Guest reviews Grand Mercure Puka Park, Coromandel Peninsula

by GraemeB759 Wellington, New Zealand

Lovely busy setting but not a luxury resort

A great place to have a relaxing break in the bush in lovely personal chalets. But not the ‘resort luxury’ level that is often ascribed to Puka Park. Lots of small niggles , cheap towels, cheap loo paper, no decent coffee or plunger in room, very average restaurant (even the locals told us not to expect much from the restaurant!!!), staff obviously not well skilled at dealing with those of us who expect to get (and pay for) high end service. Although a lovely place to get away from the world the prices are high for what you get. Added to this is the blah of Pauanui itself........ no decent cafe’s, no eating places worth a return visit, a local store that shuts at 6pm, and seemingly nothing but short term holiday-makers staying in overpriced holiday homes, miles from the beach in a ‘town’ that seemed more like middle class suburban Auckland at every turn. Typical NZ beach spot it is not, luxury it is not, maybe worth a visit if you have heard all the hype about how great Pauanui is but you may only visit once.

by SmithyNZ Auckland, New Zealand

Significant Wedding anniversaruy treat

Stayed here for 3 nights for our 40th wedding anniversary. Greeted by a specially baked small cake in our room with welcome message attached. Room, well chalet really, set right in the bush - note all the chalets are in pairs but apart from the others. Very quiet. Note that the complex is set on a hillside so there are some steep walks depending on where your room is and cars are not allowed altho there is a golf buggy available if you are less mobile. Room, was spacious - large bed, a couple of relaxing chairs and small table, a deck with table and chairs, large bathroom, wardrobe and safe, and tea / coffee facilities with plates and cutlery provide if you happen to get yourself takeaways. Very quiet. At times could hear the distant surf. The complex has large dining facilities and bar / lounge including a big deck overlooking the Tairua Estuary, tennis court, swimming pool and small gym. We had one dinner and three breakfasts - all good value, and nice food. All round a very pleasant and relaxing stay.

by AdrianaK921 Auckland Central, New Zealand

A long wait . . .

Saturday 5th December a group of seven ladies went to dinner at Puka Park Resort in Pauanui. We were booked for 6.30pm and arrived 6.40pm as finding parking was tricky and the restaurant was busy. At 6.50pm our orders were taken by the waitress in a brusque manner. An hour later, there was still no sign of our meals so we enquired how much longer we would have to wait. The excuse was, that as one of our party was gluten free, it was taking some time to prepare. Another 30 minutes later our meals arrived. The food was delicious, but the wait far too long. In all honesty, I think we had been 'forgotten'. During our 'one an a half hour wait'  no one came to ask if we wanted more drinks or advise what the hold up was. After our meal, we were not offered a desert menu, coffee or tea. For a top restaurant, the service was poor. I personally would not recommend having a meal at Puka Park, but unfortunately there is little choice for dining out in Pauanui. The friendliest person was Hazel who settled our account and apologized for the long wait. Would recommend employing more staff on busy evenings.

by nickjoynz

Welcome Break

Relax in the resort and take advantage of a lovely restaurant, friendly and helpful staff, spa facilities including a pleasant outdoor heated swimming pool, bikes and a lgym. Just a short drive to lots of other interesting spots on the coromandel, walks

by Kerie5775 Blenheim, New Zealand

Nestled in the trees

With our chalet right in the bush it felt like we were miles from civilisation and it was oh so private. The chalet was beautifully appointed with a large bed, lovely linen and a great bath. Under floor heating in the bathroom, top marks. Nice herbal teas. All the sky channels! Facilities were excellent with heated pool, gym, and a good tennis court (take your own balls if you plan a game, hotel balls are flat). Staff were very nice and helpful. Meals were very good. Recommend a stay here.