Big Bush Holiday Park
State Highway 38 Waikaremoana, Wairoa New Zealand
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#3 of 6 Specialty lodging in Wairoa
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State Highway 38 Waikaremoana, Wairoa New Zealand
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Service was great. On time, helpful boat driver. However, when I got back into range I found my credit card had been charged $560 - not the $345 quoted. Called and emailed, was told they would be right on it. They have not, and now the phone numbers are not working. Blatant and obvious scam.
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I had organised water taxi for two to start of the walk. Four days before hand they emailed saying the service is no longer available with no explanation or apology. I responded and asked for a reason and if there was an alternative boat, the response was “you need to see if tuhoe will transport you”. Still no explanation. Surely it doesn’t take much to be more helpful or polite? A common occurrence going by the other reviews...
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Was quoted $60 for the water taxi, demanded cash, went to hand over $180 for three and was told it was $270. Total rip off. The service was good, the poor driver caught between a rock and a hard place but in an area without cell coverage or internet your options are limited. I hope the company do the right thing and refund the balance ASAP and make things right. Stop ripping off tourists.
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Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Stayed in their 3brm house, no beds made up, had to bring in washing to make our beds up, thankfully not raining. To be fair cottage is nice, its the service that is terrible. Was told that they made a mistake with booking that they thought we were arriving next day even though we had called a couple of days earlier. Did the walk with young children, boat guy is awesome but the shuttle did not come and pick up any of our group all booked.....8 people.We waited for over half an hour and then started walking, not easy for kids who were tired and hungry and then had to walk another hour with packs after expecting a ride. Came accross the lady running this disaster waiti g to happen and asked her where our ride was and she said....she had to move cows. Very disappointed and disgusted that this is what internationals are getting for service in NZ. Will not use again and will make sure all hears about this service.…
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Date of stay: April 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Used for water taxi service for the great walk. Took a long time via email to get a response from this outfit and when they finally responded they were not forthcoming with information or helpful and very slow to answer queries. At that point I should have trusted my instincts and found another water taxi provider. No mention of needing 2 weeks notice to be able to cancel and get a refund in any emails comms, so when we had to cancel due to a family emergency and were told 3 weeks later we couldn't be refunded this was very disappointing. As regulars to Lake Waikaremona with lots of friends who visit, we will sure be spreading the word NOT to use these guys. David Dods is a much better service.
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
ChocolateCauldron wrote a review Jan 2018
Greater Wellington, New Zealand14 contributions13 helpful votes
Used Big Bush Water Taxis over the weekend for a drop off at Onepoto and pick up at Whanganui Hut. I asked when booking for an email confirmation which they were VERY reluctant to do and NEVER did, then when I arrived the boat seemed rather cramped, departed late and then returned back to pick two really late arrivals 10 mins after departing for Onepoto. Upon arrival at Onepoto we were asked to make payment, which the Big Bush staff member didn't know the fee, then slowly took everyone's payment by credit/debit card. I asked if they could take payment from the card when the booking was made and I was told no, not sure why they can't do so like every other water taxi I have used in NZ. It is so disorganised and they seriously need to step up their game, they should take a trip to Abel Tasman and see how the water taxis are run there, they are way more efficient and professional for a Great Walk. Remember this is the face of NZ, this is what tourists see and feedback to their friends and family. On the upside, the boatie was a friendly guy and had only been with the company a few days he told us, so thumbs up to him, but overall Big Bush needs to step it up.…
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We stayed here in the 3 bedroom house. Looks dingy from the outside but nice on the inside. Good location for lots of outdoor activities. That was were the positives ended for us. We booked for 5 people. There was not enough cutlery or plates for 5 people. Only 1 roll of toilet paper. Several lightbulbs missing. Not enough utensils for cooking. Then the fact that they charged our credit card the day before we left and also accepted eftpos payment the day we left was a real let down. Took a week of phone calls but it was refunded eventually. Severe lack of attention to detail really let this place down.
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Date of stay: April 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Left the car at big Bush and they shuttled us to Onepoto with a scheduled pick up at 2pm -3 days later at Whanganui Hut. Reconfirmed with Van Driver as to time and location of Water Taxi pick up .Rained solidly for most of 3 days-so wet tired ,hungry and no Boat shows up .Luckily had some food left .Walked out towards Landing next morning and got coverage about 45 mins from Whanganui hut . Zac came and picked up some 30 mins later and to his credit put his hand up and said it was his mistake -it appears there were extra passengers on an earlier pick up and he assumed that was us .He arranged a refund . The disturbing thing was apart from him -no apology from owners -even more scary they had no idea they had left us until I rang .They seriously need to get some process in place -a disaster waiting to happen. If you are considering using I would double (triple) check that they have records in place and you don't get left behind.-Reading other comments they have not learnt --makes you wonder if they care? we wont be using again for sure.…
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Date of stay: March 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Quiet rural ambience in the three bedroomed cottage, presented clean. On booking, we requested motel type facilities for 4 adults. HOWEVER ..... we had to ask for towels and another toilet roll. Kitchen utensils very limited, had to ask for vege knife (only to be told to make sure we handed it back) and potato masher. See photo. Crockery, cutlery and glasses lacking in number. Efficient tiny electric oven but the larger of two hob top elements not working. No barbecue. Frig ice box needs defrosting! See photo! Beds comfy, bedding clean. Bathroom/toilet area and shower unit acceptable though a disgusting smell emanated from the shower drain. Everything quite shabby - it would not take too much to smarten/equip this cottage to reflect mid+ range cost per night ($240.00 per night for four adults). Would not patronise this park again as we feel the management do not value or respect their clientele.…
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Date of stay: March 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We were a self-catering group of 8 and chose to stay here for 1 night before starting on a 4 day walk around Lake Waikaremoana. We booked in advance and stayed in a house on site which was basic, clean, spacious and we had it to ourselves for the night. Although we arrived after dark, the staff left instructions for us which made the house easy to find. Transport to and from the walk was easily to arrange, and we found that the holiday park was a safe place to leave our vehicles. When we returned after the walk we were able to get a decent coffee at their cafe too which was pretty good after 4 days on the walk. This place provided just what we required for our walk: somewhere to stay the night before, somewhere to leave our vehicles, and transport to and from the walk.
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Date of stay: February 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandHawke's Bay RegionWairoa
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Big Bush Holiday Park
Which popular attractions are close to Big Bush Holiday Park?
Nearby attractions include Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk (2.5 km) and Lake Waikareiti (2.3 km).
What food & drink options are available at Big Bush Holiday Park?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Does Big Bush Holiday Park have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Big Bush Holiday Park offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.