If you are looking for a first class B&B with all the little things you need, I would recommend no other than Manuka Lodge. The lodge itself is beautifully landscaped on the outside and when you walk in, you are welcomed by your lovely hosts, Susie and Alan. Their personalities are warm and friendly. They make you feeling certainly at home and are happy to guide you on where to go in Ohakune with their good local knowledge.

The house itself is beautifully decorated and in an immaculate condition. The small little touches of having plush bathrobes and slippers to use when heading to the heavenly spa after a day of snowboarding on the slopes makes you feel ever so taken care of.

When we woke up in the morning, we were welcomed by a huge scrumptious breakfast which was included in the rate. Our daily morning selection of muesli, cereals, fruits and a cooked breakfast made it hard for you to leave the breakfast table.

This is the perfect getaway for any couples and families alike.

My wife and 5 year old have just spent three nights as guests (and you really are treated like guests) at Manuka Lodge. From the moment you arrive and take in the professionally landscaped alpine garden and sealed driveway you know that this is a no expense spared luxury accommodation.

Susie and her husband Alan are delightful people who have purpose built their home with the aim of providing a top notch experience for their guests. Super friendly and with the magical ability to appear when needed/vanish when not required, you do not feel that you are invading someone's home. The spacious and beautifully decorated lounge with feature fireplace is yours to enjoy, and even the dining table with plates, glasses etc is made available should you want to order takeaways and eat in. It is this commitment to ensuring all the needs of their guests are met that make Susie and Alan stand-out hosts in my opinion.

The house is kept very warm and the double glazing ensures quiet comfort at night. Extremely clean and orderly, Manuka Lodge is maintained in "show home" condition and this makes for a quality experience. The spa pool provides welcome relief to aching muscles after a day skiing on the slopes and sitting under the stars on a clear cool night should not be missed.

We shared a spacious room upstairs that had a super comfortable king size bed, small fridge, television, bedside drawers, chair and table. The wardrobe and radio alarm clock were very handy also. The ensuite with shower was a good size and featured quality fittings, heated towel rack and lovely toiletries. Again I was very impressed with the state of cleanliness and the quality of the towels and linen and the plush bathrobes and guest
slippers are a lovely touch that sets this property apart from the rest.

Breakfast is included in the nightly rate and our hosts provide fruit juice, toast and condiments, a selection of cereals, natural yoghurt, mixed berries and milk as well as cooking to order a full English breakfast. Fried eggs, scrambled eggs (the best I'd ever had!) mushrooms and doorstop toast - nothing was a problem for Susie the "short" order chef! Alan ground the beans and prepared a consistently excellent brew of french press/plunger
coffee each morning also.

Manuka Lodge is a perfect getaway for couples or families. Centrally located in Ohakune at the foot of Mt Ruapehu it is an ideal place to stay for a ski holiday in winter or for hiking over summer. Restaurants and a supermarket are nearby. I recommend this accommodation to anyone who appreciates a little luxury and who is open to meeting fellow guests.

Congratulations to Susie and Alan for giving us a "top notch" three days in paradise!

Honestly felt like we just visited with friends--- friends with a gorgeous home! It was such a warm and comfortable place to spend a snow holiday. Susie and Allan are such a sweet couple. They took care of all our needs-- and they're just very positive people to be around. Flaps is unforgettable (and the mention in the compendium is hilarious!) and so is the smell of fresh bread in the morning! Snow reports every morning, advice on where to eat every evening, and advice on which route home would be safest to take. (Just to add, Allan drives the Matai Shuttles. We had the opportunity to try out his driving and he is just absolutely careful and knows the road well.)

It's great to stay in a place that is both tastefully decorated and extremely comfortable. In addition, the host and hostess are very hospitable and helpful. The large lounge area (with fireplace) is a real bonus, and the beds are super-comfortable. We highly recommend Manuka Lodge and will be coming back again.