excellent reviews are all spot on. We had a delightful two night stay last month. Our accommodation was faultless, extremely comfortable with an outdoor sitting area facing the forest. The kitchen area had all you could possibly need. Karen & Eric were the most welcoming hosts. They are a fantastic team - Eric is a seriously impressive chef, while Karen compliments him well with great front of house help, advice and friendly conversation. It is only a 15 minute drive to the famously large and old Kauri trees, something that should not be missed while in the area. Another 15 minutes beyond that the Hokianga Harbour area is well worth exploring too. It was a shame with hindsight we only had two nights at this outstanding lodge.

We enjoyed a truly exceptional 4 night visit to the Waipoua Lodge. Our hosts Karen and Eric were very gracious and welcoming. The accommodations are lovely, charming, very clean, elegant, comfortable, restful and full of local history. The grounds are beautiful. The food is awesome - Eric is an amazing chef. It is a place to savor and enjoy. We would recommend staying at least 2 nights to fully luxuriate in the surroundings, to enjoy Eric’s culinary talents, and to explore all that the surrounding area has to offer. Karen and Eric were very helpful with ideas for exploring. In sum - just stupendous. We ended our 3 week trip with this stay and the Waipoua Lodge was by far the best part of our trip.

People and Place are equally excellent

We stayed with Karen and Eric for three wonderful nights, a warm welcome and a very comfortable, well equipped suite made for a thoroughly enjoyable stay. With the help of our hosts, we explored this fascinating area, a highlight was the night walk to the Kauri Forest. There was plenty to do and see in this unspoilt region before returning to the lodge to enjoy the peace and tranquility, the gardens, sunset and Eric's outstanding cooking. We had the best time, it was everything we hoped for and more. Thank you for making us so welcome, you have created a very special place and we hope to return. Beverley and Martijn van Buuren, Cambridge UK.

Such a lovely stop while making our way around the North Island of New Zealand. The hosts couldn’t be lovelier - so attentive and personable. We felt as if we were a welcome guest in their home. The food was very good - surprising for a small place such as this. Dinner was three course and just perfect. Breakfast was hearty and super tasty. I would definitely recommend if you are in the area and looking for lodging. Cheers!!

A wonderfully historic lodge with many fascinating old implements used in agriculture and forestry displayed around the premises. Karen and Eric were lovely hosts and very welcoming. They took over the property fairly recently, Karen having worked in hospitality and Eric in catering and they are absolutely perfect as a team for running the establishment. Eric has much experience as a chef and the breakfasts and dinners were mouth watering, flavoursome and beautifully presented. A good range of wines at modest pricing are available. Our room was most comfortable. The grounds and woodland walk are well worth exploring.

What a delightful find on so many fronts. Sitting in the midst of the Kauri National Forest Waipoua Lodge has been beautifully restored in a sympathetic manner to reflect its history as a early 20th century sheep station whilst offering tastefully decorated and very comfortable contemporary accommodation. Spacious suites with private verandas (we had the original ‘wool shed’) furnished with plenty of well considered comforts to make the stay relaxing and enjoyable. Husband and wife team, Karen and Eric offer the warmest of welcomes as well as a very good dinner menu accompanied by some great NZ wine choices. Breakfast was a very civilised affair and we were even offered a lovely picnic lunch to see us through our day exploring the local forests, parks and coastline. This boutique hotel is a gem of a place and a absolute must if you’re visiting the area

My wife and I spent a night while driving to the Bay of Islands on vacation. Eric and Karen were the most pleasant, gracious hosts you could ask for. Our cabin suite was outstanding, comfortable, well appointed, clean and comfortable. The large garden is glorious. Dinner and breakfast were to die for. We both had lamb for the dinner main course and recommend it highly. Eric is a master chef. In the evening we took a guided walk of the Kaiuri forest and we highly recommend it.

Waipoua Lodge is a hidden treasure off the beaten track and so worth finding. The new owners are making it better than ever. Eric is a fantastic chef who clearly loves his work, and we feasted on his cilinary delights morning and evening. The best omelet ever for me and oh, the amazing 4 course dinners. Karen makes you feel so welcome, and her enthusiastic joy in being such a lovely host is refreshing. Lucy, the happy Dalmatian, loves her life there too. Our comfortable spacious cottage, the Stables had its original door and a sparkly stained glass window. There is a lot of interesting history to this venerable farm. The landscaping is impressive and don't miss the fantastic forest walk down through their extensive acreage. I enjoyed it multiple times. The huge ancient Kauri trees are all around including the biggest ones in nearby preserves. If you get a clear night there is no light pollution to hinder billion star views. For the most amazing Kauri furniture, carvings and history don't miss nearby Nelson's store. Breathtaking work. We wish we'd had more time at Waipoua Lodge.

Beautiful historical homestead set in lovely gardens. Suite was large and comfortable with its own veranda. Food and service was sensational.

Nothing really. A great place to stay, and only 20 minutes from the kauri forest.

Karen and Eric are marvellous hosts.We only stayed one night but wished it was longer as everything was so lovely. The rooms have great views over the manicured gardens. Eric is a great cook and did lamb to die for. If you get the chance stay here.

Absolutely everything! The lodge, the owners and the food were all exceptional

If you are in this area of New Zealand then this is the only option to stay, period. I don't think any other location could meet the entire level of comfort that Karen and Eric provide. From the moment we arrived until we parted it really felt like we were at home. An exceptional culinary experience is unbelievablly delicious, Eric's cooking is out of this world, even the breakfast is an absolute treat. Our room was extremely spacious, quiet and clean, the walk through their private rain forest is surreal and serene with a large diversity of plant life. Karen takes the time to meet and greet her customers and personalize the entire staying experience, her choice of music in the main building just adds a wonderful flair to the already complementary atmosphere. We would recommend everyone to stay here. Thanks Karen and Eric for everything, Robert & Waltraud from Germany

This is a wonderful property!! We would highly recommend it to anyone staying in the area. Karen and Eric were exceptional hosts. They were so accommodating and helpful in every way. Karen helped us plan our what we were to see and do during our stay. She even did a load of laundry for us! Eric is a master chef and all of our meals there, breakfasts and dinners were extraordinary. We had a two bedroom suite that was spotless and quite comfortable. Parking was right outside the door. The room had a large balcony looking out over the beautiful landscaped yard. There is a wonderful "jungle" walk right on the property - walking through it gives you the feeling of being far, far from civilization.

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Waipoua Lodge is a delight! We would highly recommend staying there to anyone traveling in the area. Karen and Eric are wonderful hosts. They were so helpful and accomodating in all respects. Karen helped us plan our time while in the northland telling us exactly how to find all of the awesome sights. She even did a load of laundry for us. This was so very unexpected and so much appreciated. Eris is a master chef and all of our meals there - two four course dinners and two breakfasts - were awesome! The property is gorgeous, so very lush and private. There is even a "jungle" walk which makes you feel so far away from civilization. Our room was a large two bedroom suite with a huge balcony and comfy chairs overlooking the gardens. The room was spotless and well appointed. The bed was quite comfortable. We truly enjoyed our stay and meeting Karen and Eric. They are so warm and enthusiastic about their guests and their property.

Karen and Eric provided a wonderful stay in a very well appointed suite that was spotlessly clean, with the most comfortable bed. Dinner was a culinary delight and breakfast was both delicious and generous.

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We booked the lodge months ago due to its proximity to the Waipoua Forest. We were completely blown away by the property, the hosts, our accommodations and the FOOD! Karen and Eric have thought of everything. Our room was perfectly appointed, the grounds are beautiful and our dinner and breakfast were fabulous. In fact, my husband says his dinner was the best he's ever had in New Zealand. Karen provide the best suggestions on what to do before our arrival and things to do as we continued on with our travels. Don't hesitate to book - it's a gem and you will love the whole experience. And don't forget to go out at night and look at the stars. Just amazing.

We loved the serenity of the lodge and the very thoughtful service from the hosts.

Having to leave.

Our stay at Waipoua Lodge was wonderful. The lodge is super comfortable and we loved our ‘Tack Room’. It is in a peaceful forest setting, with lovely garden and we enjoyed sitting on our private deck looking out to the forest. The hosts, Karen and Eric, are welcoming, knowledgeable about the area and ready with suggestions about visiting local attractions. Eric’s food is delicious and I can strongly recommend eating dinner at the lodge. Breakfast was yummy too. The tables in the dining area allow for private dining. It’s up to you if you want to strike up a conversation with another table of diners. The lodge is very conveniently located for going on Kauri Forest walks and exploring the coastal areas near by. One of my favourite places to stay in NZ!

Everything , hosts and property amazing , nothing too much for them and just a lovely couple and adorable dog too !

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Fantastic location, detached suites and marvellously friendly owners-staff !!

We had a lovely stay at Waipoua lodge where we stayed in the ‘Wool shed’. Had we had more time we would have stayed for longer. The room was very comfortable. Karen and Eric were very welcoming hosts who had a wealth of knowledge about the local area. Despite giving Eric very little notice he prepared a wonderful 3 course vegetarian dinner. The lodge is a great location for exploring the Kauri forests, which was one of the highlights of our trip If we are lucky enough to return to NZ we would definitely include a stay at Waipoua lodge on our itinerary. Thank you very much for a wonderful stay Karen and Eric.

The most beautiful and historically interesting place you will stay. We had the 'Woolshed' lodge which is set almost to the side of the gated, privately situated, hot tub (robes provided) and gardens. It had it's own balcony, front and side, to look out onto the gardens and bush trail. Beautiful gardens in every direction. The lodge was decorated and furnished to the highest standard with every comfort accounted for. Nice welcome pack explains the history of the place and the background of the present owners, who are lovely and full of information on what to do, visit etc. Milk, chocolates/cookies in the fridge. There was a kettle and microwave available although fine dining was on offer at the main house for extra cost, there is a bar also, this is truly a luxury lodge so be prepared to treat yourselves, it is so worth it. Breakfast is included and could not be faulted. We sat in the sunny day room although the main dining was in the sumptuous dining area next to the lounge. Lots of extras here like games and books and historical photos and artefacts. The owners go out of their way to make your stay special. They had red torches available to enable you to go to the Trounson Kauri park at night to look for kiwis as you walk on the boardwalk. Safe but spooky! We heard them (surprisingly loud) and was lucky enough to see one eating right by the side of the walkway! Also glow worms. Being right in the Waipoua forest the roads are slow and winding, an adventure in itself and luckily very quiet to travel on, especially at night as not lit. Kauri trees are the main attraction around this area and you are able to view the magnificent oldest 3000 yr old tree Te Matua Ngahere , father of the forest, nearby but not the tallest 2500 yr old tree Te Waonui o Tane, the God of the forest, as it was damaged and is closed for now. The twilight Maori stargazing trips in connection with this main legendary tree are also off for now (Dec 2024) The Kauri museum is worth a visit for the history of gum digging and Maori legends of the area connected to the trees. A really relaxing stay and only wished we had booked longer than the 2 nights. Would definitely recommend and wish the owners every success in the future. Thank you Karen and Eric a fantastic visit.

The lodge is a lovely historic home with 4 separate guest cottages. A stay here helps you imagine what it was like for the early European settlers. We stayed in the Wool Shed that was extremely comfortable with a delightful private veranda (as well as a living room, dining area with mini kitchen, bedroom, separate loft bedroom, and comfortable bath). The buildings are historic but very comfortable. The gardens are spectacular. The walk through their regenerative Kauri 4.5 hectare reserve is peaceful. The spa is private and delightful. Eric makes an excellent dinner and breakfast. Karen is a lovely, informative Kiwi hostess. The surrounding rural area was interesting, especially the Kauri forests.

dinner, breakfast excellent. room large and comfortable.

We enjoyed every bit of our stay. Thanks to our great hosts Fiona and Ann, we learned a lot about live in that area, had a guided tour to meet Tana Mahuta and his siblings and also found the way to Aranga beach, not to forget wonderful breakfasts and excellent dinner. Thank you again!

Loved everything. Ann and Fiona were wonderful.

Just a fabulous place to stay. Had a gorgeous 2-room suite. The hosts are wonderful and went above and beyond to meet our special dietary requirements and to give us suggestions re what to see in the area. There's even a lovely little bushwalk on the property, and we saw a ruru (native owl) land right in front of the living room ... a very special experience.

Fantastic breakfast cooked to perfection. Dinners were lovely. Kumara (sweet potato) soup was delightful. Hosts were very welcoming and helpful. A lovely b&b in a very peaceful location. Very close to all the essential travel spots nearby; Kauri forests, Kai Iwi Lakes, Aranga Beach and Oponini. Dargaville was also driveable. We used it as a base to make mini day trips from and this worked quite well. Brand new spa pool was really nice. Old school trampoline was great for the kids. Lots of board games if it is a bit wet outside as well as a vast DVD collection. Chef was able to cater for children who have a gluten free diet so that was nice too.

The loft area for the kids beds in the room we stayed in was quite high, so maybe consider that if you have younger children.

very clean and comfortable rooms

Waipoua Lodge exceeded all our expectations. The website photos are good, yet don't quite do it justice. Not sure how one would capture this place in pictures. From the arrival greeting by Ann to the gourmet dinner prepared by Fiona, we were constantly impressed. The quality and cleanliness of the rooms were superb. We spent time after dinner in the jacuzzi, which was a welcome treat. Our only regret was just spending one night. It is a place to unwind and experience nature. There is also an extensive library and many many videos for additional entertainment. Everything was first class. The lodge guests were international - from Germany, Switzerland, France, and the U.S. Makes for interesting interchanges if desired. Tane Mahuta is a short drive away. Treat yourself and be sure to stay at Waipoura Lodge. It's a true delight.

Staying longer.

Leider wirken die Außenbereiche in Teilen etwas ungepflegt (Spinnweben, vermodertes Mobiliar, und auf unserer Terrasse hätte mal gekehrt werden müssen)