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8.5

1,991 reviews

Rainforest Retreat

Rainforest Retreat

46 Cron Street, Franz Josef, 7856, New Zealand

Choose dates to view prices

Pet Friendly

Restaurant

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Hot tub

Sauna

Air conditioning

Tour desk

Rainforest Retreat

Welcome to the Rainforest Retreat, a delightful 4-star haven located just 0.3mi from the charming heart of Franz Josef, New Zealand! Nestled at 46 Cron Street, this enchanting resort offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for every traveler. With a starting price of just $XXX per night, you can soak up the breathtaking surroundings without burning a hole in your pocket.

Imagine waking up to the sound of chirping birds and the sweet scent of lush foliage. The Rainforest Retreat offers a delightful selection of amenities to make your stay unforgettable. Savor delicious meals at the onsite restaurant, relax in the hot tub or sauna, and enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. Pet lovers rejoice, as this pet-friendly resort ensures your furry friends enjoy an equally enjoyable getaway. Don’t forget to take in the stunning views from your private balcony or patio while lounging in style!

Guests rave about their experiences here, reflected by an impressive 1991 reviews that make this oasis a traveler’s dream. Whether you're exploring the mesmerizing landscapes or enjoying a fun picnic in the specially designated area, the Rainforest Retreat is brimming with options for relaxation and adventure. So pack your bags and get ready to create unforgettable memories in one of New Zealand's most serene escapes!

At Rainforest Retreat, the fun doesn't stop at the stunning surroundings and fantastic amenities. The onsite restaurant, Monsoon, invites you to experience a culinary journey that boasts an array of delicious local and international dishes. With its family-friendly ambiance and contemporary design, you’re sure to enjoy a delectable meal whether you’re dining with family or treating yourself to a romantic dinner. Revel in the flavors of New Zealand while surrounded by the warm atmosphere that Monsoon effortlessly delivers. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a regional wine or a crafted cocktail as you take in the picturesque views!

Adventure awaits just outside your door! With the breathtaking landscapes of Franz Josef literally at your doorstep, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to embark on. For thrill-seekers, the area provides opportunities for glacier walks, helicopter tours, and scenic hikes through the stunning national parks. And when it’s time to unwind after a day filled with exploration, there's nothing quite like retreating back to the hot tub for a soothing soak under the stars. Or simply chill out and savor the tranquility of the rainforest as nature serenades you in the background.

Of course, no trip would be complete without creating lasting memories, and at Rainforest Retreat, every guest is encouraged to make the most of their stay. Whether you're snapping selfies on your balcony, enjoying a cozy picnic in the designated area, or stargazing with your furry friends by your side, there's magic in every moment. With flexible payment options and the warmth of the staff, you'll feel right at home, making this charming retreat the perfect stop on your New Zealand adventure!

Closest airports

Hokitika Aerodrome

61.6mi

Most popular amenities

Pet Friendly

Restaurant

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Hot tub

Sauna

Air conditioning

Tour desk

Bar

Terrace

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Kitchenette

Patio

Kitchenware

Picnic area

Free toiletries

Bathtub

Balcony

Rooms

Show 11 photos

Tree, King/Single

1 King Size Bed

270 sqft

Free wifi

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Dryer

+

More details

The rustic warmth of these log cabins among the forest canopy evokes solitude and privacy. Each tree hut has its own balcony surrounded by native bush, a king and a single bed, cable TV, a bathroom and facilities to make a continental breakfast. Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 (see Hotel Policies).

Show 14 photos

Gecko House, Double, 3 Bedroom

1 Double Bed

505 sqft

Spa tub

Kitchen

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Gecko House is set within Gecko Village, a secluded area of Rainforest Retreat set among ponga ferns. Enjoy a garden and hot tub shared only by Gecko Village residents. The Gecko House has a spacious living and dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. All rooms open onto furnished outdoor decks.

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Kamahi Holiday House, Queen/Single, Hot Tub

1 Queen Size Bed

700 sqft

Spa tub

Kitchen

Free wifi

Microwave

+

More details

This secluded, spacious holiday house features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. 2 bedrooms include an outside entrance, a queen bed and single bed, as well as an private bathroom. The other 2 bedrooms are located within the house and include a queen bed in each. All bedrooms include a flat-screen LCD TV. The living room features a 40-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels. There is a dining area and fully equipped kitchen and laundry. Guests can enjoy the use of board games. Please note that the price is based on 8 guests. Maximum occupancy is 10 (see Hotel Policies). Please note that when booking for 4 guests, you will have access to 2 bedrooms only. When booking for 6 or more guests you will have access to the third bedrooms.​

Show 10 photos

Tree Lodge, King/Queen

1 King Size Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

300 sqft

Kitchenette

Balcony

Free wifi

Microwave

+

More details

Modern studio units set among the rainforest, featuring large furnished decks from which you can enjoy the bush setting. Furnished with either one king bed, or a queen bed with a single. They have a modern bathroom, kitchenette and great forest views. Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 (see Hotel Policies).

Show 11 photos

Budget Family Ensuite

1 King Size Bed

140 sqft

Spa tub

Kitchen

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

These cozy, compact rooms feature a King Bed, a set of bunk beds, an private bathroom, LCD TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests have use of the large shared kitchen and hot tub.

Show 14 photos

Deluxe Tree House

1 King Size Bed

1 Sofa Bed

810 sqft

Spa tub

Kitchen

Balcony

Free wifi

+

More details

This spacious, stylish, 2-bedroom raised tree house is privately nestled among lush rainforest with a large outdoor deck that features a spa pool for unwinding and relaxation among the forest canopy. Each bedroom has a king-sized bed with pristine linen and plush pillows. There is large private bathroom with a rain shower and underfloor heating and a kitchen with a Nespresso coffee machine. The lounge has a double sofa bed and satellite TV. Please note that when booking for 2 guests, you will have access to 1 bedroom only. When booking for 3 guests you will have access to the second bedroom.

Show 25 photos

Deluxe Tree Lodge, King Size

1 King Size Bed

430 sqft

Kitchenette

Balcony

Free wifi

Microwave

+

More details

This spacious, stylish studio is privately nestled among lush rainforest with large spacious decks. There is a king-sized bed and a single-sized beds, each with pristine linen and plush pillows. There is a large private bathroom with a rain shower and underfloor heating. A sofa, satellite TV and a kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee machine are included.

Show 9 photos

Studio, Queen/Single

1 Queen Size Bed

280 sqft

Kitchenette

Free wifi

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Traditional style Studio Motel Rooms are fitted with a queen bed and a single bed, or a queen bed and a set of bunk beds. The room includes a bathroom, kitchenette, a Nespresso coffee machine, LCD TV, and an iPod / iPhone dock. Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 3 (see Hotel Policies).

Show 13 photos

Holiday House, King or 2 Single, Hot Tub

1 King Size Bed

700 sqft

Spa tub

Kitchen

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

This three-bedroom home is located within a short walk of all Franz Josef bars, restaurants and shops. The holiday home features a private spa pool. The house has a large open plan kitchen and living room. The three large bedroom each feature either a king bed or 2 single beds. There is one bathroom with a shower. In the garden you will find a 6-person private spa pool, a trampoline and plenty of space. The house also has a laundry with a washing machine and dryer.

Show 13 photos

Neinei Holiday House, Queen/Single/2Twin, Hot Tub

1 Queen Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

700 sqft

Spa tub

Kitchen

Free wifi

Microwave

+

More details

This spacious holiday house features a queen bedroom and two twin beds, with an extra pull-out single bed. The house has a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, a lounge and dining area, and outdoor decks – offering indoor and outdoor living, surrounded by beautiful native bush. Please note that the price is based on 6 guests. Maximum occupancy is 7 (see Hotel Policies). Please note that when booking for 4 guests, you will have access to 2 bedrooms only. When booking for 6 or more guests you will have access to the third bedrooms.​

Deluxe Tree Hut in Rainforest Retreat

Show 13 photos

Deluxe Tree

1 King Size Bed

270 sqft

Private Bathroom

Balcony

Microwave

Coffee machine

+

More details

This Deluxe Tree Hut is privately nestled among lush rainforest. It features a king bed with linen and plush pillows. Large private bathroom comes with rain shower and underfloor heating. Continental breakfast making facilities include a Nespresso machine.

Gecko Cottage in Rainforest Retreat

Show 7 photos

Gecko Cottage

1 King Size Bed

225 sqft

Private Bathroom

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

More details

Secluded in the Gecko Village, these Cottages are 1940’s forestry worker’s huts that have been given a modern makeover. Each room features a king bed, a compact bathroom, tea/coffee and breakfast making facilities, and a TV. The Gecko village features 5 Gecko Cottages and a stylish modern House in a tranquil rainforest setting with a shared outdoor spa pool exclusively for Gecko Village guests.

Guest reviews

8.5

1,991 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇩🇪

Display234

10

April 2025

The rooms very very nice, clean and modern, same goes for the ensuit in the room. I was in a four-person dorm, but only shared with one other person for the four-night stay which was pure luxury. They could have pushed more rooms together, but instead chose to utilise more rooms and spread people out more which was lovely. The kitchen was big, clean and well equipped. They have a walk-in fridge so finally no more fighting for hostel fridge space. The entire area is nice, there were some picnic tables outside of our room and some greenery behind. Probably the nicest hostel on my one-month trip in NZ

Washing is on the more expensive side and the dryers don't work very well.

🇬🇧

Harriet

8.2

April 2025

Fantastic value and a great location. The whole complex has a lovely vibe and it was nice feeling really in the middle of it. Lots of nice walks nearby.

Quite a smelly drain smell from the shower but honestly, you can live with it for a night or two. The worst thing was being directly beneath a shared hostel room. It was really loud at times and I struggled to sleep on the first night as it sounded like they were jumping up and down around midnight (suspect in and out of bunk beds). Can hear them talking too. However, I did complain about it and the staff response was great. They said they had mentioned it to the guests staying in the room upstairs and they were much quieter on the second night.

🇦🇺

Birchall

10

July 2025

What an amazing place to stay. The lush rainforest is all around you. We stayed in a deluxe cabin. You couldn’t see or hear your neighbours with the thick rainforest gardens all around you. The drive to the villa was like driving on a bush track. The walkways to the restaurant and reception were cut through think rainforest. The Monson restaurant is onsite and serves the best meals. With the open log fire places and the log cabin appearance. We went there twice we enjoyed it that much. All the staff were very enthusiastic, helpful and friendly.

🇺🇸

Ertle

8.2

January 2025

We arrived probably at the busiest of times, between Christmas and New Years. I regrettably did not reserve enough ahead as all that was left was a one bedroom bunk room for our family of 4. Although it fit, I felt the room and space was super cramped as was the bathroom (which we had all to ourselves). Since their hot bath was out of service, we made reservations just a stones throw away for our own private hot tub in the trees. Location is perfect. Staff very friendly. Check in and out quick and easy. Laundry has plenty of machines. Recommend: Bring your own laundry detergent and time it right.

Lots of tours use this as their accommodation so lots of tour buses. Didn’t feel like a retreat but that’s probably because of the time of year with so many people going through.

🇸🇪

Michael

8.2

January 2025

It’s a beautiful property, trees everywhere. The room are cozy and have everything needed (microwave, cooking plates, coffee machine, toaster…). Location is very good and practical (depending on what you wish to visit) - it’s in town and walkable distance for for those who wishes to have dinner somewhere.

It’s very crowded for my taste. Sadly some of the guests lacks education and can be noisy or do not respect other common sense rules. Beds are too soft or too outdated (probably outdated) : I almost gave a 7 to this place but went for a 8 due to the fact that property is beautiful and that rooms are cozy.

🇦🇺

Elizabeth

9.1

November 2024

We were in a Tree Lodge and had a great stay. The lodge was lovely and warm when we arrived which was much appreciated. The kitchen was well set out, and we appreciated the Nespresso machine. The bathroom was large and the bed comfy. The parking was just outside the door which was great for unpacking. The resort had a great laundry set up with lots of washing machines and dryers and it was good to catch up on the washing. Lastly the resort was close to the main street with restaurants, bars and the supermarket, so we were able to walk instead of having to drive.

Nothing

🇳🇿

Alexandra

10

June 2025

We stayed in the deluxe suite with the spa pool as a special getaway and it was totally worth it. It was incredible! The views and seclusion were amazing. It was expensive for that suite put it was totally worth it. The facilities in the suite are amazing. It was a wonderful getaway. The pool was perfect. It was at temperature on arrival and was a new modern model. The bush surrounding the suite is so lovely. You can hardly tell if anyone else is at the resort, it's so private

Nothing

🇦🇺

Suzie

8.2

October 2024

I had booked a ground level cottage several months ago which was upgraded on arrival to a Treetop Lodge which was a nice touch, not good for people with mobility issues as there are stairs.This was advised to reception during and after stay. Would have preferred the ground level cottage due to accessibility. Still it was a nice upgrade and was provided a lovely breakfast as compensation.

The initial conversation with reception when I questioned the upgrade, was told that there was a large group of loud people in the cottages and "I wouldn't get any sleep". When I asked why this group are still there if they were loud and rowdy, reception advised that they had advised management. Upon checkout, a different reception person advised they would "make it happen" if someone needed a ground level accommodation due to mobility issues. This was not the attitude of the first reception person.

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Keryn

9.1

October 2024

Such a gorgeous place to stay while in Franz Josef. We got a free (and unexpected) upgrade to the 3 bed dorm instead of the 8 and it was absolutely stunning. Comfy bed, cosy interior with heating/cooling system, nice bathroom and complimentary tea/coffee in the rooms as well. The spa pool was under construction but the sauna was still in use and was such a nice add on! Kitchen facilities were amazing, plenty of cook tops/space for everyone to cook and loved the little sitting area with tv inc Netflix etc!

Genuinely don’t have anything bad to say about this place!

🇬🇧

Zara

10

August 2024

Oh my gosh, staying at this hostel was the highlight of my trip through this area! I paid slightly more to stay in their log cabin dorm and it was so so worth it. It is a new room style for them and it is sharing with others like the bunk dorms but instead there are 3 single beds and an attached shower. It is all decorated in this beautiful log cabin style which makes it super cosy and idyllic set among the trees. There was a spacious parking spot right next to the cabin where I could put my car for the night and lots of space inside for all your bags etc. There is very much a woodsy holiday village vibe to this place and the other residents were a mixture of travellers, tour groups and families which was really nice. There is a lovely hot tub on site which was fantastic after a long day, and also an onsite pub where you could go and relax with some food, drink and pool if you so fancied. All the staff I came across were friendly, welcoming and helpful. A really great experience!

Would be great to have somewhere to hang coats etc in the room. Would be great to have somewhere to put clothes/towels etc near the hot tub as you are outside and if the floor is wet/it's raining you are somewhat stumped!

Points of Interest Around Rainforest Retreat

Attractions

Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

0.1mi

West Coast Wildlife Centre

0.1mi

Franz Josef Glacier

3.1mi

Fox Glacier

10mi

Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park

14.8mi

Tasman Glacier (Haupapa)

21.5mi

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

24.4mi

Mt. Cook Hermitage Hotel

24.4mi

Restaurants

Monsoon

Cuisines

  • Local
  • International

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly
  • Traditional
  • Modern

Amenities of Rainforest Retreat

Pet Friendly

Restaurant

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Hot tub

Sauna

Air conditioning

Tour desk

Bar

Terrace

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Kitchenette

Patio

Kitchenware

Picnic area

Free toiletries

Bathtub

Balcony

Stay rules - Rainforest Retreat

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property