The proprietor was extremely helpful and friendly. Made us very welcome, arranged for us to go canoeing, and provided a meal. A good place to go after finishing the Aotea Track. A Beautiful outlook from the lodge and good sea swimming close by
We travelled to Great barrier lodge with a large group for a 60th birthday with 4 kids and 16 adults. We hired the entire place out and it was the perfect venue for the occasion! The views are outstanding, deck is fabulous, rooms are great and the restaurant food was delicious. Although the owners were quite grumpy and it seemed like a burden that we were there. Most things we asked for were met with negativity and resistance. Even asking for some chips to go with our dinner seemed like hard work. Kayak hire was also really difficult. Understandable they were concerned about the sea conditions but it was beautiful conditions at 7am when the kids wake up, they wouldn’t allow us to hire from this time (or sort the night before) and had to wait until they were awake at 9 when the wind had picked up. The kids were told off many times and we’re pretty scared to go anywhere near the shop. Which would have proved lucrative to their iceblock and lolly supplies had they been encouraged! We were there for a 60th cancelled due to covid so there were a few celebrations but we made sure we weren’t too rowdy and that was the point of hiring the whole place out as not to disturb anyone. And the neighbours daughter and family even joined us! Perhaps if you’re heading to stay here, maybe don’t travel as a large group or with kids and it might be a fantastic experience. I’m just a bit confused as to why the owners are in hospitality !
Have just returned from the lodge were 6 of us spent two nights on a fishing trip, The food is excelent as are the rooms and service. A BIG thanks to hosts Clive and Ange for a fantastic stay. Would recomend to anybody wanting to go to the Barrier
Thanks so much Tropicangler so glad you had a great trip and enjoyed our fabulous accommodation.
Look forward to seeing you again. Ange
We stay at the lodge for 5 nights. We enjoyed our stay. The lodge is just by the sea. The view is magnificent. We stayed in the cottage. The room was clean, quiet and spacious. It is near the DOC Green Campsite. There are a few easy walking tracks for our 4 years old daughter. The restaurant on site had delicious food with generous portions. The owners of the lodge were friendly.
Thank you Susanna. We are blessed to live in such a gorgeous place to live.
Spent 2 nights at this lodge as part of 3 day package on the island. Accomodation was lovely and clean, although easy to hear other guests snoring through the walls. Food in the restaurant was absolutely superb with fresh snapper being served each day prepared magnificently. Owners son was a real character and a great addition to the staff at the restaurant - he will go a long way and had us ordering their special dessert with freeze dried pineapple lumps in a chocolate brulee - so rich and tasty. Only comment would be as we had bought a package that didn't leave Auckland till 10am and had a 7hr walk that day then drive to the Lodge to find they would be shutting the kitchen in 5 mins we almost missed out on the only place to each in the bay that night. Maybe a bit more communication between the Barrier operator booking these packages, the Lodge and the clients would be beneficial. Fortunately we were given an extra 5 minutes to clean up and get to the restaurant. On the second night we preordered our means when they opened at 5pm so we knew we wouldn't be disappointed later on at dinner. All in all a fabulous meal at reasonable prices and a fabulous spot to stay for a few days. Gluten Free options were well marked on the menu.
