BUG Review
Kaihu Farm is a quiet, isolated place on 5.6ha of farm and bush. There’s no TV or radio here (although internet is available), just cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and Buster the farm dog. Facilities are basic, but there are nice touches, like slab kauri tables and benches on the outdoor patio. Free bush walks and a glow worm walk right on the Kaihu Farm property are offered, and offsite guided treks are available. The gruff-but-friendly, bearded owner prepares hearty farm breakfasts and roast dinners on request.
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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 $23-$25 ($20-$22 BBH) Single room $48 ($45 BBH) Double/twin room $56 ($50 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
It is in a beautiful setting.
Cons:
The attitude of the owners.
fijawa
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(2)
The owners of Kaihu Farm made us feel very unwelcome. We booked my partner's younger sister in to one of their rooms while we stayed in our van. On checking her in we asked if we could stay and eat dinner with her - initially we were told "No" and were eventually only allowed to stay on the condition that we didn't use any power to cook our meal, didn't use the shower (which we had no intention of doing anyway) and left within an hour. The owners were consistently impolite and unwelcoming throughout their interactions with us. They seemed convinced that we meant to sneak into their premises and use the facilities without paying. I would not recommend this hostel to anyone.
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 1177)
Very welcoming hosts, great beds, wonderful surroundings, January 31, 2007
The hosts are very welcoming and really go out of their way for you. They seem genuinelly concerned that you have a nice stay and enjoy yourself in the surrounding area. If you want advice for what to do, they have plenty to offer.The beds are very comfortable, you even get two pillows!They will lend you a towel if you need one. Clean, good facilities.A fantastic dog who will lead you on a 15 minute walk if you want!A great place to stay.....(just don't miss the turnoff!).
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 10996)
Quiet and peaceful, December 17, 2004
Reviewer:
Kathleen C.
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Wonderful place! The very best backpackers ever. The kitchen is great. Request a room with a view and eat outside. They have a trail where you can see glowworms at night. Also check out the kuni kuni pigs, chickens, and Buster the dog. I can't wait to visit again.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 10997)
One of the best Hostels in the North, January 25, 2004
Reviewer:
Klaus Werner
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
This place was certainly one of best places to visit. Very nice and beatuful views, cool glowworms! Very nice owners, laughed alot. Greetings Klaus
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 10998)
A place where I had a very nice time, December 9, 2003
Reviewer:
Akira Myamoto
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
I really liked this place. The owners were very nice to me and the hostel was very clean but cosy. I could sit in the garden and enjoy the view or walk the nice track on there property. Beautifull spot in a beautifull part of New Zealand !
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 10999)
The best yet, November 29, 2003
Reviewer:
Tom Warren
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
This hostel is without doubt the best I have visited in New Zealand. Such a small and friendly place, after two days I felt like I had lived there forever, and I wish I could! The owners are the nicest I have met and are more than happy to help in any way they can, including literary advancement! I really cannot wait to return. x
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3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11000)
very friendly people, November 23, 2003
Reviewer:
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
The farm is a very nice place to stay with a magnificient few. The owners are very nice people and friendly people.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11001)
Beautiful people, November 22, 2003
Reviewer:
Chris Woltjes
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Contrasting with the existing reviews I would like to say I had I lovely time. Wonderful people, I sat up many a night talking with them and they never lock their doors, the surroundings are so peaceful this is not neccessary. I would dearly recommend this beatiful little hostel.
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11002)
one of the most hospitable hostels of New Zealand, November 21, 2003
Reviewer:
Sandra Geerts
( alexandra.g@clear.net.nz)
from Amsterdam Holland
Pros:
n/a
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n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
I spend a few nights in Kaihu farm.It is a small hostel, quit and very clean.The owners are very friendly and helpful
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2 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11003)
fantastic place!, November 21, 2003
Reviewer:
Meike
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Imported Review
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
i definitely cannot agree with what these other two travellers said about this terrific place! Tinker and Wim, the owners are such great people, always up for a chat and a good laugh. i enjoyed my stay there very much and it felt a bit like home. it was so nice with all these animals (loved the calves!) - you should go there and have a look, its worth it! p.s. they never even lock the doors!
