Te Mahuru Retreat — Hotel in Kaikōura

I was disappointed when I went to this place - I booked through booking.com and it comes across as a nice, premium retreat to hang out for a night or a few. Barely 3 stars in reality.

Residence is an old house, as were the rooms - that were poky, small, with a tiny TV. You’re in the middle of nowhere about 10 minutes out of town, not walkable distance to restaurants or shops. The owner is uninterested, backed up by the ‘self check in process’ with all guests names on a whiteboard assigned to a room. In order to get food, if you paid for breakfast to be included, you must attend a mandatory ‘communal breakfast’ with owner/host and all other guests.

For the price of $269 NZD I was expecting a lot more. I realised after reading some other reviews this wasn’t going to be an enjoyable stay for me, I was able to get a King room cheaper at a 4 star hotel (Sudima), near the centre of Kaikoura - for only $239 NZD.

Unless you had kids who will enjoy the location, playground and farm atmosphere, I’d recommend steering clear of this place - it’s not like the photos on booking websites. Furthermore the owner advertised their dogs as being friendly, but I literally had one growling at me going to and from my vehicle a few times - what a pleasant way to be greeted. They were no threat physically (tiny) and I was wearing motorcycle gear, however it could be scary for a child.

Told owner I wasn’t happy or impressed, that I left and they still charged me, 2/3 of total, in light of short notice -...

Is is a retreat in as much that it is on farmland . Our stay was unfortunate as we were expecting a top quality luxury retreat.We we’re allowed to check in early which was something . It is in fact a B & B in someone’s home . A little work needed on toilet seats,the hot tubs jets not all working , window catches broken and door handle repairs a bit raw! . The established garden is probably the only part that stands out . The owner is busy with how many internet reviews she has and she maybe should spend more time thinking how to upgrade the quality of the breakfast and actually listen to clients. Yes the pup looks cute but we had paid extra for a comfortable luxury stay and found ourselves with a very small bathroom and bedroom with a small fridge . It was possible to make food in the communal kitchen were you so inclined . In contrast it was to thoughtful of the owners husband,who appeared from nowhere to offer us the chance to get tomatoes from the greenhouse had we wanted them . It is presented by the owner online as how she thought it should be . We have stayed in many places in the South Island at half the price with...

What a great place for an event! We rented the whole place and held a surprise 70th for my Mum at Te Mahuru. Unfortunately the weather meant the Whale Watch and helicopter lunch were cancelled, but the welcome at Te Mahuru was warm and wonderful. Jen was super helpful, provided extra umbrellas for the BBQ and outside seating, everything we needed to put on a meal for 20, helped with the planning and contacts. The lodge is lovely- gardens absolutely beautiful and rooms comfortable, clean and private. Extras like lawn games, indoor games, jacuzzi (it has it's own house!), breakfast etc were all fantastic. Everything is beautifully presented, and cleanliness is of the highest order! The cottage was fantastic- all the kids slept upstairs, with one adult couple in the bedroom. Gave us a space to be, prepare and organise away from the main area. Te Mahuru was the perfect place to plan an intimate celebration, felt like home,...