Solitaire Lodge

Rooms are solid but not exceptional - a remodel is probably overdue. The location is gorgeous, though, and you are right on the lake. And the food quality is very good at breakfast and lunch, then a bit less good at dinner. The service is where everything falls apart. It is woefully uncoordinated with many missed details. Nobody congratulated us on our honeymoon despite us telling them well in advance. Nobody gave us a tour of the grounds. Food service forgot menus, forgot to take food orders, forgot dietary restrictions multiple times... They even forgot to fill water glasses! You will probably find better food service at your local diner. Our excursion booking was promised to us by Ingrid and then forgotten about. The impression one comes away with is that the staff do not speak to one another to make proper handoffs, and it shows. The result is a holiday that left us feeling more stressed than when we arrived. We couldn't wait to leave and we deeply regret paying so much for our stay here. It's definitely not worth it.

Wayne & Ingrid - Lodge Owners - incredibly attentive. The lodge is very clean and comfortable. The towels are super plush and the bathroom amenities Molton Brown. The beds are luxurious and very comfortable we all slept VERY well. Every time we came back to the Lodge - Wayne met us at our car to see how our excursion was and to see if we needed anything. We felt so well taken care of. Food - 5 star outstanding. Chefs here are top notch. We went trout fishing and the chefs made us trout sashimi, baked trout and smoked trout. You are on the lake - I highly recommend the Thermal springs, swimming in the lake and Trout Fishing with Bob. We caught 15 pounds of trout. Bob was funny, informative and probably the best fisherman in Rotatura. The boat is big, comfortable and has excellent fishing equipment and technology. Our preplanned cycling tour got canceled. Wayne stepped up and planned a replacement cycling experience for us and I must say it was the highlight of our trip so far! The bikes were top notch! I looked to see if I could buy one at home - The mountain bike trails in the bush are incredible. All levels are available.

We called up at the last minute at the end of July and got a great deal on an off season package. Met some fabulous new friends at dinner first night and the staff were actually amazing. Treat yourself to this historic luxury experience at least once in your life if you can. Just fabulous.

We stayed 4 nights in December. Remote location with outstanding views. Very good if looking for a secluded break. The lake setting is amazing and the staff wonderfully attentive. The chefs and dinners were very well presented with good ingredients. Although dinners are at a set time, the staff are flexible to accommodate individual requirements. Rooms are comfortable but nothing special. This is a relaxing getaway lodge so don’t expect fast Wifi. The managers are super attentive and make every effort to make your stay special. We enjoyed our stay very much.

Solitaire Lodge is simply amazing! The food, service, views and relaxation were top notch. We even stayed at Cape Kidnappers which was indeed lovely, but Solitaire with its warm staff, attention to detail, and 5 star food really took our breath away. Definitely will plan a return trip sometime!Rooms: 5/5

A magical place. Friendly staff. Large rooms, clean tidy, , large bath and shower. Fantastic views of Lake Tarawera. Excellent trout fishing and easy access to the lake . Native Bush walks lose by.

Beyond 5 stars!! I came to the Solitaire Lodge restaurant for a family dinner when I was 7 months pregnant. The booking had been made by my father in law, who let the team know I was pregnant. I wasn't expecting any special treatment, but the service was exceptional - every dish that I was served was meticulously checked to ensure it was completely safe for me to eat, and any potentially unsafe ingredients were removed or replaced - I didn't even have to ask. On top of that, the lounge where you are served pre-dinner cocktails & canapés ritual before being lead into the main dining room has a luxe, James Bond vibe - it turns a dinner reservation into a proper night out. If you're hoping to dine here, but aren't staying at the lodge, make sure to phone ahead - part of the appeal is the exclusivity of this gorgeous venue!

Second time here! This place is wonderful to relax. Thanks to the owner, Wayne! Pip & Nick and the team are welcoming. Thank you all! The food is delicious!!! Thank you Dan and Monica!!! : 10/10 for cleaning! All the rooms have amazing views heading the lake ! The Lodge is situated in a little Paradise! You can go kayaking on the lake, go fishing on the lake thank you John :, go visiting RedWood & nearby beautiful places to spend days and days in the nature ..., or ... you can try the Polynesian Spa & Thermal Sources ... After a w-end here ... you are like “new” ... 21/09/2018 ps: be aware! “ cheap and good quality” doesn’t exist!!! ... But, if you are looking for quality, tasty food, impeccable cleaning rooms, nice people and possibility to do a lot of activities and being in the middle of the nature, bref, a little Paradise for a few days, definitely you are in the right place : 20/04/2019 Room no.3 Again, the same feeling ...