Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
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26 Greens Road, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
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Travel safe during COVID-19
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What you can expect during your stay
- Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
- Stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Staff required to regularly wash hands
- Contactless check-in
- Contactless check-out
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Updated 01/10/22 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Updated 01/10/22 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#1 of 10 in Franz Josef
Location
4.7
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.9
Value
4.7
We are open for bookings! Welcome to Ribbonwood Bed and Breakfast - a haven for nature lovers. Hosts Jonathan, a wildlife ranger and Julie, an international school teacher are experts on the history and ecology of the glacier region. We are passionate hikers and bird watchers who can show you the best places to visit. The Cottage is a separate self-contained garden cottage with a king bed and single bed. The spacious Waiho Rooms on the top floor of the house - is where your party have the exclusive use of the top floor with two bedrooms for a double, twin, or a group of three travelling together. In your quality accommodation at Ribbonwood Retreat, you can relax in the wilderness and wander the gardens. The surroundings of Glacier Country are at the doorstep to explore. The lush greenery of the grounds at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast provides a habitat for New Zealand's native birds..Just a few minutes drive from the village and ten minutes drive from the glacier, our bed & breakfast accommodation has several excellent restaurants nearby, offering complimentary transport. You can relax knowing your hosts, Julie and Jonathan will take good care of you.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Hiking
Canoeing offsite
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Private check-in / check-out
Secured parking
Wifi
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
Washing machine
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Room features
Safe
Seating area
Iron
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Hair dryer
Dishwasher
Microwave
Refrigerator
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Italian
Location
Full view
Contact
26 Greens Road, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
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This was our second time to visit Ribbonwood. The first was many years ago. We stayed in the separate cottage from the main house both times. It's a beautiful place, and so relaxing and private. I guess that's why we went there the second time, because we needed to relax. Jo and Julie met us when we arrived with big smiles. We didn't get to meet Julie the first time we stayed and so glad we got to meet her this time. They asked what we wanted for breakfast each day, and it felt like a huge choice of menu items. We were in shock honestly because we are both pure vegetarians and still the large choice was there. They made it fun each day with a different choice or the same item which had been made even yummier with extra ingredients. They really went out of their way to make our stay as nice as it could be. The garden by their home had matured and someone had definitely been working it. It was beautiful and I think I could have sat there just thinking all day. Inside the cabin we stayed were books and info on where to go and what to do, and Julie and Jo were always there ready to help as well. When it was time to leave it felt as though we were leaving a good friend's house. They really are such nice people.…
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: Call ahead and let them know what food preferences you have, etc because they will make it happen!
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Jonathan and Julie, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 19, 2022
Kia ora L. It was special that you came back to stay with us after all those years! We are delighted that you were comfortable during your stay and found it relaxing here. We take pride in providing bounty from the garden for breakfast, catering for all tastes. We loved hosting you both and look forward to staying in touch until you come back for your next visit! Ngā mihi Julie and Jo
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Julie and Jo were fantastic hosts. They both met us as we arrived, were given a very warm welcome and showed us to our room which had its own private deck and wonderful views towards the mountains. We were asked if we’d like to see the gardens and surrounds and were guided through an extensive vegetable and flower garden. Much of what’s grown is used in their cooking, and therefore, we very much looked forward to breakfast the next morning. Although we had visited Franz Josef before, Julie and Jo's extensive knowledge of the area helped us plan our stay. Their wealth of knowledge was very welcome. Our room was immaculate and the spacious bathroom had everything we needed, including a beautiful hand made soap made by the owner herself. After an extremely restful sleep, we joined another couple the following morning for a breakfast of crepe and fruit. We were given a choice of several things, but the crepe took our fancy. Both Julie and Jo are the kind of hosts you'd wish to meet in every place you stay. They put the guests first and nothing is too much trouble.…
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Traveled
Room Tip: One night isn’t enough! If you have time, stay 2 or even 3 nights. Amazing hospitality and loads...
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1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Jonathan and Julie, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 19, 2022
Kia ora our dear guests, what beautiful words here to tell others of your experience staying with us! You are very kind. It was a great joy hosting you. We are just a few minutes drive from the village gives us a great vantage point, so we are close to the action and just far enough removed that you can feel the peace and quiet. Meeting you was also an unforgettable experience for us, glad you enjoyed our breakfast. Warm thoughts and all the best, Julie and Jo
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Thank you Julie and Jo for your hospitality and an enjoyable stay. Such a beautiful setting with awesome mountain views. The home grown vegetables and fruit were a delicious bonus! I also appreciated your knowledge of the local area, flora and fauna and activities to do. Again thank you so much for a fabulous time. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: December 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Jonathan and Julie, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 19, 2022
Kia ora with great thanks for your lovely review. We were delighted to read that you had a great experience with us. Our views are spectacular and we felt lucky to share our place with you. Come back and we can spend more time together! Warmest thoughts, Julie
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Ribbonwood is such a lovely B and B and Julie and Jo were amazing. We were one of their last guests before the quarantine in NZ cut our trip short and they were very conscientious about ensuring our social distance was maintained throughout our stay in their extremely clean home. The information they provided on seeing the glacier, restaurants, things to do and even places to stop as we travelled to our next destination was most helpful. We stayed in the main house and our room was quiet and very comfortable, with a separate entrance that made it very easy for us to come and go. They have lovely gardens, chickens that provide fresh eggs for a delicious breakfast. We would highly recommend this b and b if you are going to FJG.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Julie Wolbers, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Jun 4, 2020
Kia ora and thanks, we really appreciate your review. We are happy you enjoyed breakfast, as we enjoy showcasing produce from the garden. It was great having you to stay as you appreciated everything we have on offer here in Franz Josef! Our greatest joy living here is the birdlife that grows in number each year as the trees in the garden grow. We are always happy to help out with your arrangements, it is one of my favourite things about being a host. Nga mea pai katoa, all the best Arohanui Julie and Jo
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Our stay at Ribbonwood was one of the most memorable experiences of our honeymoon to NZ. When we made our reservation, we expected a beautiful view of the mountains from our cottage based on pictures. Well, that view and the cottage blew our expectations out of the water. But the most memorable part of our experience were the hosts, Julie and Jo.A wonderful couple, they are so warm, welcoming and hospitable, and not to mention both excellent cooks. And Jo doubles as a local travel agent, based on his years of experience in the Dept. of Conservation and passion and appreciation of NZ's natural beauty. We loved learning from Jo's wealth of knowledge. Thank you both for an incredible stay in Franz Josef!
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
Response from Julie Wolbers, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Jun 4, 2020
Kia ora our guests and friends. It was really kind of you to write this review, thank you very much. We are only too happy to help with plans for making your time here special, working with your interests and time frame as well as the weather! We love to hear you enjoyed breakfast so much. We wish you well. Hei konā mai, bye for now, Julie and Jo
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Ribbonwood Retreat is a lovely bed & breakfast situated in a quiet and beautiful location. The rooms are very clean and comfortable, ours had an outside deck with seating area. I would recommend a stay of at least 3 nights just in case you have to re-arrange your activities due to the weather. What sets it aside from other bed and breakfasts and make it so special are the hosts Julie and Jo. From the moment you arrive they welcome you into their home and ensure that you make the most of your stay in this stunning area of New Zealand. Their advice, enthusiasm and knowledge from the time we made the booking was invaluable, they even gave us a list of things to see on our journey from Lake Wanaka to Franz Josef. Julie booked all our activities including a helicopter ride with snow landing at Mount Cook, Kayaking at Okarito and my husband an extreme heli-hike on the Fox Glacier which he hasn't stopped talking about. In the evening there is even a free taxi service to some of the restaurants in Franz Josef village which Julie kindly arranged for us, nothing was too much trouble. Breakfasts were a sociable affair where we were introduced to guests from other parts of the world. We enjoyed home made pancakes with eggs from their chickens and home made bread. We were on a 3 month tour of New Zealand but Ribbonwood Retreat and the hospitality of Julie and Jo will always be remembered with fondness and hopefully one day we will return.…
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from Julie Wolbers, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 16, 2020
Kia ora Heather our dear guests, what beautiful words you have written to tell others of your experience staying with us! You are very kind. We absolutely loved having you here, it was a great joy in our hosting experience. Yes, just a few minutes drive from the village gives us a great vantage point, so we are close to the action and just far enough removed so as to feel the peace and quiet. Meeting you was also an unforgettable experience for us. I am glad you worked with us several months beforehand so we could pass on advice and tips to make your activities tailored for you and to ensure you made the most of every opportunity. Warm thoughts and all the best, Julie and Jo
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Ribbonwood Retreat is just a short distance out of Franz Josef and is an extremely good BandB. We were in the cottage (there are two other rooms in the house) which was large and well equipped. Local restaurants were willing to collect and return us to Ribbonwood Retreat after a meal. The hosts were extremely friendly and helpful. An outstanding BandB and highly recommended.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: The cottage was extremely nice and roomy.
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Helpful
Response from Julie Wolbers, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 16, 2020
Thank you so much for your excellent review of us. We feel very lucky with our great location, so peaceful yet close to all the action. We remember you both as we did enjoy our conversations. It was lovely having you to stay. Arohanui Julie and Jo
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My wife and i stayed her on our recent trip around NZ We were met by the hosts and shown our beautiful rooms with great views a shirt distance out of town We had a welcome cup of tea and Anzac biscuits then were give all the local knowledge you could wish for including suggesting local restaurants and arranging for them to pick us up and drop us off after I cannot praise the experience highly enough Just thanks again if we every get back to NZ we will return Thanks Malcolm and Wendy
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Julie Wolbers, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 16, 2020
Kia ora Malcolm, thank you for your kind words, we do appreciate you! It is a wonderful location, so close to the bustling village yet just far away enough to be surrounded by trees that attract many bird species and lovely mountain views. We did enjoy sharing it all with you! Ngā mihi Julie
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My husband I recently stayed at the Ribbonwood for one night while visiting Franz Josep Glacier and couldn’t be happier with our choice. Julie and Jonathan are superb hosts. They sent us an email a few days before our arrival with a detailed travel itinerary to help guide our drive from Queenstown with excellent suggestions for places to stop and things to do along the way. On arrival, we were surprised to find how spacious and big the room was. It has lovely views on both sides. We had an obstructed view of one of the glaciers. The breakfast was wonderful. Our only regret is that we wish we could stay for a couple more nights. We will definitely come back.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Julie Wolbers, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 16, 2020
Kia ora with great thanks for your lovely review. We were thrilled to read that you found the Ribbonwood Waiho Room so spacious! The views are spectacular and we felt lucky to share our place with you both. Our strawberries are just coming on - this time you missed them for breakfast. Do come back and we can spend more time together! Warmest thoughts, Julie
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Lovely place to stay. Very comfortable and peaceful. Great hosts who provide lots of information on the area. Knew so much about wildlife and botany. Couldn’t be more helpful. Even gave us information about good places to stop at onward journey.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Julie Wolbers, Owner at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Responded Apr 16, 2020
Thank you we really appreciate you taking the time to write this review. So glad you left with great memories of Ribbonwood having enjoyed the widlife chats and bird life! It is always wonderful to share our special place in the Franz Josef with our guests. Hope to see you again one day. Warm thoughts as you travel onward. Arohanui Julie and Jo
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PRICE RANGE
$141 - $237 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandWest Coast RegionWestland Tai Poutini National ParkFranz Josef
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Which popular attractions are close to Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast?
Nearby attractions include Te Koha Gallery (2.8 miles), Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting (2.7 miles), and Roberts Point Track (5.0 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast?
Conveniently located restaurants include Alice May, Monsoon Bar & Restaurant, and BLUE ICE RESTAURANT & BAR.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, and Italian.
Are there any historical sites close to Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Church of St. James (4.2 miles).