Luxury Lodge in New Zealand

21st March 2009
A lovely place. Absolutely beautiful room with a private desk and fantastic views of the country. The bathroom is STUNNING with marble tiling a amazing shower with the latest japanese technology, yes 2 shower heads, massage jets the works. And the bathtub is also of a double size. Although the dining experience was another matter. Paying around $40+ per main course, $25-$35 per entree and and $20+ per dessert I would expect a top notch meal. Instead it left me very bitter, frustrated and unsatisfied. Entirely horrified that such an establishment could associate it's name and location with the terrible job done by the restaurant. The meal was over salty and yes I do like my meals with that extra twist of salt and pepper, the duck was dry. The entrees on their own were weak but paired together - actually a good pairing. Worst of all was the dessert. A simple pana cotta. Should be mildy sweet, creamy, firm to the breaking of the skim but soft once past the barrier. This was not. On the plate it looked like a smooth tinged pink shiny bar of soap. And taste wise it was rubbery. There was too much gelatin in the mix and it when prodded it barely budged. I would never trust to eat at their retsuarant, Altitude again.

1st December 2010
Our hosts made a special effort to ensure that our stay at River Haven Lodge was very enjoyable and memorable. Great food, great cabin accommodation and great company! Also I certainly had the best day's fly-fishing I've had anywhere, due to some exceptionally knowledgeable, skilled and patient guiding in the local rivers. Patrick, Sydney, Australia