This gem of a place was discovered at the last minute and was the highlight of my stay in that area. I felt a million miles from city stress, in this beautiful and creatively quirky little cottage. It's perched at the top of a hill 10km out of Waitomo, with over 180 degree views of the surrounding hills, forests, farmland and rocky outrcops which look like the remains of ancient civilisations. You can pick out the mountains in the distance on a clear day. It is so peaceful - the tranquility was so tangible I could have sat on the balcony and not gone anywhere else. We had a BBQ on the balcony and a glass of wine while we watched the sun set. Biddy had left us a delicious breakfast (balcony again) and we enjoyed watching the changes in the scenery as the mists rose. A special thank you to Biddy and Rich for helping with ideas for our last day of travelling - they sent us along the most lovely route discovering some great spots we had never heard of. I could send myself on a retreat here.

A peaceful retreat situated 10 km outside of Waitomo. We stayed for two nights in February 2016. It rained most of the time we were there, but the cottage was beautiful and the views were gorgeous when the rain cleared. The balcony was perfect for star-gazing (no light pollution around). The hosts were very welcoming with recommendations about activities and restaurants. Breakfast amenities of milk, bread, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and a variety of spreads was provided. Loft space with two single beds. No wi-fi, but that's what you would want in a "retreat!" (available at the general store in Waitomo) Would highly recommend for couples or small families!

Would recommend finding Rock Retreat for the first time during daylight. The road there is very curvy and it is easy to miss the Hauturu Road turn-off.

We read the reviews & everyone said they wanted to stay longer. So we booked 3 nights, but still, we wanted to stay longer! A special place, so in touch with the landscape around it, capturing the sun, the outstanding views, yet sheltering from the weather. 'Retreat' is such an apt description of this delightful cottage set high amongst the Waitomo limestone hills. The accommodation highlight of our trip!

Lovely slightly alternate accommodation, very comfortable with myriad of personal touches. Hosts do all they can to be welcoming and unobtrusive. Not a commercial glitzy 5 star cabin but rather a comfortable bit quirky delight.

We had a much to brief stay here enroute south, but so very happy we did find this little gem. The cottage is gorgeous, scenery spectacular and hosts very friendly. My 2 children got taken under their childrens wings to feed the lambs, climb some rocks before dinner. Would have no hesitation in staying again.

I have truly enjoyed my stay at the retreat as the experience was superb and amazing. Awesome!! It was a pity that I stayed only for a night on 4 Dec 2014 which was a real grave mistake i have made

I particularly like this out-of-the-world place for several reasons:
1. Cottage style accommodation. How often do we get a chance to stay in it? A truly good experience for urbanites to break away from civilization, once a while. A respite from hustle n bustle of life. I love it. It sleeps four with 2 single beds on the attic.
2. Clean n well furnished. Though it's back to the basics once again but coz it is so well equipped with simple n yet necessary facilities, my stay is deemed memorable and enjoyable. The same satisfaction n feeling I got from 5* big name hotels. It's very clean n well kept by biddy. No creepy crawlies. Absence of high technology is made up by cozy setting of the quaint cottage e.g. fireplace wooden logs to keep the environment warm; gas stove n well equipped kitchen to keep your hunger pangs away if you are into cooking, mini fridge with a few selection of spreads for bread (I suspect the different jams could be home made coz it tastes good), different types of cereals for breakfast, hot showers etc
3. Location with a breathtaking view.Though it is located quite up on the hill (about 20 minute drive from waitomo's general store under good weather conditions) getting there is not difficult as long as you follow the instructions given by biddy, the lady host. Coz it's on the hill, the air is fresh n the view is stunning if the weather is good. I was fortunate to be able to enjoy the picturesque view from the cottage. Surrounding is all greeneries. If you like animals like I do, you can visit the sheep reared by the hosts. The lamb named thunder is friendly and enjoys the company of people. And so is their dog. It was like a mini farm stay I had.
4. Great hospitality. Biddy is very friendly and warm. She made me feel very welcomed and well looked after. Making sure that it's never a trouble for her when requests are made. She has a great heart to serve n make her guests go away with that beam of joy to cry out for a longer stay in the cottage.