Timber Trail Centre, Ongarue (at the end of the Timber Trail Cycleway)

The room was not clean. I don’t have high expectations, they are very low in fact, but having tons of cobwebs and spiders is unacceptable. A spider here and there, no problem. I get it. It’s the countryside, but cobwebs with spiders crawling on the ceiling is unacceptable. Martin, the host, tried to blame us for this issue stating we should have let him know we have arachnophobia so that he would know to clean up the spiders. No, the guest should be able to expect that cobwebs are vacuumed before staying somewhere. Martin continued to justify the spiders by saying that since we are in the countryside the only option would be to stay at a 5 star hotel if you don’t want spiders. No, again Martin. I could set up a tent and not have spiders. You can spray, you can fix your netting, you can vacuum ceilings and behind head of bed and other areas. I know all of those cobwebs and spiders did not appear over night like you claimed. Martin also refused to reimburse us when we decided not to stay here due to the lack of cleanliness. How are we supposed to sleep comfortably with the thought of spiders crawling on us regardless of how harmless they are which was another part of your justification. I feel Martin was dishonest in that he couldn’t just admit the room wasn’t cleaned properly. Hopefully no one else who stays here has to deal with this. Hopefully my response to this will encourage him to be better prepared for his guests.

Fantastic place to prepare or recover from the Timber Trails. Marty was very friendly and accommodating with all my needs including early check in. Fun to meet other riders in the communal kitchen and lounge.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND do NOT stay here !!! The conditions were so poor we had to find another place to stay and Martin ( host) was not understanding and did not REIMBURSE us AT ALL for the two nights we paid for. Even though he initially agreed to reimburse us for one night.The room was not clean. Tons of spiders and cobwebs. The pictures on their website are deceiving ! My husband killed at least 5-10 spiders and there was more than that visible ! I would have been more comfortable sleeping in a tent than this cottage and keep in mind my husband and I are avid hikers and have backpacked numerous times! Martin, the host, tried to blame us for this issue stating we should have let him know we have arachnophobia so that he would know to clean up the spiders. Seriously dude ? This is not the case at all! Learn how to use a vacuum properly. Martin continued to justify the spiders by saying that since we are in the countryside the only option would be to stay at a 5 star hotel if you don’t want spiders. Do yourself a favor and NEVER stay here.

I loved staying a night here at Marty and Sylvie's little bit of heaven. There is so much history at Ongarue! Wild and remote and relaxing.

What a lovely place to stay. It is like traveling back in time...a complete little village to visit and to use. A schoolhouse, church and guesthouse in a wonderful garden. The owners are lovely, interesting people and we will never forget the Farewell song" in Maui language