"The ambience with everything combined can not be captured on the net. Truly 5*. It's a total experience combining food accommodation, service & people. We felt their first priority all the time"
Apr 2011 Kerry & Rod

""Very customer friendly. We will be recommending Matua Gardens Retreat to others"
Jan 2011 Anne & Peter"

"Fantastic attention to detail. We had available to us everything we could ever want"
Dec 2010 Justine & Matt

"Thank you both! You've given us the perfect weekend retreat in which to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. The setting is beautiful, your hosting exceptional & the food superb. We will definitely be recommending Matua Gardens Retreat far & wide"
J&B Wellington Feb 09

"A little bit of Heaven with angels Sue & Richard included. Far from the madding crowd.
K&P Nov 08

"Thank you so much for making our wedding anniversary so special. Sue your food was 1st class & thanks Richard for waiting on us. It certainly is a wonderful experience. We are leaving here feeling like we have had a weeks holiday in Fiji. You will make many guests very happy."
M&T ChCh Feb 2007

"Thank you both. You've given us the perfect weekend retreat in which to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. The setting is beautiful, your hosting exceptional & the food superb"
B&J Feb 09

"Thank you thank you thank you!!! Our stay here on our anniversary has undoubtedly been the highlight of our sojourn in NZ! Everything was truly perfect - the food - the trip up the mountain; the room(s) & the dinner "experience". You are wonderful hosts. Best wishes for the future."
C&G UK Feb 2007

"Wonderful place. The best we have stayed at anywhere."
G&P Australia Nov 2007

"A fantastic place to unwind after getting married. The attention to detail and food is excellent. Thank you for a thoroughly relaxing, personalised stay."
M & A Chch Dec 2007

"We just want to tell you we notice all the little details, the flowers, the toiletries, all the little extras that make it truly special"
A&M Switzerland Feb 2008

"This is perfect. Thank you very much for everything"
M&T The Netherlands Feb 08

"This is how life is supposed to be. Would we recommend you? Only to the deserving. And we want to be able to book in anytime!"
ChCh Jan 2008

"This is the second time we have stayed here. We were thrilled and enchanted on our first visit and even more so on our second. We love the peace, tranquillity, comfort, luxury and sense of being pampered. We will be coming again. Thank you Sue & Richard for creating a haven away from the stress of everyday life."
E&P ChCh Mar 2007

"Our fourth time! Every expectation reached."
E&P Chch Jan 09

"Paradise for foodies & nature lovers"
J&B ChCh

"Clearly an outstanding experience"
R&J ChCh June08

My wife and I were recent guests at Matua Gardens Resort, Akaroa, New Zealand.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable few days and wished that it could have been longer.

As the Chairman of an international hotel company, and well aware of the standards necessary to achieve a 5-star product, I have no hesitation in confirming that Matua Gardens Resort under its current management certainly justifies participation at the 5-star level.

There is no such thing as a totally perfect 5-star resort, as the issues revolve around both the hardware and the software. In this case, the lack of facilitiesw such as sauna/exercise equipment are not necessary for the type of 5-star experience given, nor are they expected in this location, and are more than made up for by the outstanding hospitality and attention from the Lovetts.

Ultimately, this is what makes the difference.

Yours faithfully,
David Baffsky AO
Chairman

Hi Sue & Richard
Many, many thanks for a great night at your retreat. It was far more than I expected, great meal and first class service and as hosts you two are the best. Bron really enjoyed her night at your resort, she was blown away with, well every thing. And many thanks Sue for the gift you gave Bron. Arrived home around 2pm to brillant sunshine, but a very cold wind. Bron's girl friend called in and had a drink with us and has just left. Once again many thanks
Kind regards Allan