Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

The setting is very good, with private cabins set in the bush around a central restaurant and bar area, the rooms are well appointed and clean. The staff were all friendly and helpful. It would have got 4-5 stars, but the pillows in the rooms were terribly uncomfortable, and the food was distinctly ordinary for the price. We only ate in the restaurant on the first night of a three night stay.

We had a wonderful stay at Puka Park, the room was well equipped, clean and well set out. It offer a charm and comfort that made it a great base or place to spend time in. It had balcony/ deck with chairs that overlook the trees and the forest floor below. Please note that no decks are private from the cabin next door, they are trellised and you are always visible. The onsite restaurant has wonderful views, staff and food, plus comfortable social areas (though the furnishings are a little dated). We would also like to point out that this would be a difficult place for someone with disabled access to stay - something not noted on the website. You will drop your bags off at your room, park near reception and then walk up to your room - for us that was an uphill and steps for 5 minutes. The hotel does have a buggy that it can use to drop you off - we are not sure the operating hours of this service. That all said, we would stay here again without any doubts - for us it was a 5/5 stay.

My husband and I are currently staying here as part of a 20th Anniversary trip to NZ. We are from the US and just beginning a 20 day self drive tour of the country. First off, the country is beautiful, even in the winter. The hotel was well marked and extremely welcoming and accommodating as soon as we walked through the door. Unfortunately, on the second day of our stay, we got a flat tire nearly an hour from our hotel. We were able to put the spare on and drive to the next town, but it was clear we should stop driving on the spare when got there. The hotel sent a shuttle for us even though it was after dark and we were 30 minutes away. Simon, the young man who picked us up, really tried to brighten our spirits with pleasant conversation. When we arrived back, tired and forlorn, they took really good care of us and tried to help in every way possible. Luke, at reception, fielded calls from the auto shop for us and even searched busses for us should we need one to make it to our next destination. While I hope to be on my way to my next destination later today, if I have to stay another day day, there is no place I'd rather be.

This hotel is amazing, we were part of a tour and had only one night here, wish we could have stayed longer. It’s like being in a jungle, lovely spacious rooms and balcony, bathroom was very modern too. Beds comfortable. Staff were friendly and efficient, they have a shuttle to get you to and from your room to restaurant, save your legs up-hill. Restaurant had amazing food, good choice, I had the Salmon, definitely recommend. It was pouring of rain when we arrived late afternoon, and we had to leave after breakfast on our tour, but wish we could have stayed longer. Thankyou for a great stay.

The staff here were so helpful and friendly and a special call out goes to Rajat who was so kind as we left behind a load of stuff and he arranged for it to be parcelled up and sent on. Beyond call of duty. We have yet to find out if NZ post is as efficient as he is. Lovely rooms too and a nice pool. Only downside is nowhere to eat out locally was open when we were there, so you have to have all your meals in the hotel.

We enjoyed our stay amongst the trees at this lovely resort. Everything very clean and operational. Staff were almost trying too hard to please, some trainee staff a bit nervous but all helpful. Some things they didn't have like ingredients for cocktail and hashbrowns for breakfast but overall the food and drinks were great. Cedar hot tub was lovely after a day of hikes.