Punga Cove, Queen Charlotte Sound Tel (03) 579 8561 Websitewww.pungacove.co.nz
BUG Review
Punga Cove Resort - next to Mahana Lodge on Endeavour Inlet - is a big resort complex that offers a wide range of accommodation options ranging from luxury cabins to more basic backpackers' accommodation. The backpackers' accommodation is in small two-bed dorms in tidy - but charmless - prefabricated units and the backpackers' common areas are a little basic compared with the rest of the complex and include a very basic kitchen and small lounge with outdated furnishings. However the rest of the complex is very nice and includes a swimming pool, spa pool, volleyball court, bar and two restaurants. it is located right on the waterfront and most rooms have brilliant views of Queen Charlotte Sound.
Price Dorm bed $35 Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Credit Cards American Express,MasterCard,Visa
Reception Open 8am-5pm, check in at restaurant after reception has closed
Pros:
The only Pro is the beautiful scenery of Marlborough Sounds
Cons:
The Owners - they are rude and look down on backpackers
Karlalf
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
Backpackers Beware!Punga Cove - How was it? Horrible! Disastrous! The MOST appalling service I have ever received in my life, which was a terrible pity because Punga Cove Resort has such potential - it is beautiful, idyllic & it really took my breath away but this was all completely ruined by the terrible owners & staff of the resort (apart from the bar lady – who was very helpful)We had planned our New Years Eve trip for a year and were very let down & disappointed by everything that happened in the 3 days we were there, water ran out completely on the second day - so NO showers, spa pool turned off to save power, and the boat boy who we christened "Lurch" refused to help us sort out our Kayaks which we had paid for, when asked - his reply "Nup". The facilities of the Backpackers Lodge were ok, although the water pressure was terrible (when we actually had water that is). We were also told that we would be charged $50 for our rubbish to collected - my question is do the other guests of Punga get charged that to? I really thought it was part of the service. But no, the owners are out to make a quick buck and will do this anyway they can.I would definitely recommend NOT travelling to Punga Cove but instead going to Furneax Lodge just around the bay -you will be treated like Kings even if you are staying in the Backpackers Lodge.And to the owners of Punga Cove should you read this, we did not appreciate being called "Types" - what sort of "Types" were we supposed to be? - we are all professionals & were no trouble the whole time we were there. We were DISGUSTED at the treatment we received.
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(Review ID: 46)
I do not recommend you stay here., January 7, 2006
Pros:
Beautiful location
Cons:
Too many cons to mention in this space - see my review
Happytraveller
saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(3)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(1)
The service at Punga Cove was like what you might get in a Fawlty Tower’s episode but not at all funny.My advice to anyone considering staying there would be don’t waste your money and don’t waste your holiday. Holiday’s are meant for relaxing and relaxing and Punga do not go hand in hand. I booked for a group of people in the backpacker’s lodge well in advance. We were not told when we made the booking that we could not take alcohol onto the property and there was no indication on the website or in any other Punga propaganda that this was the case. But when we turned up with alcohol the owners made attempts to confiscate it. Basically they had decided that we were scum of the earth when in reality we were a group of accountants, librarians, Marketing Executives, Architects, small business owners and other assorted professionals.Staff at Punga on the whole looked miserable and when you have 20 miserable staff you can safely assume that management is responsible. The staffing situation was in fact so bad we were scared to ask for anything. It was a different story across the bay at Furneaux where absolutely nothing was a problem for them, staff were cheerful and terms and conditions on entering the resort were clearly stated on the jetty. It was really such a shame that the service level at Punga was non-existent because the location is absolutely fantastic and the facilities would be brilliant if maintenance was kept up (we found many of the facilities were broken so unusable). Under different ownership the place could be world class – right now it seems apparent the owners are just out to make a quick buck.
