Disclaimer: Waiheke Island Resort management will likely refute this review point-by-point, but rest assured they’ll never be on site or do anything to correct the issues that led to the criticism. Waiheke Island is beautiful so enjoy the view, because that’s all you’re likely to enjoy at this place. Waiheke Island Resort has it all: resort in name only, closed ammenities, and unserviced rooms. (Please note: they DID make the beds in one of our rooms, once. But nothing else.) Have a fetish for smoke damaged rooms? They’ve got you covered. Want to book two rooms on the same reservation but ensure you’re on apposite ends of the property? WIR is the place to be. Dead palms? Check Rubbish under the deck? Check Staff without a single care or answer? Check and check Courtesy vans? They’ve got two but don’t expect to ride in one. Electric bikes? The signs say ‘yes’ the people say ‘no’. Food? Not if you’re visiting on a day that ends in ‘y’. Weddings? Let me get a divorce lawyer ready for you on speed dial. This place has so much potential, but for now that’s all it has. Let’s hope they put some money into the unheated pool with cracks so large you’d be right to ask if the property was somehow, no matter how scientifically impossible, damaged in the Kaikoura or Christchurch quakes. Or they could address the many many many steps throughout the place that need attention. The most radical thought? For less than $100 they could ensure rooms have cups and plates. (Especially when the “resort” restaurant isn’t open and the nearest shop is a 1.3km walk from the “resort”.) You’d hope the people working here (note: don’t expect anyone on site outside of 10am - 4pm on those pesky days ending in ‘y’) would care enough to try a bit harder or at least proactively suggest local restaurants or things to do given NOTHING IS OPEN OR AVAILABLE DURING PEAK SEASON AT THIS RESORT but, again, no. No a million times over. Most importantly— and this is the most serious criticism— this property is not for ANYONE with any kind of mobility challenges: you will be required to walk up and down significant inclines and there IS NO ASSISTANCE provided for you or your luggage. Not an issue for us but I would have been incandescent if parents or a mobility-challenged individual were with us. So, re-sort your holiday plans if this is the “resort” on your list for all the reasons above and more.
The booking and communication was really pleasant at first then became confusing then cold and unfriendly. We booked multiple rooms for a reunion. The units were outdated and in need of an update. Like stepping back in to the 1980s. The larger 2 bdm 'house' was adequate but a bit wonky from building patchwork. And full of mosquitoes. Even though there was warning about this on the room paperwork, there was no fly spray nor repellent or adequate preventative measures. Also, there was no air-freshener for bathroom use. There was also no one on duty in the reception area over the weekend so if you were locked out, your were locked out. If you needed something (eg. flyspray or air-freshener) you had to go to the local shop to buy some for the units. Location was excellent for the RSA and not bad for other activities and venues.
We recently stayed at Cable Bay Views (studio 3). It’s a great set up, comfortable, well appointed, modern and comfortable. Great views, close (ie 5 ish mins walk) to Cable Bay, Mudbrick and Allpress, communicative owners, and reasonable value. Few points: - shame the fan in the bathroom automatically goes on synched to the bathroom lights (a pain at night!) and the bathroom bin was broken, the bathroom underfloor heating is great, the modern tv that comes out of the wall is great also!, kitchen is perfectly fine given I suspect barely anyone who stays there, eats there. Very popular given its location I imagine and we certainly would recommend it. Just a couple of small things to fix or potentially improve.
We visited Waiheke Island for a family wedding and chose to stay at Delamore Lodge, it was so relaxing and tranquil there. Beautifully appointed and an extremely comfortable villa with everything you need. It was a very enjoyable stay. We would highly recommend Delamore Lodge to anyone thinking of visiting the island. We hope to be back again soon.
Onetangi beach appartments. First time on waiheke island , we had a enjoyable time here bed confortable appartment spacious near the most beautiful beach while the weather was horrible and cold we made the most of it trying some restaurants. We do recommend this place