BUG review
Sunkist International is one of the oldest houses in Thames, a kauri hotel that dates back to the gold rush days. It’s been nicely renovated and maintained and easily has the most charm of any of Thames’ hostels. There’s a very cosy TV lounge with a piano, a solid kitchen, lots of nice old fixtures, and nice wooden-slab sinks in the bathrooms. Rooms are clean and comfortable. The best feature is a great courtyard with a deck, hammocks, a barbecue and lots of lovely trees and plants. Owners are very good about arranging tours and travel in the region, and rent 4WD vehicles as
well.
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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 $21-27 ($18-24 BBH, HI/YHA) Double/twin room $60 ($54 BBH, HI/YHA) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
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This hostel was one of the nicest all-round hostel in the country! 11 November 2008
Pros:
The bunk beds where solid, well spaced and the the room was very spacious.
Cons:
No real cons.
MaoriHotty
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 11847)
This hostel was lovely. The bunk beds were hand made against the walls, built so you can sit up and not bang your head on the top bunk!
The kitchen was well equiped and clean, as were the bathrooms.
The woman who run the hostel was very helpful and welcoming.
18 of
18 people found this review helpful
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Maria
Sweden
intimate, cosy and clean! 13 August 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Maria
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12576)
We stayed for 2 nights in Thames in with the intention to visit the goldmnines. unfortunately they where closed that day, but we went to the orcheed and butterfly garden, wich was nice if you like animals and flowers. We also borrowed bikes free from the hostel to visit a cheesefarm and a vinery! We really enjoyed staying at Sunkist, it had a relaxing backgarden and clean and nice facilities. Even though we were on the other side of earth from our family, we really felt like home! And if you go to the cheesefarm - try the garlic and herb gouda!!
7 of
8 people found this review helpful
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Gráinne
Ireland
Great, friendly VERY comfortable & clean 1 August 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Gráinne
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12577)
Thames has never been advertised as the most exciting place in the world, but it is a lovely spot, there is plenty to do there (should you want) and it's a good base for the Coromandel and surrounds. We stayed in Sunkist a few months ago and loved it. The staff, although they seemed to have had a rough time with some recent 'wayward' guests, were friendly, had plenty of tales to tell and ran a very comfortable and clean hostel. I must add the showers and kitchen were some of the better I've seen in my 3 year backpacking experience... though the internet point was a bit rubbish.I recommend this as a nice, relaxing place to stay- a great alternative to 'Kiwi Experience' type hostels!!
8 of
10 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
World
THE WORST HOSTEL I HAVE EVER STAYED!! 5 February 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
Facilities
(1)
Atmosphere
(1)
(Review ID: 12578)
THERE IS NOTHING TO DO IN THAMES BUT IF YOU REALLY WANNA GO TO THAMES DONT GO TO THIS HOSTEL, IT IS WEIRD, SCARING AND STRANGE THE OWNERS ARE RUDE AND REALLY BAD PEOPLE...PEOPLE LIKE THIS DONT DESERVE TO OWN A HOSTEL...
0 of
10 people found this review helpful
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Hostel manager's right of reply
To the person who wrote this comment, I am sorry you didnt enjoy your time in Thames, which is the base for extreme Canyoning in the Sleeping God Canyon, the full day Pinnacles walk being only 1 of 21 walks in the beautiful Kauaeranga Valley, the home of the unique Butterfly & Orchid farm, Rocky;s Goldmine trail, Various museums, Goldmine tour, local markets, art galleries, nearby beaches within walking distance etc etc. Or your time at our hostel. What happened to upset us so much that we behaved so badly to you? We had 100s of happy quests & have the comments & ratings to prove it. If you feel you did nothing & were treated unfairly please contact us with your complaint & give us the right of reply.
Look forward to hearing from you
Management
