The Manse - Luxury Lodge - Hawkes Bay

"We just returned from the most glorious 30 day trip in New Zealand. We stayed at almost a dozen phenomenal luxury lodges and B&Bs. The only disappointment of the trip was The Manse. The owners and hosts are Gary and Dietske. Their home is charming. Gary is a great cook and Dietske sets a beautiful table. But from a business and ethics standpoint, they are unconscionable. The short story is that Cyclone Gabrielle hit the night before our arrival. We had booked and prepaid to stay for three nights. Upon arrival there was no power, no running water, no telephone service, no internet, and their driveway had turned into a rushing river and could not be driven on. None of this was their fault. It was a natural disaster after all, but they assured us of a good stay so we checked in. We pitched in and helped throughout the night hauling buckets of water to wash dishes and fill the toilets. We even drove their other guests around because their car was stuck at the top of the impassable driveway and they couldn't get out. By the next morning when there were still none of the basics (no power, no running water, no hot water, etc etc) and everything in the area was closed and cancelled, we talked it over with them and decided it was best for us to leave the area. After we left they told our travel agent that they would not refund us for the two nights we didn’t stay. It was shocking to say the least. Our travel agent reached out to them multiple times, as did we. Finally they gave us a partial refund for the one night we stayed because it wasn't a five star experience, but kept the full $2600 for the other two nights. We wrote them a long letter but they never responded. I don’t usually post on the internet, and certainly have never posted anything negative before this, but I can’t let someone else get taken by this couple. Do not stay at The Manse. There are many, many lovely homes and hosts in NZ. This is not one of them. (Try the Breckenridge Lodge in Napier.)"

"We recently had three nights at The Manse and at no time did we feel anything other than a complete sense of contentment in both the facilities and hospitality extended to us. Dietske and Gary have a real sense of Manaaki - that is to take care, show generosity and give hospitality to others. As a result we could not have had a more enjoyable and relaxing time."

"Boutique, luxury, exceptional, class; I can't find the right words to accurately describe this remarkable place. If you have got so far as reading this review then stop messing around and book, because you won't regret it. We have been once, for 3 nights. We will be back (soon) and we recommend The Manse to our friends. I am not going to write a long review. However I will say the hospitality is the best I have had the pleasure to enjoy. The cuisine is second to none. The accommodation is first class. I can't wait to go back."

"The Manse is a true Luxury Accommodation. We felt thoroughly spoiled by Gary and Dieske. They look after their guests very well. Highly recommend for a great experience in Hawkes Bay"