Hopewell, Double Bay, Kenepuru Sound Tel (03) 573 4341 Websitewww.hopewell.co.nz
BUG Review
This small remote hostel is among the best in New Zealand - if not the world. It is comprised of several buildings including accommodation and a flash new common area with a brilliant fully-equipped kitchen (with top quality appliances), a dining area and a nice lounge area with a fireplace. There is also a semi-outdoor barbecue dining area, a trampoline, laundry and internet access plus a spa pool overlooking Kenepuru Sound, not to mention their own private beach. For a one-off $10 charge each, guests can have unlimited use of mountain bikes, kayaks, rowboats and fishing gear. You can collect shellfish nearby, which makes it one of those rare hostels were you regularly see backpackers dining on mussels and oysters. There are no shops nearby so you should bring supplies with you although you can buy beer, wine, fresh bread and pizzas here. It has an idyllic waterfront location at the very end of the Kenepuru Road (which includes 20km of unsealed road) and it's at least a two hour drive from Havelock. In New Zealand many of the most remote hostels are worth the trip, and this is especially the case with Hopewell.
Price Dorm bed $30 ($27 BBH) Double room $62-92 ($56-86 BBH) Twin room $62-72 ($56-66 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
lived up to high expectations; facilities, welcome, location, everything
Cons:
nothing
heleng
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
getting to Hopewell is a mission; a 2 hour winding drive from the turn off or a water taxi, but it is so worth it. We visited in early 07 , they'd just opened a new kitchen which is everything you'd need, together with an adjacent comfy lounge. The room was also perfect.They took us out collecting mussels and the whole hostel gorged itself on the results (all free too!). You can kayak, cycle, fish and walk, or just relax (mind the sandflies though). Very friendly owners (coffee and cake on arrival!) and totally deserving of their continued BBH top ratings. book ahead though.
