Solscape Eco Retreat Reviews

Lovely nourishing food and great staff in a beautiful place. Well worth a visit.

Best hostel of my trip through New Zealand! Amazing panorama from the deck..

Great food. Veiws and setting great. Service was fantastic.

Brillant spot. Great organic foods and a view to die for.

Amazing view of the ocean as your perched on a cliff looking down at everything. Not a party hostel but has that nice balance where everyone is social and will have afew drinks in the evening but you can still count on getting a good nights sleep.

This is a bit out of the town so consider transportation, I had a motorcycle so I was good but getting to town on foot is a bit of a trek.

Recently spent two nights in the Tipi with my wife. We arrived within the time that was permitted to meet somebody at check in however the door was locked although details had been left on the door as to what Tipi we would be staying in (We did ring ahead but there was no response). We then proceeded to walk up to the Tipi area at the back of the location (It's a decent walk and especially in pitch black). You will need a torch as you literally cannot see anything!!!!! there is no lighting leading up. The Tipi we stayed in is tired and the lantern light we where left was very dim our friends did not have one? so luckily we brought torches. Around 11pm a couple arrived and drove all the way up to there Tipi even though it had been stipulated that no vehicles are allowed to drive up to the Tipi section this was poor on the couples part. This isn't policed. The kitchen area is slightly tired looking and with no lighting at all other than one lantern. There was two but somebody must have taken this from the Kitchen area (Bring torches and your own lanterns!) Solar lighting looked like it had been in place before?. If your'e looking for an outdoor Tipi experience who knows it might be different in the summer but wouldn't recommend staying in the Tipi in the winter (The house at front looked a much better setting). Even though it's offered as a Eco friendly experience there's some areas that need to be improved to provide greater value for money.

I mean they refused to swap out the patty on the burger with anything.. Would have been understandable if they were busy or could come up with a valid reason but no.. Also had no avacado which is a staple meal.. Who runs out of avacado lol

You better drive there, their restaurant aren't open all days in a week

Emma provided excellent customer service. Will definitely book here again in future! Thanks Emma!

This place is so amazingly beautiful. We've stayed twice now and both times were excellent. The views are absolutley iconic, and the surfing in town is world class. The value for money is great and the staff are super friendly and ready to help. 10/10 would reccomend.

It is a shame that I have to give 1 star because I love the cafe, the views, the atmosphere and the concept of Solescape but our stay in the Tipi Forrest this easter was extremely disappointing and we feel completely ripped off and bitter by the whole experience.
We were aware it would be basic and not a glamorous camping experience, especially after reading all the guidelines that Solescape provided, so we thought we were well prepared.
However, we were not expecting there to be no power at all, so no hot showers, lights in the kitchen or compost toilets.
Yes, we could walk 10 mins to the main camp but why couldn't the Tipi camp have these basic necessities?
It was all there, the solar panels, lights etc but everything was just neglected or broken.
Plus, we weren't the only ones staying in the Tipi, we had a few spiders and plenty of cockroaches keeping us company in the tent. All of our crawly "friends' were there on arrival, so it wasn't because we had left the door open while we were out one day.
I even woke up one night to a bush spider crawling across my face!
Yes, this all part camping but the whole Tipi camp felt completely neglected and run down and the fact we paid the same amount of money as the Cabooses on the main site, which had power, hot showers, flushing toilets and lights, is just ridiculous.
So, if you like to go camping in Tipi's that are more basic and dirty than your own tent at a doc camp, oh and also like to have no sleep because you like to 'Spidergaze' at night, then this is the place for you.

Stayed in the powered site van but it was shocking considering we paid $52 for 2 people for a night to park the van. Its a parking gravel area, enough space for parking. We'd rather stay in the cheapest campsite. Hope they reduce the fees as the kitchen itself doesn't have an oven and always full of woofers. The good thing is the toilet and warm shower are very close to the parking area and they have fresh water from the mountain. The cafe has a great view. The ivy cottage and some other accommodation look good but very little outdoor space, but good for the price itself. Thanks for the happy woofers who keep the toilet and bathroom tidy.

Always amazing food and by far the best view in Raglan. Highly recommend this place.

Firstly I just want to say that this place has a lot going for it. The people were friendly, the garden was lovely and the food was amazing! Unfortunately we didn't have the best time in our tipi. We had chosen this option over a campsite/cabin in the town because we thought it would be fun and a beautiful environment to spend a few days relaxing. They provide a lot of information warning you of the 5 min walk (fine) and the rustic facilities (also fine). What isn't made clear is that the tipi itself is quite an unpleasant experience and our family of 4 would undoubtedly have been much happier in our own tent. This was mainly because it was very dark inside the tipi which had very little natural light (see photos). Just reading was difficult inside without a torch during the day and the atmosphere was somewhat gloomy as a result. We were realistically unable to spend time inside unless we wanted to sleep. Outside there were only two chairs and 4 of us. The second issue was that the tipi leaked in several places but most awkwardly - on the main bed. Luckily it only rained one night. Still, given the considerable cost (compared with a campsite/cabin) we had hoped that the experience would be slightly more enjoyable than what we experienced. It's possible that the other accommodation options were closer to what we were looking for but, as it was fully booked, we didn't have a chance to compare.

Loved it - chilled, kooky, alternative and superb accommodation.

beds are comfortable and the kitchen area and lounge are nice to use. However some facilities like the bathroom is very average, the interior is peeling/old and the showers were cold! Not ideal for colder weather. We felt the price was a little bit high in comparison to other campsites quality of facilities for what you get. Lighting is very dim and there are no power sockets in the cabooses. however it was nice to have a heater in the cabooses. Lovely setting with a nice view at the drive way

Absolutely corgeous space and views! Food was hands down delicious. I had a tempeh poke bowl and a green smoothie for dessert and still dreaming about them after a week's time. Much love!

Wonderful earthy place, great views, beautiful food, would definitely stay again.

Called to ask if they served salad, they said yes. Said ok coming now.
Got there, they then tell me they not serving salad till lunch menu starts. I would have expected this from mc Donald, not from you. Never again

Great location and love the idea. However, our double room/cabin (a converted caboose section) was a letdown, damp and mold around some edges and spiderwebs and dust under the beds and in corners. The room wasn't well maintained with large holes and cracks in the walls and floors. I'm a joiner/builder and the double caboose we stayed in wasn't converted very well and felt very rough.

The wall heater was cracked, dirty and didn't work and the room was cold at night and very damp in the morning. There was no power point in the room and there had been no warning of this so we left with no charge in our devices. Even if we had wanted to spend hours waiting for things to charge in the kitchen it was full of very loud younger people drinking until late.

Take a torch as the paths are not well lit after dark. And also take a towel as there are none provided except dirty hand towels in the bathroom.

Love the concept and the views but the place feels run down and is not worth the money compared to other options in the area.

Nice place with nice views!
You need a car, because it is isolated.
Perfect place to surf, 5 min drive to the surf beaches

Will write both pros and cons
Cons
The kitchen was very dirty, even the morning afterwards, things were still there to be cleaned. Toilets were alright but run down.
What bothered me more was the very high prices to sleep in a place that is a Backpacker not even well maintened!! I wouldn't call it Eco-retreat or hotel at all. This is definitely a Backpacker, no matter which type of accommodation you choose.
Pros
If you like to pay higher price than standard for a Backpacker with nice gardens, than it's for you. Views are beautiful but only actually the cottage can benefit from it

Can't beat the view and amazing vegan food, will defiantly be back next time in in raglan

Interesting place to stay on a budget. Rail carriage was comfortable to sleep in but realize there is not much room for anything else and no power points. If you want to read a book in bed take a torch

Interesting menu and lovely views from the restaurant. No alcohol and vegan dishes!

We tried to go for lunch 2 weeks ago. Lunch is from 12-3. We arrived at 2:30, grabbed some menus and spent 10 minutes deciding. Made our way up to order only to be informed that the kitchen had closed up early. I pointed out that the menu said they serve lunch until 3. Their response was they closed up because it was quiet. No surprised that they were quiet if this is how they treat customers. Take your money elsewhere.

The beds could have been better. Other than that it's amazing. No faults

Stayed in the Ivy Cottage Beds were so comfortable, hosts were great, beautiful views.

Incredible ocean view from the front garden area, which also has vegetarian/vegan wood fire pizza available to have for dinner from 5pm -8pm on Friday and Saturday nights as well as a plant-based breakfast menu. We chose the East room and it also looks out to the sea, so to wake up to this each day is very nice. Be sure to walk to the fresh water drinking fountain then onto the tipee tents further along. It's 15 minutes walk to the beach. We stayed three nights although two nights would be adequate. Our room had a quite large and very comfy sun bed. Highly recommend Solscape if you're into eco retreats like we are or keen to experience something slightly different.

In love with this place! And I'm as opposite to vegan as they come! But loved the food,had burger,2 different pizzas,and breakfast.did joga class and stayed over night. Haven't felt this relaxed in long time!appreciate the lights off at 10:00 and no power plugs at my accommodation.very unique experience at this busy world!!!Definitely will stay again.

Wonderful like spot with people from a variety of walks of life. Lovely vegan dishes and smoothies.

The view was incredible. Good food and coffee if you like vegan and wholefood things.

Beautiful site with a combination of camper spaces and upscale, unique cottages. The view is breathtaking and their is free wifi in the main cafe area, which a great place to read. They also have hot showers and a nice shared kitchen

Just visiting to check out the views. WOW ,
Such an interesting place, unfortunately not open when we were up there.

Such an amazing place, I've been here a few times now, always meet like minded crew and always have an amazing time. And what a view!!!! You would be hard pressed to find better in the world.

amazing space what a view wow.great service yum food but limited menu. Thanks

Solscape is delicious. And the view is amazing. Full disclosure: I'm not vegan. I've had vegan food before, and I've liked it probably half the times I've had it. My Airbnb host highly recommended their pizza night and she's been batting 1.000 so far so off to pizza night I went. I had the special pizza, with asparagus creme instead of vegan cheese, topped with tomato, zucchini, and walnuts. It was delicious! I had their side salad with it. That was tasty and full of seasonal veggies from what I think is their on-site garden. Anyway, go to pizza night. I would have given this 5 stars but I felt a bit invisible there. No one checked on me, and ordering was confusing. One person told me to have a seat, another told me to go order at the till. Spoiler: order at the till. On their defense, I was eating solo and probably was a low blip on the radar. Ps. BYOB.

The atmosphere is so relaxed that you can feel your body unwinding. The view out over the coast is breathtaking, coupled with a fruit smoothie and a good book you could spend the day there! I heartily recommend the vegan pizzas too!

Beautiful scenic resort with lovely vegan food and a range of accommodation

Stunning venue! We went up to watch the sunset over the waves. The sun is just out of sight but the colours are full force.

Try the woodfired pizzas on the weekend (but call ahead to see if they are doing them).

They don't sell alcohol but you can BYO. Heard a girl saying that it was $3 per glass of wine, not per bottle or per person. If you were thinking of BYO, maybe confirm that ahead of time.

Love the views the provision of kitchen facilities at present, however I think a freezer for things like ice cream would be good, and power points in the caboose would be helpful. Staff were helpful and caring and volunteers respectful. Loved the yoga and hirage of suftboards and wetsuits. Be nice to have access to an indoor area after hours near the views.

Stayed for a night with a self contained van. The shared cooking area was great to discuss and cook.

Good admosphere and surf lessons, but sadly some cockroaches and rats around

Nice place! Cute and tidy
Little bit freezing in winter but blankets and heater provided.

Nice backpackers, however the bed in the small earth doom was the worst bed ever. Sunken in middle, springs in the back. Terrible sleep.

Absolutely amazing place .We stayed in the tipi forest for 2nights. Tipi very warm clean and so peaceful in the forest. Everything is solar lighting also showers. We ate at the vegan restaurant breakfast lunch and dinner. we will be back again to visit and stay, amazing experience !

Amazing views and plant based food at the conscious kitchen highly recommend! Very relaxed and laid back environment. Staff are friendly. Nice range of healthy delicious food

Awesome property with a gorgeous view and many unique types of accommodations for a variety of budgets. Best food I've had in New Zealand! I took a yoga class and it was outstanding. Customer service could be improved. I walked up to reception and the two ladies working behind the counter noticed me but couldn't be bothered yo even acknowledge my presence until they finished their own conversation after a couple of minutes. Also, there are no towels available for overnight guests. You're in your own for drying off if you want to have a shower. Next to the bathroom sinks hangs a communal hand towel. I'm I'll for being environmentally consientious but a public hand towel is just unhygenic. Towel issues and spotty customer service aside, I would stay here again.

A wonderful place on the heights of Raglan, surrounded by nature, a panoramic view of the bay & the breathtaking Pacific Ocean. The ideal is still to spend several days there !!

I ve had massages before, but not like this. I felt like I was professionally caressed and sometimes even cradled with Yvonne s beautiful Ka Huna massage, leaving my body feeling completely relaxed and the tension released. But it went even deeper than my physical body - I felt my body in connection with my being, giving me an awareness of my own emotions, thoughts and spirituality. I couldn t help notice the flow of breathing and beautiful dance-like rhythm Yvonne performed as she worked through each of my muscles. It was a gift. I suggest if you re reading this, you should book in now! This style of massage was beautiful and soul-filling. It s so healing. Thanks Yvonne. I loved it! I will be back for another.

Second time we stayed here and always a treat. Beautiful views from the hill it's located on and the food is very good and wholesome!!

Great place for a retreat above Raglan - time out and watch the view.

What a gem! I had a fabulous stay at Solscape and fell in love with the place. Fantastic views over the ocean and a quick walk through beautiful bush to the beach. Friendly staff and great communal area, clean and tidy. Was very pleasantly surprised when they upgraded me into a private cabin and I could sleep of my jetlag. Had a wonderful sleep in a very comfy bed! Didn't try yoga or cafe but everyone who did really enjoyed it. Will definitely return. Big thanks especially to wonderful Dominic!

Great views, excellent value for money, quirky, environmentally conscientious, comfortable, close to town. Stayed two nights and loved it.

Fantastic view, warm friendly staff, and beautiful souls every where

the place, the food... sooo good. i really loved this place. eat there. satay banana pizza

Stayed 2 nights in tipis. 6.30 pm arrival. Found our way to Tipi forest in dark which is a hilly walk which is expected and described. Luckily had our own torches. Though another couple had bought their car up.
Bed in tipi was so worn I was laying on the wooden base.
Looks like the kitchen area and bathrooms did once have power and lights. All the fixtures are there but nothing works. I believe the description might have mentioned no power, but seems like it once did exist and likely all broken. Didn t even attempt a shower because other guests said there was no hot water when they tried.
Our friends in another tipi didn t have a lantern that was meant to be supplied.
All this would be ok if it wasn t for the price. $100 a night for a tipi is way too expensive for what you get.

Really cool place to have a meal and look over the Tasman Sea.

Very Nice view, staff friendly, amenities clean, cheap board rentals

Amazing position with outstanding views from the cafe/restaurant.
Tipi experience fun and unique in fine weather. Only take bare essentials as steep walk and track can be slippery and damp.

Excellent location with a short walk to Ngarunui beach and Wainui Reserve. Closest place to Soundscape!
Way chill international staff, great shared kitchen.
I was booked into a dorm and was upgraded to a single!

I woofed here an it was amazing! the veiw and distance from the surfing beaches is unmatched! The staff are lovely and the vegan food is just a massive cherry on the cake! Wish I could have stayed longer!

It was a wonderful place te be. From the restaurant you have a beautiful outlook over the ocean. The sleeping area is very nicely built and put togetter. We loved it. The food was delicious. And a very good startingpoint to explore the area.

My favorite restaurant in Raglan. Beautifully located overlooking the sea, The Conscious Kitchen offers delicious plant-based food for reasonable prices. The only thing missing is a children's menu and a changing table. Other than that, amazing and a must-visit!

Great spot with amazing views.
Comfy bed and super clean and tidy room.
Only complaint was no wifi.

Ataahua (beautiful) place to stay and camp. Family of 5 stayed one night in the Belle tent and two nights in the Bush belle tent very tidy, spacious and comfortable. Both powered and solor light kitchens has all the kitchen amenities for a camping experience. The staff are ataahua souls who are very welcoming and friendly.

On our last day we ordered pancakes and the big breakfast from the conscious kicthen. The food was divine with the most tino ataahua perfect sea views. We are very blessed thank you Solscape for a beauiful experience. We will be back.