Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchenette (Cottage) | Exterior
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Reviews of Wharepuke Subtropical Accommodation

Wharepuke Subtropical Accommodation
190 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri, Northland

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Comfortable clean place with plenty of room, nice kitchen, and amazing garden. Host was very helpful and very nice person! Enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Greg

Liked: Amenities
Beautiful bush views out every window but the bush was so tightly packed around the unit that it shut out too much sun, leaving a damp musty smell inside. The garden paths were also beautiful but many spiked succulents were a hazard to legs.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kay

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The garden is wonderful - some amazing plants and sculptures. Interesting and beautiful. In the cottage the facilities are mostly fine, but the settee isn't very comfortable, and is rather small even for small people like us. An additional armchair opposite the settee would be good, just for a choice of seating. Sometimes you want a change from sitting next to each other. It was good to have several heating options, as I'm sure it gets very cold there sometimes.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Secluded property in beautiful bush surroundings.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021
Response from Tania on 2 Oct 2021
Thanks for great review Wendy. Hope you managed to see all the gardens. Stunning time of the year at the moment.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The standalone cottages are lovely, looking over the beautiful gardens. The musty smell was not so pleasant … maybe time of the year?? We also had a wonderful meal at Maha and could just stumble back to our accommodation. I do apologise for the red hair dye. I know that it just washes out but I would not normally stay around from home so soon after having it done.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Response from Tania on 27 Jun 2021
Hi Anon, Yes, we have had soo much rain...evening being mentioned on the 6pm news! The aircon/heatpump (in every cottage) helps with the moisture. The "Garden of National Significance" is enjoying the rain though. Aren't we so lucky having such an exceptional restaurant in our backyard!

10/10 Excellent

Marc

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021
Response from Tania on 25 Jun 2021
Thanks for your excellent review Marc. Hope to see you again soon

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was very nice and quiet, but also close to cafes shops and sightseeing. Chalets are very comfortable and clean. Would stay there again if passing through.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021
Response from Tania on 25 Jun 2021
Thanks for your great review! Yes, we are handy to everything but away from the bustle. I hope you got to explore our "garden of national significance" and eat at our award winning Maha Restaurant onsite!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Delightful oasis, quiet and cosy cottage. We enjoyed walking around the subtropical gardens and discovering a host of fascinatingly plants and trees. Friendly and welcoming hosts.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Response from Tania on 2 May 2021
Thank you for your lovely review. My fathers "Garden of National Significance" is unlike any other in NZ. People are saying it feels like Thailand or Bali with the plantings.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful bushes surrounded by nature , wild rabbits and lovely and quite nice atmosphere
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Response from Tania on 8 Feb 2021
Thanks anon, yes there are 5 acres of "Gardens of National Significance" created by my father here, as well as an art gallery, sculpture trail and wonderful restaurant.

10/10 Excellent

Logan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Pleasant one night stay
Quick one night stay, but very comfortable and a nice overall property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021
Response from Tania on 19 Jan 2021
Thanks Logan. I hope you got time to wander around our 5 acres of Gardens of National Significance created by my father. Hope see you again soon

10/10 Excellent

Dirk

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Response from Tania on 13 Jan 2020
Glad you enjoyed your stay with us!

10/10 Excellent

nH, Edward County, Ontario

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Amazing setting in a tropical jungle - full of bird life and great plant specimens. Spacious cottages and great service from Tanya
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Tania on 10 Nov 2019
Thanks for your great review, yes, my fathers gardens are very special! Nice to be able to share with people who appreciate it.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Response from Tania on 6 Nov 2019
Thanks for your review. Glad you enjoyed your stay with us

10/10 Excellent

KatieWhitney, Hertfordshire, England

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a beautiful place! Such a friendly environment, wonderful food & very accommodating (we asked for a fair bit of assistance) we felt right at home & didn’t hesitate to make another booking before we left. Very fairly priced. I’ve already recommend to other travellers and will continue to do so. Thanks for a lovely stay & see you soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from Tania on 31 Oct 2019
Hi Katie, Hope your NZ walk is going well! Thanks for taking time out to write your great review...See you soon and hope the blisters aren't too bad.

10/10 Excellent

Deanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019
Response from Tania on 4 Oct 2019
Hi Deanna Thanks for the great review score, and nice we are seeing you again so soon!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
good property............................................................................
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Response from tania on 4 May 2019
Thank you

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Loved the trees and birds. Loved the remoteness of the cabins. Thought the unit needed some updating.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from Tania on 27 Mar 2019
Hi Anon. Thanks for your review. All the cottages are slightly different. As you didn't post your name or what you thought might need upgrading it is difficult to respond. Glad you enjoyed our special space.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Response from Tania on 2 Apr 2019
Thanks Anon!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
It is a beautiful place to stay, and absolutely fullo credit to the Booth family for what they have achieved. The restaurant on the site is a beautiful location for a meal. I do think that the Sculpture trail is not of a good standard. Staying guets do not pay to do the trail, but it does not warrant a charge anyway.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from Tania on 3 Mar 2019
Hi Anonymous We are glad you enjoyed your stay with us. We do not expect all people to understand or appreciate all the art works (which change regularly) but hopefully most will take the time to think about what the artist (of which most of whom are internationally recognised) is questioning. The catalogue of the 40+ artists which people take around with them can help with this. (Maybe you didn't pick one up from the ticket office?) If not we hope that the plants in the 5 acres of award winning gardens (NZGT) are not so challenging for all people to enjoy.

10/10 Excellent

nellybelly

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
enjoyed walking around the sculptured tropical garden
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from Tania on 12 Feb 2019
Glad you enjoyed our sculpture park. Its always changing with both the sculptures and the plants with colours and flowers.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Nice garden
Plenty of room Mosquitoes Great sculpture and garden walk Good location Very quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018
Response from Tania on 24 Oct 2018
Thanks for your great review. Mosquitoes have just started as it has got warmer but there are plug-in repellants in the cottages which work well. Gardens and sculpture trail are changing all the time. We have 5 artists from NZ, Austria, Hobart and the UK here working in the last month

8/10 Good

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Tania on 3 Oct 2018
Thanks for your review

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018
Response from Tania on 3 Oct 2018
Thanks for your review

10/10 Excellent

robyn, whangarei nz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful setting
Lovely people who own the gardens and cottages. All so clean and comfortable. Middle of winter and the cottage was so warm. Just loved it 🏡💒
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018
Response from Tania on 4 Jul 2018
Yay! Thank you Robyn for such a lovely review!

10/10 Excellent

Pam, Northland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very quiet, central to Kerikeri attractions
Quiet, comfortable, awesome hosts, fabulous setting - feels like you are staying alone in a lovely oasis. Close to most attractions :-)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2018
Response from Tania on 10 Apr 2018
Thank you Pam for your lovely review! Glad you enjoyed your stay. with us

6/10 Okay

Smart Energy Solutions

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tired Accommodation
Beautiful area and surroundings. Poor quality, tired accommodation. Bed was hard and uncomfortable. Couldn't wait to go home.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2018
Response from Tania on 28 Mar 2018
Most people who comment on reviews or speak to me say how they love the beds (see other reviews). We understand that everyone is different so we can provide toppers for that softer experience if we know it is required. Just ask (as reiterated in the cottage folder). We want our guests to have a great experience. We look forward to our winters revamp and new aircon after our incredibly wet and humid summer. Glad you enjoyed my fathers "Gardens of Significance"

10/10 Excellent

Rita, Near Bath, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A wonderful place to relax
Wharepuke is a unique place to stay.. Its setting in a sub tropical garden is sublime and the perfect place to relax after a very long journey. it was also a good base to explore the lovely Bay of Islands area. In retrospect, we should have booked a longer stay, as it was hard to leave. Tania was friendly and very helpful during our stay and we enjoyed talking to her father.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018
Response from Tania on 16 Feb 2018
Hi Rita Yes we are very lucky to have so much history and great walks just on our doorstep! My father (Robin) is very knowledgeable about his subtropical plants and loves talking to interested people. Hope you return one day

10/10 Excellent

sophie, new zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful simple, Tropical, eco
Lovely setting, great restaurant on site. Really simple, really comfortable, spacious and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018
Response from Tania on 6 Feb 2018
Thank you Sophie for your lovely review! Hope to see you again.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A lovely place for Nature Lovers
This place was a happy surprise for us. It felt remote and rugged here but it's a only a short drive away to the town centre of Kerikeri. It's a best of both world - living in a very natural wild setting and yet close to amenities. We didn't have a chance to try out the cafe as it was closed (close on Mondays). Too bad too that we didn't have time to explore the art gallery or the Sculpture Park too. We checked in late (when it was dark in summer time) and that was a mistake as it was a challenge to find the place and see clearly in the dark, and felt scary. Luckily the host, Tania was very helpful and clear in her instructions over the phone and settled us down very quickly. We had a good night sleep with the comfortable beds and facilities in the cottage. We recommend this place for nature lovers. It could be unsettling for folks who are not, or who are very used to or prefers more urban settings.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017
Response from Tania on 31 Dec 2017
Thanks for your review. You will have to come back to see the gardens and the sculpture park as you missed out on most of the property with your short stay. A lot of people say it feels like being on a Pacific Island somewhere with the subtropical plants. My father did a wonderful job of the plantings with the view to sharing with others.

10/10 Excellent

Jan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location nice and quite
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017
Response from Tania on 17 Dec 2017
Thanks for your nice review Jan. Good to meet you

10/10 Excellent

francesca, cCalifornia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
FABULOUS
What a perfect haven they’ve created there. The sculpture garden and cafe were far beyond my expectations!! A quiet and peaceful retreat.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
Response from Tania on 28 Nov 2017
What a great review Francesca. Thank you. Hope to see you again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The unit was great however disappointed we couldn't book in for dinner at the restaurante we were told it was full and there was also a function so we had to go elsewhere
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Response from Tania on 28 Nov 2017
Hi there Sorry you couldn't get in to the café. Unfortunately we do not get told when they are going to be closed for private functions or are full. Glad you enjoyed your stay though Tania

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Definitely going back!
Fantastic location and garden surrounds are out of this world. Service was welcoming and helpful. Decor and furnishings had great character. Clean and everything I needed. Very satisfied.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Response from Tania on 28 Nov 2017
Hi Stephen Glad you enjoyed your stay. Yes, my father has done a great job with the gardens. People say its like being on a Pacific Island somewhere. Thanks for your review!

10/10 Excellent

Eric, Dublin, Ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tanya, the hostess, was very pleasant and helpful. Enjoyable surroundings.Nice, easy place to relax.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017
Response from Tania on 28 Nov 2017
Hi Eric Glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Hope to see you again!

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2017
Response from Tania on 15 Oct 2017
Thanks for your review Michelle. Hope you can enjoy our place again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely Nature Setting
Lovely setting, comfortable cottage, great host, close to city centre and other tourist attractions.Good restaurant on site, great food and service.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2017

8/10 Good

Tony, Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely quiet and great outlook into the garden.
This place is great. So secluded and quiet with nature at the edge of the deck. Large rooms, which are a little sparsely furnished, but the bed is great. Huge and comfortable. Also lovely bathroom.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2017
Response from Tania on 29 Jun 2017
Hi Tony Glad you enjoyed your stay. Yes we had to go and buy ourselves a new bed after we tried the ones in the cottage. Interested to hear what furniture you think was required

10/10 Excellent

Frank , Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Strongly recommend
Unique no comparison from any other motel must try

10/10 Excellent

Jill, Vic Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wharepuke Cottages in Kerikeri
The cottages are set in a former plant nursery, with many of the native and exotic plants & trees all around you. It is peaceful and beautiful. No traffic noise or noisy neighbours. The cottages are simple but have everything needed. The setting is what makes a stay there special.
Response from Tania on 23 Oct 2016
Hi Jill, yes Dad has done a great job with the plantings. We are adding our part to it with the 35 NZ sculptors works throughout the garden walk.Glad you enjoyed your stay!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gorgeous Location & Fantastic Hosts
The garden setting is amazing, the cottages basic but clean (only negative was a bachy smell). Tania and Mark were so very helpful.
Response from Tania on 23 Oct 2016
Happy that you enjoyed your stay!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
tranquil and colourful tropical hideaway
located very well close to town with fascinating garden environment. Long established tropical gardens transport you immediately to more remote pacific islands. Lovely private and spacious cottages .
Response from Tania on 6 Oct 2016
Glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Cutting back is an ongoing thing with the lush growth. When it rains the plant droop with the extra weight. Yes, a lot of people say that it feels like being on a pacific island somewhere- without the airfare!

8/10 Good

Alexandra, Denmark WA, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful subtropical location
A simple cottage set in the midst of a spectacular tropical garden. Very tranquil and quiet with long vistas and it was great to see pheasants, flocks of quail and rabbits passing by. A sculpture garden, gallery and first class restaurant made our stay most enjoyable.
Response from Tania on 6 Oct 2016
Glad you enjoyed our oasis. Yes there is a portable BBQ for the summer. Not much call for it until then but it is available if asked for.

8/10 Good

Steven, Uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice lodge with excellent gardens
Fantastic location and great staff too. Very friendly and helpful. Would recommend!
Response from General Manager on 6 Oct 2016
Thanks for your recommendation. Glad you enjoyed it!

8/10 Good

E A, Wellington

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Location
Friendly welcome, lovely sub tropical garden location, very relaxing
Response from General Manager on 6 Oct 2016
Glad you enjoyed your stay with us! Hope to see you again.

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Delightful detached bungalow in a beautiful setting.
Response from Tania on 27 Jun 2016
Very glad you enjoyed your stay with us!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay
Great Staff and very concerned about guest comfort. Big room. WiFi is weak in some rooms.
Glad you enjoyed your stay!

6/10 Okay

Debbie, Van. Is. Canada

Liked: Staff & service
Perfect for the nature lover.
The staff were pleasant and quick to address any enquiries. The setting was a bit more rustic than we were prepared for. Parking was tricky to get in and out of with our SUV - a small car would have no difficulty. Also getting our luggage to and from the car was along a dirt path some covered with wood chips, this made rolling the luggage impossible so be prepared to carry luggage about 70 feet. This is the perfect accommodation for those who want to be amongst the forest with an opportunity to walk along areas of gardens and sculptures.
Response from Tania on 23 Mar 2016
Glad you enjoyed your stay with us. We've had an amazing growing season this summer with the rain and the plant are all looking very lush! Plants have now been trimmed! If guests need help with luggage there is a trolley and my strong arms!

10/10 Excellent

Gillian, NZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Birthday treat, and a real treat in all ways.
As above, a beautiful place to stay at, eat at, wander in the out of this world wonderful garden.
Response from Tania on 23 Mar 2016
Glad you enjoyed your stay and made the most of our gardens. People say it feels like being on a Pacific Island!

10/10 Excellent

Helen, Perth, Aust.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful garden setting
Very private, convenient location, and lovely staff.
Response from Tania on 23 Mar 2016
Thanks! Hope to see you again! Good to know about the lights.

8/10 Good

Happy Traveller, Northland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice quiet surroundings
Peaceful & quiet cottage very clean and perfect if your dining at the restaurant & wish to enjoy there local fine food & wine. Very clean & eco friendly, would recommend if your looking for a relaxing weekend away.
Response from Tania on 23 Mar 2016
Thanks for your nice review. Hope to see you again!