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Family-owned Woodhouse Mountain Lodge is located on 100 acres of private land known as Kourawhero Estate in the Matakana hinterland and is just an hour’s drive from Auckland. Contemporary secluded and luxurious villa accommodations in paradise-like grounds are set high above surrounding land, meaning privacy is guaranteed and views extend as far as the Hauraki Gulf. Our facilities include a restaurant, outdoor pool, sauna, day spa, cocktail bar and extensive grounds to explore. We invite you to escape to our lofty mountain top vista, offering space to breathe and unwind, whether it is for a break away, a private event, a wedding or a corporate retreat.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Dutch
Location
471 Wyllie Road 1 Kourawhero, Warkworth, Auckland 0981 New Zealand
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Woodhouse Mountain Lodge may not suit everyone, but we found it to be a delightful retreat, beautifully appointed, and exceptionally catered. We’re already looking forward to another visit—to relax and explore more of the local walks and attractions.
Highlights
Peaceful Setting: The quiet ambiance was a standout feature, complemented by the local wildlife and the picturesque surroundings of mixed-use farmland and forests.
Exceptional Service and Design: The service was superb, and the lodge's thoughtful, tasteful design was evident throughout, enhanced by lovely artwork in the reception and restaurant areas.
Restaurant Experience: The dining experience was exceptional. While not inexpensive, each meal was served promptly, presented beautifully, and incredibly flavorful.
Suggestions for Improvement
Set Menu Flexibility: The set menu concept works well, but we found that by the time we reached the final course, we couldn’t manage dessert and had to skip it. Offering a more flexible option for guests who prefer fewer courses would be a welcome addition.
Maintenance Needs: Some minor wear and tear was noticeable, requiring attention. While these issues didn’t detract significantly from our stay, addressing them would enhance the overall experience.
Fly Screens: Adding fly screens to the sliding doors would be a practical improvement, particularly given the countryside location.
Additional Notes
The lodge is situated off the beaten track, with the final 10 kilometers of the approach road being unsealed. While this may not appeal to everyone, we felt it added to the charm and sense of seclusion.
We’ve noticed some recent negative reviews of Woodhouse Mountain Lodge. Given the higher-end pricing, it’s natural that expectations are elevated. However, our experience was overwhelmingly positive, and we felt it offered excellent value for the quality provided.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tanisha Legg, General Manager at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 9 Dec 2024
Dear Brady1968, We very much appreciate your comments regarding your stay at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge. It is always a pleasure to receive positive feedback. I will share your comments with our team. I am sure that this feedback will serve as an encouragement to all of our staff as we strive to continuously improve the quality of our services. Thank you again for sharing your experience and improvement recommendations, we are always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience and feedback like yours is invaluable to do that. We hope your next visit will be as pleasant as the previous one. Sincerely, Tanisha Legg Lodge Manager
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If you want a stylish escape close to Auckland Woodhouse Mountain Lodge is the place to go. With panoramic views over Warkworth and out towards Sandspit it's an absolute must-visit:
1. Exceptional Staff: The team, led by the delightful Tanisha, goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcome and pampered. Their warm smiles, attentive service, and genuine care create an atmosphere that feels like home away from home.
2. Great food!!! The lodge's restaurant serves superb cuisine that combines local flavors with international flair. Whether you're enjoying breakfast with a view or a cozy dinner, the food at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge is a delicious experience - especially the double baked cheese souffle !!!
3. Eclectic Elegance: Step inside the lodge, and you'll be greeted by a blend of styles that somehow harmonize effortlessly. The decor is beautifully styled, with a mix of antique furniture, contemporary art, and vibrant textiles. Each room tells a unique story, and the common areas invite you to relax and unwind. The multiple open fire places add to overall feeling of relaxed elegance.
We we would wholeheartedly recommend staying at the lodge. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic getaway, or even having a small corporate retreat this place is well worth a visit.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tanisha Legg, General Manager at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 28 May 2024
Thank you so much for the absolutely FABULOUS review and we are so glad that you enjoyed your weekend away with us! I'm very blessed to have a wonderful team working at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge that make our guests feel so welcome. The menu is a mix of local produce and the different cultures of our chefs - I'm so glad that you found it all delicious! Thank you for recommending us, we love having people such as yourselves to stay, that arrive as guests and leave as friends. We look forward to welcoming you back next time you have a kid free weekend! Warm regards, Tanisha
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The drive up is a bit hairy but once you arrive at the lodge, that is quickly forgotten as you take in the amazing, expansive views.
The entry to the main building is very welcoming with large chairs and couches surrounding a fire - which was lit and added to the atmosphere. There are a selection of rooms on the main floor to sit and enjoy the views.
Our group were also shown the conference room downstairs and the large outdoor deck with a huge fireplace that I can only imagine would be the perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor dinner mid summer.
The staff were attentive, the 3 course dinner was amazing - I highly recommend the buffalo cheese soufflé if it's still on the menu when you stay.
The room was spacious, the bed comfortable and the water pressure in the shower was the best I have experienced anywhere.
A one night stay is not enough to make the most of the facilities as there is an onsite spa, sauna and pool all of which I didn't get the time to enjoy.
I highly recommend a minimum of 2 nights in this hidden gem.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Graeme Smith, General Manager at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 16 Nov 2022
Thank you for your kind words and I am so glad you enjoyed your stay here and that the group overall enjoyed their night here. It was certainly a pleasure to have been able to host you and I very much look forward to seeing a lot more of you all in the future.
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Let’s see Shower hot water goes off if you adjust the water pressure so icy cold blasts Gas heater does not function properly cannot turn it off … asked staff to help … I am on my own here , cannot come …. Oh will be there in 20 minutes … took an hour and no real pleasant thing to say about the night manager … except hope you do not need to talk to her Spa baths don’t work Food is ok but crazy expensive for what it is … same price as a leading chef … and it’s not exceptional grossly overpriced
We had a number of issues when we checked no apology or anything till I pushed them
Its tired needs a total refurbish
Not a lot to do at the place either no obvious walks … unheated swimming pool
I think in its current state it’s 3 star at best
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Don’t eat here
Crazy prices
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tanisha Legg, General Manager at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 3 Nov 2024
Hi Richard, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience at the Woodhouse Mountain Lodge. I am sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations; please allow me to express my sincerest apologies. At Woodhouse Mountain Lodge, we strive to provide a superior service experience for every customer; therefore your feedback is very important to us. Please rest assured that we are taking the appropriate measures to address the problem and prevent future occurrence. We appreciate your sharing your concerns, and it is our hope that you will give us the opportunity to better serve you in the near future. Sincerely, Tanisha Legg Lodge Manager
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A much anticipated weekend break to what was described as a Luxury Lodge. On arrival we found the views from Villa 5 where we were located to be far from beautiful natural scenery as we gazed directly down toward the construction of the Puhoi motorway and could hear the large machinery in the distance. Dinner was far from the advertised experience we “would cherish” with the medium rare steak being overcooked, dry and tough and the pork belly very fatty. The desserts were far from the standard of what would be expected from an “Executive chef” The next morning we headed off to explore the region, leaving our towels in the bath for replacing as advised in the in-room information only to come back in the evening to find the room untouched. The phone in the Villa was not working so unable to contact reception. On checking out the following day we were advised that although Daily Housekeeping is advertised, it is not done because of covid. We are not in Level 4, we were not notified on checking in and prices are not lowered for services not provided. There was no tea towel in rooms so washing own cups meant we were unable to dry them. No TV, no Wifi and no air conditioners in Villas. The 3 staff we met were all lovely and doing a great job. Had we known what it was like, we would have stayed elsewhere and is not worth the luxury prices being charged.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Ask for one away from Villa 5 to get better natural bush views
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Management, Marketing at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 25 Apr 2022
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback on your stay with us. We are sorry that you found some aspects of your stay lacking and these comments have been passed along to ensure that communications (and our tea towels) are in place as they should be. We appreciate that on this occasion some of your experience fell short of the standards that we usually retain and hope that you will reconsider a stay with us in the future.
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I feel sad to have to write this review about an establishment I have visited many times, and have wonderful memories of. But time has not been good to the Woodhouse Lodge.
Let me start by saying the staff, and restaurant are amazing. There can be nothing but praise for those areas of the business. The same cannot be said for the Lodges. We were put in what I can say was a chalet in need of TLC. I have stayed in far classier Best Westerns.
Our introduction to Chalet 9 was ants walking across the desk in the room. It was quickly followed by an interesting battle for control of the gas fire in the room with our neighbors who, in turning their fire on, constantly turned ours on, too. Coming back from dinner then arriving back yo a sauna of a room was interesting, to say the least.
The bathroom floor was flooded when we arrived, caused no doubt by the missing shower door. The famed Spa bath was broken, taped up in a very interesting fashion, but clearly powered up. The shower area needed a deep clean and had interesting deposits over it.
As I said, the restaurant for dinner was wonderful, and breakfast was great. It is such a shame to have the experience ruined by things that could be solved so easily.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a wonderful spot to get away from it all! Woodhouse Lodge is in a rural location with beautiful guest villas perched on hills with views. Incredible that this secluded spot is so close to Auckland. The beds are glorious and having a soak in the deep bath for two with a garden view is magnificent. The wind roared around our villa at night but we were perfectly snug in front of our gas fire. The main reception is luxurious with a library, bar/lounge and dining and a huge wood fire that smelt delicious. So nice to sit here and have a glass of red wine for dinner. I really thought this was good value compared to other luxury lodges - the 3 course dinner in particular was amazing from start to finish. We will definitely be back and bring a few friends too.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Graeme Smith, General Manager at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 25 May 2022
Thank you Paula for your review and for highlighting what makes the Woodhouse Lodge the perfect escape. An hour from Auckland City and you simply melt into the Matakana hinterland, with log fires, great food and wine , warm comfortable villas and a smile welcomes all who visit us. I appreciate vert much you writing this review of your experience and I am delighted that we were able to tick all your boxes. Our team looks foreword to welcoming you back again soon.
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I stayed with my wife for our 11-year wedding anniversary from September 30th for one night. On arrival we received a warm friendly welcome from the manager Graham. We received the keys to Villa four that's in close proximity to the dining facilities but far enough away to feel secluded the private. The villa was located in the front part of the grounds, so we had uninterrupted views of the lush forest surroundings. The room itself was amazing with large bed, cozy couch, tea and coffee making facilities, fireplace and the best bathroom we have ever experienced and shower big enough to fit a small family in.
We had dinner at the lodge and all I can say is WOW!!! Although the menu options are on the lesser side... The meals themselves were incredible across all courses and superb wine/beverage selection.
Breakfast again was included. Both me and wife could not fault how amazing the food was and the views from the breakfast area made it one to remember.
Overall, the Woodhouse Mountain Lodge has definitely been my favorite boutique lodge/accommodation I've ever been to. Graham: I can't say thank you enough for the amazing hospitality you and your staff provided over our stay. We will definitely be returning one day! Hopefully when the weather is better.
I highly recommend the Woodhouse Mountain Lodge. Especially for a romantic getaway.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Graeme Smith, General Manager at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 19 Oct 2022
Thank you so much for your kind words and thank you for highlighting those aspects of the Lodge that the team here try so hard to perfect. I am very fortunate here to be surrounded by an outstanding team who all work very hard to offer our guests the very best experience we can and I am delighted to read that in the instance - we ticked all the boxes for you - particularly given the significance of the occasion. I very much look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
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On our way from the Bay of Islands to the Coromandel Peninsula, we received a call from our travel agent telling us we wouldn't be able to reach our booked accommodation due to the aftermath of the February cyclone that had blocked some of the roads. They therefore reserved a room for us at the Woodhouse Mountain Lodge just north of Auckland. And a pleasant surprise it was. Once we found the lodge, that is. A long gravel approach road led us up the mountain to a well secluded domaine. Nice welcome from the receptionist. Very spacious room and bathroom in a semi-detached bungalow. Had the weather been more on our side, we could have enjoyed the nice private terrace with a beautiful view of the rolling hill countryside. Dinner and breakfast are taken in the main lodge house. We were somewhat disappointed by the quality of the food at dinner, not quite up to the standard of the otherwise luxurious surroundings. This is also a seminar hotel, of which one was being held during our stay. This may not be to the liking of all guests, but did not bother us for our overnight stay.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:If you don't like being in among seminar participants, check before hand.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andrew Snell, General Manager at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 10 May 2023
Thanks so much hausi48 for taking the time to review our property. I am glad your agent chose our property and that you enjoyed the beautiful Villa and surrounds, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.
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We decided to take a well needed break from our frenetic downtown Auckland lifestyle. Our friend Nicky recommended the Woodhouse Lodge. On arrival we were greeted by the GM Graeme who made us feel welcomed and that we were in the hands of a seasoned hospitality professional.
Graeme is friendly and is clearly both proud of the venue and committed to providing guests with a first class service. Our chalet was beautifully appointed with wide windows and sweeping views of the surrounding hill country. The bed was amazing and the bathrooms luxurious. Woodhouse has a fantastic chef We had a fabulous breakfast on the Saturday and the dinner beautifully prepared, presented and we enjoyed delicious a 3 course meal. Service has also great. Wood house lodge is a wonderful refuge from city life and just what we needed.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Graeme Smith, General Manager at Woodhouse Mountain Lodge
Responded 30 May 2022
Thank-you so much for your kind review and yes, I am incredibly proud of this property and more importantly, the fabulous team of professionals I get to work with everyday. Just an hour form Auckland City - this really is a place to relax and unwind after a busy week. We are in the process of putting together some great weekend escape packages as well as some great events for guests to enjoy. Be sure to watch this space. Thank you again so much for your review. I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay and I look forward to seeing you back.
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There are more places to choose from in the Warkworth area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$258 - AU$381 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Kourawhero Mountain Lodge
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandAucklandWarkworth
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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