Kahere Retreat

A little slice of paradise here by the Potters Creek. Our cottage was so comfortable and well equipped. Hosts anticipated or took care of every need. You are just 5 minutes from town, yet it feels so peaceful and remote. Finish the day with a hot tub or sauna.

This was the worst place to stay (in our 2 month trip to New Zealand) and we left after 2 nights (although had booked 4). Not sure who created the term 2 bedroom chalet. Yes there were 2 bedrooms up some very very steep windy stairs. Could barely stand in the tiny bedrooms; hit our heads on the sloped ceiling. No closet space or outlets upstairs so even if you wanted to take your luggage up, forget it. The first level was small, had 2 loveseats. There were no closets, hooks or drawers to put anything. The kitchen area did have utensils etc but there was no table inside to eat on. While there was a nice outside table in the back overlooking the garden as well as a picnic table out front, who wants to have breakfast there when it is so cold outside? The bathroom is downstairs so if you get up at night, must be careful not to bump your head or fall down the creaky, windy, steep staircase. There was not any storage space in the bathroom either or space next to the sink. Why put the towels upstairs when the bathroom is downstairs? The fan in the bathroom was so dusty and looked like it had not been cleaned in years. While there was a lovely view of the mountains, and nice outdoor area including a very nice hot tub, the indoors was cramped, uncomfortable. Not sure how the cabin got such good reviews. Whoever, created this space has never been a traveler before. Needless to say, we were so disappointed and when we noted our early departure, the owner had some blasé comments. They were not responsive when I had called them on our arrival to ask a question either.

We loved our stay here. Our cabin was cosy, clean and beautifully made. The kitchen had everything we needed. Our beds were comfortable. It felt wonderful to sleep in our loft rooms, listening to the rain on the roof after a day of hiking. The hot tub is a bonus. The location is very peaceful, only a few minutes drive from the township. We were lucky to be visited by the beautiful dog belonging to the owners - what a treat.

I cannot recommend Kahare Retreat any more highly. After staying one night, we booked two more just to be able to spend more time there. Beautifully hand crafted cabins, set tactic-fully far enough apart to feel secluded, surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna with a gorgeous spa and sauna to boot! The hosts are a lovely family and were incredibly helpful and hospitable.

The 5 or so lodges that are on the retreat are lovely. We were allocated one with a view of the mountains. The cabin was clean and well equipped with 2 bedrooms upstairs and bathroom downstairs (a little inconvenient). There was no washing machine and for this money I would expect proper shower/shampoo dispensers in the bathroom instead of a measly packed mini soap and shampoo sachet. Cheap quality coffee and tea. The bathroom heating in our unit was out of order which was very inconvenient as the night can be very cold in Franz Josef. The chalet has a relatively large kitchen but no dining table or counter to eat from? Recommendation; close off the area above the bedroom door as having a door defeats the purpose if its not closed of. A good coffee machine like a Nespresso machine would be nice!