BUG review
Casara Mesa is a small hostel up on a hill 3km from Te Kuiti’s town centre. It’s on a farm and offers fairly basic accommodation with excellent views of the town and the valley below. There’s a small, fully-equipped kitchen and a TV lounge with old furniture but a surprisingly extensive collection of VHS videos – some obscure stuff here. It’s a very quiet and relaxing place, and the wraparound veranda makes an especially nice place to chill out. Free pick-up and drop-off to town is available and transport to Waitomo caves is offered for a small charge.
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This hostel was visited by one of BUG's team of hostel inspectors who write independent reviews and assess a star rating based on an objective assessment criteria.
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Price Dorm bed $25 ($20 BBH) Single room $35 ($30 BBH) Double room $55-60 ($45-50 BBH) Twin room $55 ($45 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
The most beautiful, picturesque location....I loved it! 16 February 2006
Pros:
The view, the friendly host and his cute cats!
Cons:
That it's poorly rated!!!!
Luna Borealis
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 136)
I've never felt at a hostel the way I felt here. It was the most amazing location with a great view. I loved the layout of the hostel...this really felt like a retreat. The host helped us organize our trip to the Waitomo Caves and reccomended a great tour group. I could honestly live at this place...it was just so serene!
3 of
10 people found this review helpful
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Bexie
Auckland New Zealand
a great stay at Casara Mesa 29 September 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Bexie
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12574)
Casara Mesa was excellent value for money! Its situated on top of a hill where you can see the lovely lights of Te Kuiti at night. Don't be put off the long drive way to get there- its worth it. You feel totally at home: the dorms have everything you need and are very comfortable. The guy who owns the place is a very nice guy. I highly reccommend it!
11 of
11 people found this review helpful
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Sarah Galway
brisbane, australia
Like staying at a friends house 9 June 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Sarah Galway
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12575)
I was going to stay at Casara Mesa for just one night, but ended up staying for a week. This is a backpackers where people actually talk to each other! Don - the owner - lives in the main house and is very generous with his time when it comes to his guests. Te Kuiti is a very typical small north island town and it's worth taking time out to relax in this beatiful area and meet the locals. P.S - go on the glowworm tour that Don recommends, as it is the best value for money and probably the most adventurous!
