We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Waipoua Lodge

5.0 of 5
4748 State Highway 12, Waipoua Forest 0376, New Zealand
Hotel website
Hotel amenities
Offers & Announcements
FREE Cooking Class
Waipoua Lodge
Which Waipoua Forest hotels are on sale?
See hotels
Write a Review

74 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    73
    0
    1
    0
    0
Date Rating
Twin waters
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

We stayed 3 nights at Waipoua Lodge mid April. From the moment we arrived until the day we reluctantly left, we enjoyed wonderful hospitality, delicious meals and informed and entertaining commentary on the local area. This is a special part of the world and Fran and Ian enhanced our holiday experience with their commitment to ensuring that we enjoyed a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Charlottesville
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

My partner and I booked a 3 night stay at Waipoua Lodge this past Febuary. We had been touring the northern island by car for several days and arrived at the lodge on the 14th, knocked at the door and we were greeted by Fran. We actually arrived a day early by mistake (let's just call it jetlag) but Fran... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

Waipoua Lodge, Fran and Ian create the perfect environment for learning, culinary excellence, warm hospitality, and wonderful senses of humor. Their energy and attention to detail was boundless. My daughter and I were hoping that we could unpack our bags and stay forever. The region is breathtaking, so plan an extra day! We miss you Fran and Ian!

Was this review helpful? Yes
FoodieF55, Owner at Waipoua Lodge, responded to this review
15 April 2013

Thank you for your lovely review and we are delighted you would have liked to have stayed forever! We consider ourselves custodians of a very special and historic 'grand old lady' which has been looking after travellers for 100 years and as you say the region is breathtaking, so more than one night can definitely provide an even more inspiring... More

Phoenix
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

The Waipoua Lodge is absolutely delightful! We highly recommend it as a "must stay" for those traveling to the Waipoua Forest on the North Island. Expertly run by Fran and Ian, we could not have had a better stay. The lodge included suites and separate quarters from the main lodge. The suite was very clean, comfortable and spacious, with plenty... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
FoodieF55, Owner at Waipoua Lodge, responded to this review
15 April 2013

Thank you so much for writing your first review on TripAdvisor and for it to be about Waipoua Lodge. What a wonderful and comprehensive review and we really appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to do this. When your agent booked with us they said how much you enjoyed walking and hiking and we were delighted that... More

Orbost, Australia
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
12 hotel reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2013

We stayed two nights in the Woolshed Room which was large, comfortable and clean. Fran and Ian were great hosts so much so that you felt you were staying with friends. Frans food was great especially considering the problem of distance from suppliers. Ian took us on a trip to see the big trees and told us a lot about... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
FoodieF55, Owner at Waipoua Lodge, responded to this review
5 April 2013

Thank you for your really great account of your stay with us. You are right that one of the lovely things about only having a few suites is the ability for our guests to get to know each other and share stories about their travels. As you say we have a few stories to tell aswell! So pleased you enjoyed... More

Rochester, United Kingdom
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 April 2013

Waipoua Lodge was the highlight of our three week 'holiday of a lifetime' in New Zealand. We had underestimated the beauty of the kauri coast and were really grateful to Fran and Ian for their account of the local environment and for suggesting all the 'must' places to visit. We were only able to stay one night at the Lodge,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
FoodieF55, Owner at Waipoua Lodge, responded to this review
5 April 2013

What can we say but thank you for your very kind comments - we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to the day when we can once again welcome you to Waipoua Lodge and the amazing environment that is the Kauri Coast. Kind regards Ian & Fran More

Tokyo, Japan
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
25 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2013

We stayed at the Waipoua Lodge in December 2012. I have been meaning to write this review for some time so apologies for its delay. We decided upon Waipoua based on the amazing reviews. It was a difficult decision whether to stay here due to the cost. However, we had a wonderful stay. We drove up from Auckland stopping at... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
FoodieF55, Owner at Waipoua Lodge, responded to this review
21 March 2013

Thank you for your lovely review and for recommending guests stay with us. It is an ongoing challenge to us to ensure that Waipoua Lodge provides excellent value for money. With only four suites, a remote ancient forest location and old historical buildings to maintain it is not easy, but at the same time our limited number of suites ensures... More

Montreal, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 March 2013

With a long history of sheltering travellers, this historic home, once a sheep farm, has made itself a place amongst the best of the New Zealand lodges.The accolades from other travellers say it all. We would simply add that the hosts, Ian and Fran, are genuinely interested in their guests, personalise their recommendations for your itinerary based on excellent local... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
FoodieF55, Owner at Waipoua Lodge, responded to this review
13 March 2013

Thank you for your wonderful review and we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us at the historic Waipoua Lodge - we see ourselves as custodians of a very special place, steeped in history of the early pioneering days of not only Northland, but New Zealand. The ambience of the lodge and the ancient kauri forest is truly... More

Melbourne, Australia
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 March 2013

Fran's friendly greeting in the carpark was the start of a wonderful stay. We had visited all of their suggested places and walks in the Waipoua Forest on our way. This is a haven of beautiful surroundings, exceptional food ( cooked by Fran ) and wonderful matched wines (selected by Ian). Fran and Ian provided a comfortable balance between professional... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
FoodieF55, Owner at Waipoua Lodge, responded to this review
6 March 2013

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are very grateful to our many guests who have posted positive reviews which have earned us our Travellers' Choice Award in three categories - Best Luxury Hotel, Best Small Hotel and Best Service. Ian and I are committed to creating a memorable guest experience in every aspect of what we do... More

auckland
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2013

We had been on the road all day and had heard about the lodge with the fabulous food we were heading to from my parents who had stayed there previously and were travelling with us for a second visit. There were four adults and four children under 10 in our party and the hosts Fran and Ian couldn't have done... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Wai Hou Oma Lodge
Great value on a similar hotel
Dargaville, Northland Region
4.5 of 5 stars 20 Reviews
Check Rates
Still looking for a hotel?
Highly rated hotels in or near Waipoua Forest
Family-friendly
Cook\
Cook's Lookout Motel 4.5 of 5 stars 546 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d255625?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Also consider these accommodations in or near Waipoua Forest
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokiang... 4.0 of 5 stars 197 reviews Wai Hou Oma Lodge 4.5 of 5 stars 20 reviews Opononi Hotel Limited 3.5 of 5 stars 31 reviews Peppers Carrington Resort 4.5 of 5 stars 47 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d563303?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d2059794?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d257257?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d278779?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 1 hotels in Waipoua Forest, ranked by popularity

Been to Waipoua Lodge? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Waipoua Lodge

Address: 4748 State Highway 12, Waipoua Forest 0376, New Zealand
Phone Number:
Region: New Zealand > North Island > Waipoua Forest
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Children Activities Kitchenette Restaurant Room Service Suites Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 1 hotels in Waipoua Forest
Price range (per night): INR26,529 - 31,999
Hotel Class:5 star (5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Experience true New Zealand hospitality. Waipoua Lodge - creating a memorable guest experience. Waipoua Lodge is a little piece of luxury etched in history where you can experience true New Zealand hospitality whilst travelling Northland’s Twin Coast Discovery Highway. This circular route provides two diverse coastlines which offer in just one region, so much of the natural environment which is our beautiful Aotea-roa (land of the long white cloud). Nestled on a ridge overlooking the vast Waipoua Forest – home of the ancient and iconic kauri trees, Waipoua Lodge offers relaxing, warm and authentic New Zealand hospitality and the perfect location from which to explore the beautiful and often undiscovered Kauri Coast - Pathway to Northland and Naturally New Zealand’s Ancient, Eco & Cultural Destination. With the mixture of yesteryear in the old Kauri lodge, home to artefacts from the Kauri logging era, to the four acres of garden and tranquil bush walk surrounded by pasture and forest … you will be inspired and all within an easy 3 hour drive from Auckland. If you have a love of food, cooking and entertaining, then dining at Waipoua Lodge will be an experience to remember. Spending some time with host and chef Fran in the kitchen could simply be the ‘cream on your dessert!’ ... more   less 

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Waipoua Lodge, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing