BUG review
The very fun Karioi Lodge sprawls over the grounds of an old youth camp, the remnants of which are used to entertain backpackers today. For instance, there’s a flying fox, a low ropes course and a “sports barn” with table tennis and air hockey (as well as lots of space to party). The Raglan Surfing School operates from here as well, and they have package deals with lessons and accommodation. There’s a really good vibe here; it seems that the ethos is to surf by day and party by night. Other facilities include a pool table, internet access and a sauna. Be sure to check out “Inspiration Point”, a platform with incredible views over Whale Bay.
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Price Dorm bed $27 ($24 BBH, VIP) Single room $69 ($60 BBH, VIP) Double/twin room $69 ($60 BBH, VIP) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
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Reception open Jan-Mar 8am-8pm daily; Apr-Nov 9am-5pm daily; Dec 8am-8pm daily
My boyfriend and I spent 3 wounderful days and 2 nights exploring and experiencing the Karioi Lodge's great facilities. Great fun was had on their flying fox,especially at night..at no extra charge. We stayed in a clean,comfortable double room complete with linens and duvet. The staff was off the wall and great to socialize with..they treated us like family.We booked a 3 day- 2 night surfing package that we found of good value. No hidden charges.The surf lessons were a blast..even I was able to stand up during the first lesson... the surf instructor's were very encouraging and didn't laugh at my "wipeouts".After surfing each day,we were invited to warm up in the lodge's sauna... this is a bit of high end pampering not normally found in a backpacker setting.We also recommend the fantastic home cooked meals on offer for $12.. my boyfriend ate so much he couldn't move...We also took advantage of the great hiking treks up Karioi mountain and the coastal view treks... this place is about being in the great NZ outdoors!!The night life was cruisy... more action on the Stray Bus nights.. This is an off beat hostel that shouldn't be missed....neither should the Glow Worms!!
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12 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
Yorkshire, England
Poor quality hostel in night setting 20 August 2004
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n/a
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
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(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
(Review ID: 12530)
I agree that the surrounds to this place are pretty nice, but the hostel was of pretty poor quality. There were 4 of us in a cramped room, and it was difficult for more than 2 people to attempt to make any movement at once. The bathrooms were very dirty, infested with bugs. The lounge area is ok, with the usual features - pool table, etc. The place is owned by some yanks, who seem nice enough, but the place needs serious work on it.If you do stay, take a walk out after dark. Thats what a group of us did - despite the rain - and saw a few glow worms in the bushes. I had a good night here, but because of the people I was with, not the hostel.
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9 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
England
not great 12 January 2004
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
(Review ID: 12531)
the actual backpackers isnt too bad allthought the rooms are a bit on the basic side. I'd give it 5* for its location, set in a beautiful forest with a few nice walks and world famous wanu bay just down the road. home of raglan surf school the staff here are friendly with the odd surfer dood walking around living life as a surfer cliche which make for some amusment (gnarly waves dood!!). I suspose this place is ok if you've never surfed before and want a lesson, however i thought the lessons where way overpriced. The price to hire a surfboard for the day was in my opinion a complete rip off, i mean $45 included a wetsuit for 1/2 a day, cmon guys!!!! This is also probably not the best place if you're travelling independently and dont have a car or are not on the stray bus that stops here. From personal experience at this place i needed to catch a bus at 10:30 in the morning to get to a coach i'd booked at hammilton. They told me in the hostel the bus left at 11.00, i'd organised a lift down with them, being really unorganised and seeming like they didnt care i ahd to get away the next morning they were late taking me down and so i missed my coached losing my coach fare to auckland and also having to wait in raglan all day to the next bus at 4.50. As you can guess i was not pleased :(
