Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef

Rainforest Retreat - Franz Josef

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Franz Josef is an isolated spot, but the village at the foot of the mountains buzzes with a constant influx of tourists as bus-load after bus-load pull in, stay awhile then move on down the rugged West Coast. Rainforest Retreat at Franz Josef is an extensive complex with all levels of accommodation from backpacker cabins to comfortable family units. There are numerous facilities for guests from spa pools and sauna, to onsite restaurant, and friendly staff to cope with tourist enquiries and travel arrangements.

The restaurant and bar have a fabulous open fire to make up for the disinterested staff and the mediocre food.

Chalets are discreetly positioned in amongst the trees of the rainforest and efforts have been made to preserve and retain this forest cover as much as possible whilst still providing the facilities on most tourist agendas. Behind the buildings high up on the mountainside the glacier is clearly visible - weather allowing. With so much forest nearby the forest birds can often be seen and heard flitting between overhanging branches.

Across the road from the Rainforest Retreat - barely two minutes walk away -  are the gorgeous Franz Josef Hot-pools - also set in amongst the bush, under canvas canopies to provide all-weather enjoyment.

With so much going for it could there be anything to object to about the Rainforest Retreat? Well  yes, because as nice as it was, tree houses it was not.

Log cabins advertised as tree houses and tree huts are in fact houses and huts made of trees. (Logs ). They are not houses or huts in trees. Surely this is misleading? Log cabins 'raised up into the forest canopy' suggests something that is not born out in reality. Four steps does not a tree hut make!

The 'tree huts" were in fact rather nice. Comfortable, attractive and well appointed. This may not be an unusual place to stay ( which is what I was hoping for) - but in other respects it was eco-aware and very pleasant as far as tourist motels go.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

Hidden Valley Lodge, Lake Poerua

 Hidden Valley Lodge - West Coast

Pippy McCurdy: 
 http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/

This is a great place to be. An old church dragged to its resting place on the edge of Westland bush, looking out over a small lake and a green valley. What a place. So many thing to enjoy.  What I really appreciated first of all, was the way they had kept this church as a church! The long wooden table with its candelabra was charming, made even better by the use of pews as seating.   A piano was there for use,  - and a church organ! The double height space of the main lounge was grand and impressive, yet also made welcoming by the pot belly stove waitng ready ready for use with wood and coal provided. Upstairs not one, not two  but three bedrooms  if you count the amazing little hole-in-the-wall bedroom. I was so tempted to forego the everyday double bed and sleep in the hole in the wall...

Poerua Lake is a pretty lake. I was blessed with fog - nothing better than swirling fog for a little added mystery and drama in the scenery.
The church sits on the edge of a green lawn and on that lawn friendly wekas stroll happily. I suspect they are used to being fed they were so friendly.
.

The Hidden Valley retreat boasted a hot water tub  - and my mistake, I found instead the bush bath tucked in amongst native bush, looking a trifle unused and unloved. It was not until the next morning that I finally discovered the real hot tub, a beautiful wooden tub on the edge of a stream, with ample cut wood available to heat this. But no time by then. Such a shame.

Hidden Valley Lodge is a real find. A special place.  An isolated retreat. Where else will you find gumboots provided and fly fishing advice on the wall? Try it. You will love it. Remember to start the fire early to heat the hot tub.

Websites: http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://www.stumbleuponcroatiaslovenia.com/