BUG Review
Moana Lodge is a lovely house right across the road from the beach in Plimmerton, 30-minutes north of Wellington city centre. Every detail of the place is carefully thought out and well presented, and the hostel has loads of atmosphere. The kitchen is roomy and well-equipped. The dining room is charming, with candles in wine bottles, a fireplace, a guitar and keyboard. Interesting wall hangings are made from wine corks signed by guests over the years. The lounge is even better with stunning, picture-window views of the sea – on a clear day you can see the South Island from here. In the backyard, there’s a garden patio with a barbecue and outdoor fire. Kayaks and bicycles are free to use, and the owner often takes guests out on his sailboat. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Price Dorm bed $27 ($24 BBH) Single room $48 ($45 BBH) Double room $58-78 ($52-72 BBH) Twin room $64-$78 ($58-$72 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
This is an awesome place to stay, the owners were extremely friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome. The hostel was beautifully maintained and had a lot of character. Definitely one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in.
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15 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11971)
A Gem that can't be missed!!!, March 29, 2005
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Anonymous
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Maintenance
(5)
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(5)
It was interesting to read the comments by Anonymous from Australia might just have put me off staying at what for us was one of THE outstanding hostels in New Zealand. Right on the seafront and what we thought was only about just over 20kms from Wellington, it is warm, comfortable, very clean and really carefully renovated. So much care went into making everyone welcome and the information was fantastic. It took us 20 minutes to get to Wellington by car but on the second day we took the train . We had a brilliant walk along the seafront , probably about 15mins, had a coffee in the village and then hopped on the train (which took as long as it would to drive) which took us right into the centre of town. We spent the same amount on parking the day we took the car as we did on taking the train. Both were easy. Wed have had to pay for parking if wed stayed in Wellington anyway. We booked the cheapest room which we were told was smaller but that was our choice and we considered at $23per person, it was a bargain. Comfy beds, feather duvets and towels plus all the other facilities- just fantastic. Bigger rooms were available and on a better budget Id have certainly chosen the seaview rooms which were quite unique. You cant blame a hostel for the weather it was magic when we were there!!!. We just loved it and would stay at this hostel any day rather than stay in Wellington, it was a gem and a highlight on our travels!!!!
4 of
4 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11972)
The good and the bad..., February 19, 2005
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Anonymous
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(3)
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(3)
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(3)
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(3)
This is a pretty well stocked hostel, but be warned, it is seriously far from Wellington and not at all close to transportation to the city. While the owner said it was approximately ten minutes walk to the train station, this was closer to twenty, as we found out walking through the howling rain and unbearable wind. Additionally, the trains work out at ten dollars extra per person to and from the city, so you can probably add twenty dollars onto the cost of the hostel per night. Furthermore, the basic double rooms are incredibly tiny. However, the hostel itself has a great kitchen and is clean and well equipt, and the bed was comfortable. The dining room, although smelling a bit unusual, has a book exchange, board games etc, and the kitchen has lovely free cordial.
1 of
7 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11973)
Great location with sea views, December 12, 2004
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Anonymous
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
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(4)
A well maintained and decorated seaside cottage with a bed and breakfast feel to it. Located in a very expensive part of town. It took me 20 minutes to walk to the train station where trains usually run quite often. However, due to technical problems, I almost missed my train to Auckland after a wild $50 cab ride. Owners are Lord of the Rings fans too. I also enjoyed playing the New Zealand version of Trivial Pursuit. Don't forget your umbrella and rain jacket though. I got caught in the rain and almost caught a cold.
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(Review ID: 11974)
Beautiful, December 7, 2004
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Anonymous
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Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
Beautiful house, very clean, excellent beds, good service, nice people, the views are stunning and it's cosy. Hostels like this are just rare.
2 of
3 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11975)
Best Backpackers in NZ, July 16, 2002
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Anonymous
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Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
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(5)
Candles on the dining tables, a dishwasher, heaters, hot water bottles, weekly potluck, hot showers and the friendliest and most helpful owners in the industry. Don't miss this backpackers!!
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13 people found this review helpful
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(Review ID: 11976)
This place is amazing!, May 6, 2002
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lizzy kate and kath
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Imported Review
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
I cant say it in a more simple way than this- it is amazing! A real home away from home! Small yet cosy and totally livable! Only 20mins away from the hustle and bustle of Wellington next to the beach in an idylic location! You have to go!!!!!
