Kawerau River Retreat - Cromwell Holiday Home

The main accommodation is fantastic: very stylish; high-spec; a lovely open-plan lounge/dining/kitchen area; and very comfortable beds. We also made good use of the very generous laundry facilities. There were a few negatives however. Firstly, we were greeted with several over-flowing domestic bins. Two of these related to the properties on the same site, which I'm sure are also looked after by Bachcare. Yet when we stayed at other baches around NZ bins had always been completely emptied prior to the next person's stay. I did also point out to Bachcare that the bin collection day was left blank in the welcome pack. Secondly there was an annoying bleeping sound in the unit which after a couple of days we worked out was coming from the wine fridge. Third there was quite a lot of noise in the area. This was mainly from the building work on a new community centre across the road, but we also had to endure a rave one night which didn't stop until 4am. Finally the outdoor furniture was rather poor, and due to the orientation of the unit and surrounding properties there was little opportunity to sit in the sunshine. Overall I'd just about recommend the place but wouldn't return.

Fabulous town house, close to historic area. Extremely well equipped kitchen.

Large living spaces and great heating in winter.