獨行者旅社

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!

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.

In all my years of travel I have never patronized a hotel which was better in any aspect of hotel service. Ingrid and Wayne and the entire staff make the extra effort to make the stay better than enjoyable. The meals are excellently prepared and they make sure they accommodate any food issues.. They accommodate all your touring and transportation needs. The cost is high but the value is higher. I would have no problem recommending Solitaire to anyone.

Solitaire Lodge is an idyllic location for rest, relaxation and exploring the many things to do in this magnificent area. Wayne, Ingrid and the whole team are welcoming, friendly and professional. The food is delicious and the chefs caterer to your needs perfectly. We were staying at the beginning of spring, which is a beautiful time of the year to see the spring blossoms and flowers. The views of the Lake are breathtaking. The Lodge is well equipped, the rooms beautifully clean with wonderful amenities, fluffy towels and comfy bathrobes. Highly recommend if you need a wonderful break.

We had a lovely 2 night stay at Solitaire Lodge. The property is beautifully set on the lake within the lush flora and fauna of the area. There is only one road in and out from Rotorua (20-30 minute drive depending on traffic or road works), with no other amenities along the route. We pulled up to the gated entrance and Wayne buzzed us in, after which he met us outside to greet us and help with our luggage, however not before a quick tour of the property. We were also immediately offered some lunch or a platter to our room which was greatly appreciated. The room itself was simple but elegantly designed, with fantastic views from the large windows out across the lake. The minibar was nicely stocked with drinks and snacks that we greatly enjoyed, especially the homemade biscuits. The bed was very comfortable, and it was a treat to have a bath outside on our balcony. The bathroom itself was simple, with a bidet, but the shower was consistent and powerful- one of the best we have used in NZ. The communal areas were simple but comfortable, but could do with a refresh or some modernisation. Food was wonderful, and the chefs were had were greatly accommodating with any dietaries (or pickiness) we had. The lunch meal we had was our favourite of the visit. A special thanks to Ian for his service in the evenings and for making the best espresso martinis we had in NZ! We could only find a few minor points with our stay: our room had a TV, but it was so small and the signal was so poor that we felt it actually detracted from the quality of the room, and it would have been better without. We would also have loved to have seen some local soaps/shampoos/conditioners in the bathroom, and the skylight in our bathroom was looking very old, mouldy and the paint was beginning to peel so this could have done with some TLC. Finally, the decor and offerings feel well suited to an older clientele. However, the guests (including ourselves) at the time were all around their 30s. With that said, the stay would be enjoyable for all ages.