Testimonials

This has to be the best retreat we have ever experienced, and we have done a lot of travel. You attention to detail is amazing. So well looked after you are both stunning hosts. Long may it last, as we will be back.

Bill & Mel, Auckland

Nga mihi nui kia korua mo to manaaki me whakaaro rangatira kia maua. Rob and Susie, you two are amazing and wonderful people. The experience you have given us is absolutely going to be treasured. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. Arohanui.

Bobbi and Pakanui, Ruatoria

Loved every minute - Fabulous people, Fabulous food, Fabulous surroundings! Thank you so much

Phil & Sandy, Whanganui

Words cannot express the amazing kindness and generosity. Best experience ever in New Zealand! Very grateful for all the guidance and information.

Leane & Mark, United States

Thank you for a wonderful stay, and your kindness for making us feel welcome and relaxed. Much appreciated.

Richard & Christine, Petone

Great food, company & accommodation, thank you

Victoria & Peter, Wellington

A treasure in the country not to be missed. Thank you!

Lyn & John, Wanaka

Thanks so much for your wonderful hospitality, lovely food and perfect accommodation! You have a beautiful home.

Deb & Richard, Wellington

Thank you Susie & Rob for such wonderful hospitality. Had a great relaxing time.

Adam & Marg, Australia

Dear Rob, Susie, Biskit & Coco, many, many thanks for making our stay so special! From the cottage to the homemade jams and from lovely chats in the evening to all the suggested activities. You are truly wonderful hosts! We can't wait to come back

Camiel & Wies, Australia

Simply superb! Thank you for leaving us wanting for nothing, for your warm welcome, incredible food, your oasis of a garden, the sounds of the birds in the morning, homemade jam, fabulous dinner, Coco and Biskit (bless your gorgeous doggies) and a magnificent nights sleep after two weeks on the TA wilderness from Cape Reinga. Thank you for your conversation and generosity of spirit.

Brendan & Rachael, Australia

We were privileged to be the first guests to stay at Ranginui Homestay. It was absolutely fabulous and our whole experience was just perfect!

Yvonne & Colin, Wellington

Wow! An amazing time at Ranginui Retreat. Beautiful setting, amazing food, gracious hosts. Absolutely loved our stay and we will be back.

Jane & Murray, Wellington

Stunning retreat with gracious hosts. Susie's culinary skills are masterclass. This will be a location we will never forget. Already booked our next time & bringing our friends with us to share the experience.

Craig & Michelle, North Canterbury

Surpassed our expectations!!! Absolutely beautiful retreat in a very special setting. Amazing service, delicious food, incredible attention to detail. So many thoughtful touches, we can't wait to come back!! Thanks for sharing your slice of paradise. Best hosts ever!!

Letitia & Richard, Wellington

From Flox - We had the absolute, most amazing week here. Susie and Rob, you really went the extra mile. Looking forward to coming back and enjoying the surroundings + wonderful company again. From Pierre - .... yes! We were blown away with Susie & Rob's hospitality, a 5-Star experience with great company. See you next time!

Flox & Pierre, Auckland

What an absolutely magical find! Our stay at Ranginui Retreat has been the highlight of our two weeks in NZ. The warm hospitality shown by Rob and Susie has completely exceeded our expectations. They are wonderful company and most generous hosts! As were their two gorgeous dogs - Biskit & Coco. The stay is the complete experience - amazing grounds, gorgeous rooms, comfy beds & the most delicious food. Thank you for everything! We will remember these two days forever

Sharon, Scott & Ara, Newcastle, Australia

What a find! A hidden gem! Thank you Rob & Susie for sharing your piece of paradise & your warm hospitality. Everything was "spot on" - perfect spot for R&R - delicious meal, wonderful hosts. We shall return!!

Karen & Chris, Hamilton

"Exceptional" and beyond all expectations. Thank you both so much for everything

Rachel & Pat, Gisborne

This is an exceptional stay with lovely people. Everything is perfect.

Luc & Patricia, Belgium

"Home away from home". That is the best description of what we have experienced. You really go above and beyond to give us this homely feeling. Your CLO Biskit and CSO Coco definitely contributed to that as well. We will be back!

Michel & Miranda, The Netherlands

Thank you so much for such a blissful weekend. Beautiful food, stunning gardens, and fabulous hosts (especially Chief Security Officer (Coco) and Guest Liaison Officer (Biskit)). We had a lovely time and I will have to start planning a return. Thanks again

Kate & Jon, Wellington

Thank you so much for your amazing hospitality, we were treated like royalty and can not explain how much we appreciate your care and attention. The garden, home, and accommodation are perfection.

Jude & Dave, Upper Hutt

This is a place where time slows down. Utter bliss. We loved it, thank you!

Sallie & Steve, Wellington

Rarely, if ever, have we been so incredibly looked after. Thank you for an absolutely wonderful weekend, where every detail was taken care of, the food was one delicious morsel after another, the dogs were just delightful, and your company was a treat.

Matt & Miriam, Plimmerton

Thank you for a magical weekend. Your care and attention to detail is second to none. We were spoiled in every way possible & loved every minute of our stay. The dogs are wonderful and so well behaved. The wine tasting was such a treat & a fantastic find. Thank you!

Lynne & Paul, Wellington

Thank you for your generous hospitality and delightful conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed your carefully prepared food - from the welcome plum cake to the delicious salmon. Thank you both so very much.

Sandra & Andrew, Auckland

Thank you so much for the most wonderful stay! There is so much to love in every little detail and you can really feel how much you enjoy running Ranginui. Beautiful food, gorgeous gardens, a fantastic winetasting and lots of good chats and conversations! Truly hope we can come back soon

Alexandra & Matt, Wellington

Thank you for sharing your slice of paradise with us. It is truly amazing on all counts. 5 stars is absolutely not enough! You are truly amazing hosts. The whole experience has been delightful and relaxing

Hilly & Ben, Lower Hutt

Thank you for looking after us! We had an amazing time!

Deidre, Paul & Siobhan, Wellington

Thank you for making our stay special and memorable! You have an incredible place and you make it even more fantastic. We will definitely share your info along. Have a Merry Christmas!

Ian & Kelly, Ohope

Dear Rob and Susie, many thanks for making this stay very special. You have an amazing place and we feel welcome from the very first second. Many thanks for your kindness, we really enjoyed our stay!

Bjorn & Tanja, Munich, Germany

Rob & Susie (Biskit & Coco), Thank you so so much for the most wonderful stay. Your gardens are beautiful, your G&T's are perfect. We've both travelled throughout Europe, and this has by far been the most memorable and most caring accommodation we've stayed at. We can't wait to come back and see you again.

Kelsie & Jack, Auckland

Thank you for the most amazing four days. We have had such a magical time. We're going into the New Year relaxed and rejuvenated because of the four of you. Hearts & bellies full!

Tim & Bliss, New Plymouth

Thank you so much for opening your home to us ... this was like staying in a friend's home. You are amazingly generous hosts! We will be back ... as will our friends!

Stephen & Chez, Massachusetts, United States

What an unforgettable experience! From the moment we arrived we felt so welcomed. Honestly, this has been a magical experience of relaxation, stimulating conversation and exceptional service. Everything has been so carefully considered and beautifully presented. Thank you for everything and having us at your beautiful property. We adore our new friends, Coco and Biskit.

Ted & Cilla, Te Awamutu

Absolutely beautiful weekend away. Great place to stay, looking forward to coming back

Jess & Eugene, Masterton

Thank you so much for your exceptional generosity and warmth. It could not have been a more perfect birthday weekend in your slice of paradise.

Alf & Grant, Wellington

What a place to stay! Amazing, beautiful, and perfect in each little detail. Its like staying with friends. Not to forget: Susie is a great cook. Thanks to Rob and Susie for their great hospitality.

Michael, Germany

Such a fantastic setting with great hosts Rob & Susie. Every detail to high standards including the fabulous meals. And love the friendly four-legged friends, Biskit & Coco

Robert & Deb, Auckland

A total immersion in the lovelies of life - extraordinary cuisine, beautiful people in Susie & Rob, accommodating, flexible, ever so helpful on a gorgeous property shared with us so generously - constant companions Biskit & Coco - we loved every minute and we will be back for more of the same

Corran & Anna, Dunedin

Truly a retreat! And a five-star one to boot! We enjoyed every one of our four days here. Beautiful home, gracious, kind and thoughtful hosts. Susie, you are amazing in all fine and important things - including matters culinary. Rob, you are so good at making us feel right at home! And of course we fell in love with Biskit and Coco!

Patrick & Susan, Toronto, Canada

A lovely experience, comfortable, luxurious accommodation in beautiful gardens surrounded by beautiful countryside. Rob & Susie looked after me very well, felt like royalty. Excellent meals, thank you Susie and great breakfasts. Thank you, till we meet again.

Lukas, Levin

As mentioned by previous guests - truly a wonderful retreat. Stunning gardens, peaceful surroundings, superb attention to guests "wonderful" hosts. Thank you

Jill & Peter, Palmerston North

Thank you so much for such a lovely stay. The food, company and cottage are beautiful. Will absolutely be back

Darryl & Nicole, Upper Hutt

A truly relaxing stay in your beautiful home! Great food, amazing wines and excellent company. The swim in the morning was the perfect start to the day.

Paul & Lucy, Essex, UK

Such a lovely weekend! You are such inspiring hosts. Your home is so beautiful, complimented by the gardens and grounds. Loved all the attention to detail. And the dogs were just the cherry on top. Thank you so much!

Julie, Wellington

Our stay at Ranginui Retreat consistently exceeded our expectations! Rob and Susie are incredible hosts. Their attention to detail, generosity and thoughtfulness combine to make this an outstanding place to stay.

Sue & Paul, Wellington

This is a beautiful home! Rob and Susie are so welcoming and engaging that we didn't really want to leave. We enjoyed our conversations while stargazing by the fire and walking with the dogs in the bush. Thank you for sharing your home with us! (P.S. Special thanks to Biskit and Coco for the cuddles!)

Alex & Aglaya, Amsterdam

Can't fault a thing! Thank you so much for a wonderful stay. Top notch hospitality from Rob & Susie & Biskit & Coco! We especially enjoyed the walk to Bijou Estate, what a lovely local gem.

Paul & Anita, South Wairarapa / London

The most difficult task of the last two days is to find the words best to describe Ranginui Retreat. Perhaps we just use the word: SUPERB!!

Doug & Kara, Wellington

Ranginui was the perfect place to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary! Thank you Rob & Susie, exceptional hosts, for sharing your beautiful home, your company, conversation, delicious food & wine! A perfect weekend!

Chris & Sally, Plimmerton

A very relaxing homestead. Truly amazing hospitality. So, so relaxing. We are leaving very rejuvenated.

Dean & Di, Martinborough

We have loved our stay and do not want to leave, so we will certainly be back ... Thank you for the most beautiful tranquil setting. Your labour of love is a testimony to your vision and whenua. Susie - thank you for the most incredible gastronomic delights. Rob - what a gentleman! You both are a wonderful team.

Clinton & Rachel, Palmerston North

Thank you both for a wonderful stay, very relaxing. We have really enjoyed your company and Susie's beautiful meals. We are already planning our next visit to your beautiful property.

Ian & Sharon, Upper Hutt

Wow! An incredible place to relax & unwind, enjoy fabulous company, stunning food & beautiful surroundings. We loved every minute! Thank you for an amazing experience.

Jayne & Peter, Palmerston North

Absolutely amazing, wonderful hosts, beautiful room and tasty food. Really enjoyed our walks around the gardens. A perfect way to spend our first anniversary

John & Vicki, Levin

Thank you for a wonderful stay. The food was amazing, the cottage was peaceful. Thank you for your hospitality.

Tony & Diane, Auckland

A great romantic weekend to celebrate milestone birthday. Food was great and very tasty. Peaceful surroundings

Debbie & Gary, Carterton

What a gracious and beautiful experience we had with Rob and Susie! We really want to thank you not only for your hospitality but help with giving us ideas on what we should see in New Zealand.

Sandra & Bill, USA

We loved our stay here, Rob & Susie you've been the most fantastic hosts. Everything has been perfect and this is such a nice part of NZ to spend a few days.

Saira & Nick, Wellington

Thank you so much for having us to stay at your beautiful home. You welcomed us with open arms like you had known us for years. We had the most fantastic, relaxing stay, made even more memorable by Coco and Biskit. We hope to come back in the summer and see your gorgeous garden.

Jo & David, Wellington

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, you are both amazing hosts and the retreat is truly beautiful. Thank you for everything and for introducing us to your friends at the wineries! We will definitely recommend you to our friends.

Litsa and Mike, Lower Hutt

What an amazing retreat, beautiful tranquil grounds. The cottage was superb, everything and every whim catered for. Absolutely fabulous hosts, was a real pleasure getting to know Susie & Rob. Until next time .... I will rave about Ranginui to my friends!

Mark & Sha, Hamilton

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. Your hospitality has been a real treat: outstanding cuisine, great coffee, beautiful art, attention to design, and rich conversations. Biskit and Coco were delightful. We leave feeling refreshed and grateful. We are pleased to have journeyed this way.

Edmund & Philippa, Waikane

Ranginui Retreat is easily the most beautiful, tranquil, and luxurious place that we have checked into in a while; a one-of-a-kind boutique experience and like a home away from home. Thank you Susie & Rob for your warmth and hospitality. We are already looking forward to our next stay here

Klara & Adrian, Whangarei

Such a beautiful place to "unwind, rest & rejuvenate." Thank you Rob & Susie for looking after us so well. Your amazing cooking (cooked rhubarb was definitely top of the list), enjoyable conversations, beautiful home with such tasteful decor, & incredible gardens - have made our stay so memorable. And now we want a dog just like Biskit!

Scott & Kathy, Auckland

Extremely peaceful, relaxing time - thoroughly enjoyed with great hosts Rob & Susie. Dining experience to remember, great company, including Biskit! & Coco. Thank you both for going the extra mile - everything was perfect.

Denise & Ken, Upper Hutt

Thank you for an unforgettable stay your lovely home and garden. We really appreciate your wonderful hospitality and being part of your family Christmas dinner. Wonderful!

Ilse & Steen, Denmark

Everything about our stay and everybody who cared for us, including the estate's security and chief of operations was exquisite, including the late night tart! We will be back again.

Jenn & Ben, Palmerston North

A fantastic start to the New Year. We loved everything about our stay @Ranginui. Just the right level of sophistication and service!

John & Fiona, Wellington

Such a great place to stay and such fabulous hosts. Here for a quiet 50th birthday celebration. You made it feel like staying at a family friends place. Fantastic food, tunes, conversation and setting. Will rave and recommend to our family and friends. Thanks so much.

Mat & Kerry, Kapiti

What a great experience for rest & relaxation! Food, accommodation and general vibe was all amazing, but the icing on the was Rob, Susie, Coco & Biskit - feel like family and friends already!

Jules & Esteban, Kapiti

Shame I couldn't steal "Biskit", my new friend. Gorgeous property, wonderful food and hosts. Thanks you for making my trip "heaven" xx

Karen, Whanganui

Stunning property, amazing food and incredible hosts. The cottage was beautiful. Thanks for a lovely relaxing weekend xx

Mike & Tracey, Pukerua Bay

What amazing hosts and place. Welcomed by smiles and kind attention. The house, decor, gardens are so beautiful. Dinner & breakfast, amazing! What a talent for cooking, dressing a lovely table ... and always with a smile and a sense of humor. We make decision: to come back!

Laurence & Christian, Luxenburg

Wonderful stay and gorgeous hosts. Amazing dinners and breakfasts. Really enjoyed our visit to Bijou / Alex [our neighboring vineyard]

Keith & Adrienne, Te Horo

We truly had the best time with you and are so grateful for the wonderful and calm atmosphere you created.

Polly & BJ, Wairarapa

Thank you for an amazing stay. Amazing food, great company and a beautiful, restful setting. Loved the dog friends too.

Nick & Jo, Lower Hutt

Loved our stay. Very restful, accommodation superb and food great. Thank you Rob and Sue for sharing your beautiful home with us

Ann & Ivan, Auckland

We really needed a break (& something special to celebrate our 25th anniversary) & we got both! Thank you Rob & Susie for a special weekend where we felt like honored guests staying with friends in their grand home

Shelton & Mei Lin, Wellington

Thank you so much for the amazing food and hospitality, especially for sharing your gorgeous property. We have a lovely memory for our 38th wedding anniversary.

Jo & Andrew, Christchurch

Thank you Rob & Susie for a wonderful stay. Loved meeting you both & the dogs (of course!). Your attention to detail in the rooms & the services you provide are fabulous. Made for a very special stay. Thank you!

Debbie, Barbara & Josh, Sydney and Korokoro

We did return for a reason (see our review 5/12/22) and it didn't disappoint. Another wonderful experience, you made us feel very welcome and we feel spoiled. The food was so delicious and so beautifully presented, we felt special. Thank you!

Ben & Hilly, Lower Hutt

Thank you so much for being such generous, welcoming hosts. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your gorgeous home and look forward to returning in future!

Rhiannon & Dylan, Wellington

Thank you Rob & Susie, we have had a wonderful stay with you both. Looking forward to seeing you both again.

John & Dianne, Lake Tarawera

Such an inspirational break away! So grateful for your carefully considered hospitality, from booking dinner for us, to the delicious meals and genuinely welcoming hearts. A very memorable birthday for us both. Ngā mihi nui e hoa mā.

Stacey & Caleb, Palmerston North

Amazing time here. We loved all parts. Host and breakfast and dinner fantastic. Many thanks for your time

Pieter & Willem, Netherlands

We enjoyed our stay at Ranginui Retreat. Rob & Susie are lovely, the food is just excellent and we had a nice walk to Alex's home for a wine tasting. Thank you so much.

Valerie & Mateo, France

Dear Rob & Susie, I thank you very much for your hospitality and the excellent dinner. You are great hosts and I'll be happy to send my guests your way.

Monika, Germany

A wonderful place to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary, Rob & Susie spoilt us! Thanks so much.

George & Kath, Wellington

A special place ... true retreat! Lovely relaxing atmosphere & super hospitable hosts. Amazing food. Our stay in the cottage was so comfortable. Enjoyed our happy hour chats. Loved everything about your beautiful place. Thank you.

Kim & Richard, Hawkes Bay

A charming place to stay with so many reminders of Europe - Peter O'Hagan art. Rob's "tour guide" talks of Masterton & places visited have enhanced our view of North Wairarapa. Susie's food was not only good with a taste of Ballymaloe, but the sharing of ingredients was appreciated. Thanks so much.

Tony & Julie, Wellington

Thank you Susie & Rob for your wonderful hospitality, conversations, suggestions of things to do and of course, Susie's amazing food. This is a World-class boutique lodge

Ann, Auckland

Thank you so much Susie & Rob. We have thoroughly enjoyed our 3-day stay at your lovely property in a lovely area of NZ. Everything has been delightful - great hosts, delicious meals and wine, spot on advice about the local places to visit and enjoy - which we did! - before returning "home" to your Retreat. We also give special mention to the attention and companionship of Coco & Biskit. Thank you again. Best wishes

Brett & Sandra, Brisbane, Australia