Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 111 reviews.
David
United Kingdom · Couple · November 2026
“Perfect glow worm stay: fully equipped, fresh cakes, and friendly sheep!”
+We had an amazing time at Mel’s Retreat,in fact, we loved it so much that we stayed twice during our trip in October! It was the ideal base for visiting the nearby glow worm caves. Mel was wonderfully accommodating with our late arrival, and the room was simply perfect. It had literally everything we could ever need, right down to delicious fresh cakes waiting for us in the fridge. Many other accommodations could learn a lot from Mel about thoughtful hospitality and anticipating every detail. To top it all off, saying hello to the lovely sheep just outside while enjoying our morning coffee was an absolute delight. Highly recommend!
−Nothing
David
United Kingdom · Couple · November 2026
“Mel’s Retreat was the perfect glow worm base,wonderfully equipped, with fresh cakes, friendly sheep,”
+We had an amazing time at Mel’s Retreat,in fact, we loved it so much that we stayed twice during our trip in October! It was the ideal base for visiting the nearby glow worm caves. Mel was wonderfully accommodating with our late arrival, and the room was simply perfect. It had literally everything we could ever need, right down to delicious fresh cakes waiting for us in the fridge. Many other accommodations could learn a lot from Mel about thoughtful hospitality and anticipating every detail. To top it all off, saying hello to the lovely sheep just outside while enjoying our morning coffee was an absolute delight. Highly recommend!
−Nothing
andrew
New Zealand · Couple · October 2026
“Awesome.”
+Mel and her Husband were wonderful as was their dog and horses. Their home was lovely, just as we like it, away from the hordes in a wonderful town with lovely views and a fantastic place with everything you'd possibly want, even down to the chocolate, wonderful!
−Absolutely nothing.
Bret
Australia · Couple · September 2026
“Thanks Mel. We enjoyed our stay.”
+Everything, a very chilled environment.
−Nothing!
Sarah
Australia · Group of friends · September 2026
“Great spot for a good nights rest and refuel”
+Lovely location, clean and comfortable. Great range of cooking and eating items provided included a range of snacks and breakfast products - so handy when you are travelling around North Island
Rebecca
Australia · Family · August 2026
“Not recommended for Families. Couldn't wait to leave. Won't be back.”
+The view was nice
−No space for any personal belongings on any surface. No place to put bags (think family room with family bags). 1 bag stand in the wardrobe. Family 'deluxe' room is a busy mismatch of trinkets and unusable items. Fake plant in bathroom, trinkets and unusable candles on windowsills that just get in the way when you try to put blinds down. Battery powered tea candles on outside table all have flat batteries. Outside toaster and egg cooker dirty, egg cooker wet and unclean. We did not use either. Both were sitting awkwardly on a barrel that they didn't fit on. There's nowhere to charge devices. We had to get behind one of the bedside tables to unplug a light and plug in an adapter. Fridge and microwave outside. It didn't look great pulling up to it. The main bed creaks at the slightest movement or large breath, so waking children up is easy. Water pressure in the shower is low. The toilet blocked on first use for no reason, but given it was around 7pm when this happened, there was no real option for help. No air flow, couldn't find air con remote in the busy room. Crammed in breakfast coffee/tea station in corner between bed and wardrobe with breakfast items crammed on to tiny indoor
Lydia
New Zealand · Couple · August 2026
“So cute & cozy just ensure you know what you’re choosing!”
+I liked the coziness it was well thought out and super cute and lots of effort put into the place
−I didn’t like the deceiving way of the photos layout I thought I was paying for the big beautiful marble shower but got the tiny bedroom one which I mean probably my own fault for not understanding but the photos were a bit deceptively placed on the website in that sense all in all it was fine however it smelt as though no one had slept in the bed for a long time very musty smelling.
Mels
New Zealand · Couple · July 2026
“This place had everything you could need. Lots of self serve breakfast items. Was really cute”
+this is a Kiwi classic stay
−Everything was great but the bed very soft so if you have a dodgy back, beware. I was a little cold too - some extra wool blanket be nice
James
New Zealand · Family · June 2026
+Lovely Hosts
Blakeley
United States · Solo · June 2026
“Mel’s place took us in last minute and made our short stay very comfortable. Wish we could have stayed longer!”
+Lovely home with a beautiful view.
−NA