Just now reviewing our photos from our long trip to NZ & Aus and the Ribbonwood stands out as one of our favourite places. Following a long drive, the RR is the place to stay in Franz Josef. A beautiful and serene place, out of town but within easy reach. Hospitality and breakfasts were super and Jo & Julie so... More

We were very lucky to be able to spend three nights with Julie and Jo; two nights in the cottage and one in their pretty home. The location and mountain views were outstanding, the gardens so pretty, and the breakfasts (fruit crepes) delicious. The cottage was self-contained and on a night we were going to the Kiwi Safari, Julie made... More

With Julie away teaching, Jo looked after us exceptionally well and cooked a delicious breakfast. His local knowledge and expertise on trees, ecology etc was very informative, and we began to understand why possums are such a problem. The cabin in the garden was very comfortable, with views out across the gardens and up to the mountains. Plenty of country... More

Stayed for 2 nights. Great place. Stayed in the cottage. Great facilities not spoilt by the heavy rain. Being a geographer I was excited to learn that we had about 6 ins of rain in just over 24 hrs. However that didn't stop us. Both glaciers- Franz Joseph and Fox were walked to although the plan of going on a... More

We really kicked a huge goal when we, and friends from Auckland decided to stay for two nights at Ribbonwood Retreat in early March 2013. Our hosts, Jo and Julie, were attentive to our every need with Jo providing interesting insights into the local kiwi ecology and the Franz Josef area generally. The accommodation is excellent as was breakfast on... More

We stopped here on our way up the west coast and had a great stay. Julie was away but Jo looked after us extremely well. We had very comfortable beds and a delicious cooked breakfast in the morning before our Heli flight. Highly recommended.

Don't miss this gem of a place! We stayed in the cottage and enjoyed every minute. No detail was overlooked, from the slippers to the comfy bedding to the gorgeous view to the amazing breakfast! Jo made the best fresh fruit crepes we've ever had. We greatly appreciated the free wifi, a first for us after 3 weeks in New... More

We stayed 2 nights in Feb & were very happy with our stay; Julie & Jo are lovely hosts, very kind, thoughtful, & knowledgeable. We were greeted with tea & walnut bread made by Jo & next night had some walnut bread made by Julie which was equally delicious. They pride themselves on home grown & homemade food & one... More

We had just 2 nights here primarily to do a Heli-Hike on Franz Josef glacier which probably turned out to be the highlight of our holiday. It had been recommended by Jo & Julie, our hosts, & pre-booked by them on our behalf. We could however have spent much more time here as Jo told of more and more places... More