Solitaire Lodge

Very overpriced for what it is. This is a mid level hotel with basic toiletries and furnishings. The food is fancy but uneven. Many of the rooms face a very developed part of the lake. For this price, activities should be included, but they charge very high rates - $395 for a taxi boat ride to the waterfalls hike that they advertise. Really the only place in NZ that we felt ripped off.

We had been waiting for the “wow” moment on our NZ holiday and Solitaire Lodge provided it. Exclusive accommodation is an understatement. Wonderful location, beautiful rooms, great food, stunning views. The entrance is understated and easy to miss. You need to press the intercom to contact reception who will then open the gates. We wish we could have stayed longer!

Charming as can be! Beautiful secluded small hotel adjacent to Lake Tarawera so a bit outside of the city but fully worth it. There are 9 individual bungalows. My room overlooked the lake. I had a two bedroom bungalow for those with a family. A entry way opened up into a beautiful living room with a refrigerator with fresh cream, breville espresso machine, and a hot pot for water, with multiple options for coffee, tea, and biscuits as well as fresh fruit. The living room had a full view of the lake. My bedroom has a king bed, spacious and comfortable also with a continued lake view. The bathroom in the adjacent bedroom had two full sinks, and a bathtub, all in sparkling white granite. My bathroom, was modern in a gorgeous slate gray with a wonderful shower (perfect after a day of hiking). Heated towel racks are a plus. Cocktail/canapes at 7pm are a must! There are books, chess set and other games with a full bar. The wine selection is fantastic. Rolando and Graham were lovely! The food is incredible whether it is breakfast or dinner. PLS eat a croissant and have a carb day. The croissants are incredible and is a MUST!!!!!!! Wayne and Ingrid are the kindest and they have truly created a treasure. It is a wonderful place to go solo, couple or for a family.

There could hardly be a more beautiful place than Lake Tarawera and the location of Solitaire Lodge on the peninsula overlooking the lake. Wayne and Ingrid were fabulous hosts. The room was lovely. The food was incredible and the staff could not have been nicer or more helpful. If you are lucky enough to visit do get over to the geothermal hot bath for a soak. The hike to the waterfall was a very pleasant afternoon.

Stunning location, great food and amazing service. Yes it’s pricey, but worth every penny for that special occasion. 5 course evening meals and breakfast didn’t disappoint We stayed for 3 nights for our honeymoon, and you defined recommend you do the early morning boat trip to the hot water pools across the late on a speed boat!