Rataview — Hotel in South Island

Had no idea what a gem we had booked here. Fantastic and versatile venue, whether to hold a wedding, spend a honeymoon or Wedding Anniversary (this was us) or enjoy a family retreat. This venue has it all. Wifi was good and strong. We were able to call home. The 180 degree views are to die for as are the sunsets. Only drawback of so much viewing glass area is no blinds to shut out the heat as the western sun beats in or the cold after the sun goes down. Fantastic large outdoor deck out front with two picnic tables and seats to one side and a fire pit to the other. Huge space inside with beds enough for eight. The bed was very uncomfortable. All the beds are designed to fold up against the walls. Disabled access with disabled size toilet and shower. Five toilets in total. Huge kitchen with two catering size gas stove tops with electric ovens. All cutlery, crockery and pots and pans supplied as well as cleaning equipment. Could not locate a chopping board anywhere. Laundry out back is seperate access. Space between bench and washing machine very narrow and difficult to get to the dryer and the light switch. Suggest doing away with the bench and putting a narrower cupboard with doors in which to store all the catering linens and towels etc as they are just sitting out on the bench to absorb moisture and get coated in dryer fluff. The whole place needs a good dose of pest control to eliminate the spiders. They are everywhere both inside and outside the windows, under furniture inside and out and up in the rafters above. Was paranoid one would come down on his web during the night. There are oodles of board games for families and DVDs and two TVs. Larger TV has good sound. Plenty of tables and chairs, plenty of easy chairs. And there is even a table tennis table for families. Also a gas fire which we didn't need to use and ceiling fans and fancy lights for the wedding atmosphere. Highly recommend this venue and would return again if we could afford to holiday in New Zealand again. Don't forget to bring your food supplies with you though, as the nearest decent size grocery store is in Greymouth 30...

Excellent place for rest, relaxation, and time out for yourself, i.e., quiet spending of time. The lodge (Rata cottage) is partly furnished: it has two bedrooms, a dining area, kitchen with cutlery, oven, refrigerator, large clean bathroom with toilet, and the place is cleaned daily.

Rata cottage is on the Hwy 6 linking Westport with Greymouth and about 16 kilometres south of Punakaiki and short distance away from the knife turning activity in Barrytown. There is no store nearby and you will have to carry everything with you (groceries, toiletries although there are soap and shampoo in the bathroom); definitely carry mosquito/sandfly repellent and depending on the time of the year, sunscreen. You can get a nice view of the sea from the balcony of Rataview but you can only get the glimpse of the sea from the dining area in Rata cottage. So, while booking, defiinitely ask for Rataview if you can; Rata cottage is nice as well (where we stayed and this review is about Rata cottage), but the view is much better...

Loved this little cottage on the hill with beautiful views of the sea and hills. Well stocked with most essentials except no washing machine. A short drive directly to the sea. Was able to see stars easily from the compound...