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Reviews of Blackfern Lodge This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

1847 Ongarue Stream Road, 3998 Waimiha, New Zealand

#1 of 1 hotels in Waimiha

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 51 hotel reviews

9.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.3

  • Comfort

    9.1

  • Location

    9.0

  • Facilities

    9.0

  • Staff

    9.5

  • Value for money

    9.1

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 21, 2025

    10
    Staff is really welcoming and knows the track super well. The lodge is really comfortable.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The location is a bit off the track but totally worth the extra distance.

    The staff was awesome and super accomodating. They gave us good information about the location and warned us about a bit of extra uphill riding at the end. They also gave us a ride up the hill on the 2nd day. Thanks guys! And overall they were just really helpful, knowledgeable and welcoming. They were also super kind and helpful to one of the other guests who had issues with his bike. We loved the spa pool, garden and the waterfall walk, which was beautiful… even in the pouring rain! The lodge has a super warm and relaxed vibe. We were extremely wet when we arrived. It was a great place to dry off, warm up and refuel for the next day of our adventure. Our son especially loved the cozy living room and pool table. Kitchen was super well equipped too. We cooked for ourselves and had everything we needed.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 12, 2025

    10
    Fabulous!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Mark was super friendly and helpful. What an incredible place, the photos don’t do it justice!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: March 20, 2025

    10
    Gem in the wilderness
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    That we only had one night.

    We loved the remoteness, Mark was super friendly and helpful. The facilities were excellent. Loved feeding the rainbow trout and the walk to the waterfall. Even though it was 6 km from the trail, the ride through the forest was pretty neat. Good covered in e bike charging station and a ride in Lokie halfway back to the trail. We weren't disappointed by any aspect of our stay

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: February 20, 2025

    9.0
    A lovely place to stay when cycling the Timber Trail
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Loved the kiwi hospitality provided by Mark and Rachel. They went the extra mile to ensure we were safe and comfortable!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: January 30, 2025

    9.0
    cosy and quiet
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    super cosy location in the middle of the forest, beautiful at night and with lots of space to relax / visit the trees.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 13, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Due to a misunderstanding by my host, there was no-one there and no note of welcome and information when I arrived late. It felt strange and empty. As there was no phone coverage I was unable to contact anyone but chose a room. The next morning the friendly host arrived, apologised, and gave me and my bike a welcome lift up the hill.

    A beautifully peaceful place.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 11, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The location is remote and very beautiful with an amazing waterfall just 5 min walk from the room

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: January 11, 2025

    9.0
    A Tranquil and Peaceful Hideaway
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    You don't have easy access to wifi - this didn't matter too much to us but if you need it be aware of it.

    Blackfern Lodge is nestled in a little piece of paradise near the Timber Trail. It is a little off the main road but when you get there it is a tranquil and peaceful treat. Rachel and Mark were excellent hosts who made us feel most welcome. There is no facilities for food close by so you will need to bring your own and use the kitchen. You are surrounded by pines, a gurgling stream with rainbow trout jumping and the sound of a waterfall just a short walk away. The beds were also incredibly comfortable!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 5, 2025

    9.0
    Rare ducks and a private waterfall - what’s not to love?!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Tiny niggle: The shower pressure was a bit weak.

    Loved seeing whio and so many other native birds, as well as feeding the tuna and trout, plus swimming at the waterfall. Stunning location with lots of native bush - and a spa!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 4, 2025

    9.0
    Serene spot in nature and cool quirky lodge,
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing to dislike, water pressure in shower is average but that is no big deal. Great spot to get away from it all.

    Very serene spot, loved the swim at the waterfall and then hit spa afterwards. Excellent kitchen facilities and cool quirky lodge.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 2, 2025

    8.0
    Short but relaxing
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Well off the the beaten track and a long dirt road to get there

    Beautiful surrounding, nice rustic feel

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 2, 2025

    9.0
    Lovely location, fantastic spot!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Serene, peaceful, met all our needs. Lovely location and friendly accommodating owner.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: October 20, 2024

    9.0
    My partner and I loved the whole experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    No plug in the bathroom (difficult for shaving)

    Beautiful location and grounds, immaculately cared for, very comfortable room and really interesting central lounge/kitchen facility. Lots of character.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: June 30, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Triple Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Amazing place to visit. Great rooms in a fantastic location with a cool recreation room complete with pool table, board games, kitchen, bar, comfy chairs and eating area. Theres a river nearby with eels and rainbow trout that you can feed and theres a very picturesque waterfall. Also the garden. Everything. It's awesome.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: May 9, 2024

    8.0
    Peaceful and quiet.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    The cold and the heater was of no use. I slept in my clothes and waited to get home to shower.

    Peace and quiet.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: April 29, 2024

    10
    No more to say!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    All very good thanks

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 29, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    An amazing spot, so very peaceful. Awesome if you want to get away from the city! You could feed the trout, spot the blue ducks, check out the amazing waterfall, sit in the hot tub, or just chill out in the lodge itself which had a lot to keep you occupied. There is a full kitchen available to use in the lodge. Keep this place in mind if you are wanting to do the Timber Trail. They have options for this.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 7, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing

    Blackfern Lodge is hidden gem in bush. If you are doing Timber Trail or part of it: spend there a night! It is place in such unique surroundings that is hard to describe. Lodge has beautiful, unique climate and host took care of us beyond any expectations. Because we were running all trail, they drop us on next day morning as close to track as it was possible. It what was extremely helpful. And there is no service at all what from our perspective was big advantage :)

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 31, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Mark and Rachael were great hosts. Helped with all our needs. Food was delicious. Accommodation and surroundings were beautiful. We would recommend.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: February 25, 2024

    10
    A hidden gem
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing at all

    Beautiful location. Very isolated. Comfortable and spacious. Loved the trout and eel in the river. Amazing waterfall. Great chilled out vibe. We had a five star experience, thanks for our host Mark who was really helpful in showing us around. Ten out of ten in all respects from us.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 14, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It’s a great spot well worth the extra 6km cycle off the trail to get there for those doing the TT. An oasis in the middle of dense bush. Rachael and Mark are fabulous hosts. We will be back.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 30, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    If you ever get a chance to stay at Rachael’s and Mark‘s place, do it. I came a second time from Germany and will return for a third one. For the private waterfall, the quirky and heartwarming handmade details all around the grounds, the nightsky, feeding trouts, hearing blue ducks, or the room with costumes, but most importantly for feeling this unique spot between nature and garden. It is so peaceful and quiet it is absolutely mind-boggling.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 22, 2024

    10
    Highly recommend a visit. Plenty to see and do
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Excellent location. Excellent facilities. Wish I could have stayed longer.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 8, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double or Twin Room with Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Would have been nice to have some wifi access seeing as there is no cell coverage. It wasn’t clear that it was entirely self-catering, I had hoped there would be a meal service option.

    Beautiful surroundings, comfortable rooms and spacious lounge / common area. The hosts were very accomodating and helpful.

    Stayed in January 2024

Showing 1 - 25

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