RR Travel & Tourism | Rainforest Retreat
Your rainforest retreat When Mike Warren, one of the founders of Kiwi Experience, returned from his OE in the late 1980s, he began to see New Zealand in a different light. He saw it as an exciting destination for travellers and wanted to provide an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting his homeland. Fourteen years on and Kiwi Experience has turned into a business that has blossomed into a trans-Tasman network of bright green buses, carting up to 30,000 holiday makers all year round across New Zealand and Australia.
Rainforest Retreat is nestled and secluded in six acres of idyllic native bush, offering premium accommodation comprising of tree houses, tree lodges, tree huts, park motels and flashpacker ensuite units. It is the perfect place to base yourself whether your want a relaxing stay or if you plan to take in the sights of the magnificent Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. All ‘Retreat’ rooms are furnished with SKY enabled flat screen TVs, ipod/iphone docks, electric blankets, fresh towels, bathroom amenities, hair dryer, alarm clock, tea and coffee making facilities, with full kitchen facilities in some units. Accommodation options are neatly presented with a contemporary design by Admire Interiors.
Rainforest Retreat promo
When Warren developed the site he was careful to cut out as little natural landscape as possible and establish buildings in order to retain the rainforest. “Even now, with 60 campervan parks, each site is cut into bush to give every guest some privacy. There are nature walks throughout the park and careful consideration is given when new buildings or facilities are developed.”
Black Sheep Backpackers and Franz Josef Rainforest Retreat has a wide range on Holiday Park, developed in 1999, sat alongside facilities all on site. These include the the Waiho River however, due to a flood risk Monsoon Bar and Restaurant with a large cosy put in place, had to move. fireplace, a general store, hot bubbling spa So, in 2003, Warren bought a small motel and pools and a private sauna. rebranded Black Sheep Backpackers and Franz “The Monsoon Bar and Restaurant has a Josef Holiday Park as Rainforest Retreat. great reputation for hearty meals and Since then the business has continued to grow enjoyable atmosphere. The crew at the info steadily during the last 10 years and now has and track centre provides our guests with plentiful information and help, should they some 80 rooms of quality and character. It wish to book activities in Franz Josef or any has received the Qualmark 4 star plus motel onward accommodation and activities in rating, is a four star plus rated holiday park New Zealand. and has Qualmark Enviro silver badges.
Stay one night and get the second night free in a Park Motel, Tree Hut or Tree Lodge. Offer valid until 31 October, 2013. Offer is subject to availability - please see voucher below.
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During these years Warren spent a large amount of time driving through the West Coast of the South Island. It was his love of the rugged coast that propelled him to construct a backpacker hostel and holiday park in Franz Josef.
Josef regularly. “I often fly into Christchurch and Queenstown and drive along to the West Coast. I have done it hundreds of times and it’s one of my favourite journeys,” he says.
The Monsoon Bar and Restaurant
Rainforest Retreat is continually aiming to improve service, facilities and its contribution within the community. “We are striving to be more environmentally friendly and Rainforest Retreat is continuously evolving. Whether I’m looking at adding more buildings or facilities, improving customer satisfaction, finding new marketing ideas or just enhancing on what we already have here.”
For more information log onto www.rainforestretreat.co.nz to watch a short video feature on the West Coast and Rainforest Retreat. Rainforest Retreat 46 Cron Street Franz Josef T (03) 752 0220 T 0800 873 346 E comestay@rainforestretreat.co.nz www.rainforestretreat.co.nz — Advertising Feature
“Glacier Kayaks is also a top activity in Franz Even though Warren now resides in Auckland it doesn’t stop him from getting down to Franz Josef and now operates on site,” Warren says.
68 Durham Street South, Sydenham, Christchurch
NEW office location in the Rainforest Retreat!
FREE digital photos of you in action!
Ph: 03 366 2816 F: 03 366 4108 E: info@admireinteriors.co.nz
www.admireinteriors.co.nz
Info & Bookings: 0800 423 262 paddle@glacierkayaks.com www.glacierkayaks.com
Proud suppliers of Furnishings, Furniture and Bedding to The Rainforest Retreat
www.canterburytoday.co.nz June/July 2013 | 71