Online booking is not offered for this Hostel. Contact them for availability and reservations (any contact info we have is listed below).
Please see Golden Bay for other available Golden Bay hostels and accommodations.
Please see Golden Bay for other available Golden Bay hostels and accommodations.
The Hostelz.com Review
The Shambhala is a backpackers and eco-retreat. It is truly a hidden paradise with its own beach access and magnificent panoramic sea views. The hostel is located on the Highway 60 between Takaka and Collingwood and easily reachable by car.
The shared dorms have no bunks, but comfortable made-up beds and a view towards the bay. The building is basically self-sustained and run by solar power. There are two water closets, which are just supposed to be used at night. Two bio-toilets (they do not stink at all) are found outside and are supposed to be used during the day. The three showers are run with refreshing, clean rainwater.
The kitchen is very well equipped and the common area is spacious and comfortable and supplies a large selection of books. A card phone is at your disposal. There is no television or radio. The place is magnificent and calm and creates a very social atmosphere to meet and greet travelers from all over the world. The porch is equipped with couches and is an excellent spot to relax. The hostel offers yoga lessons on donation basis in the new meditation hall close by.
A glow worm cage is nearby and so is the live-music location Mussel Inn. Next shops and supermarkets are located in Takaka, sixteen-kilometer drive. But there is always somebody going to get some groceries. Shambhala is closed from May till October.
The shared dorms have no bunks, but comfortable made-up beds and a view towards the bay. The building is basically self-sustained and run by solar power. There are two water closets, which are just supposed to be used at night. Two bio-toilets (they do not stink at all) are found outside and are supposed to be used during the day. The three showers are run with refreshing, clean rainwater.
The kitchen is very well equipped and the common area is spacious and comfortable and supplies a large selection of books. A card phone is at your disposal. There is no television or radio. The place is magnificent and calm and creates a very social atmosphere to meet and greet travelers from all over the world. The porch is equipped with couches and is an excellent spot to relax. The hostel offers yoga lessons on donation basis in the new meditation hall close by.
A glow worm cage is nearby and so is the live-music location Mussel Inn. Next shops and supermarkets are located in Takaka, sixteen-kilometer drive. But there is always somebody going to get some groceries. Shambhala is closed from May till October.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2007
Their Description
Shambhala Details
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Location/Contact| Address | State Highway 60, Golden Bay (Takaka), South Island, New Zealand |
| Website | www.shambhala.co.nz |
| Telephone | +64 (3) 525 8463 |
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Fantastic! Absolutely amazing place with lovely beach. We went there for one night, ended up staying there for two weeks. They have great yoga / meditation space with magnificent views. We will be back definitely. — Anonymous , New Zealand (2011-09-29) As others say -- the best hereabouts simply a dream. yes its kind of 'off the grid' though another inn is at the other end of their road. Beautiful place to rest and relax. Main House for meeting people if you are alone/many, and the private cabins a little up the hill if you are a couple. About my only criticism is that the owner allows some people to do cleaning duties for rent, and they can be patchy -- skipping/missing things (dirty kitchen towels, and we found someones 'intimate lubricant' under our bed!) that aside, the views and peace are sublime. we're a city couple but the composting toilets were fine and showers worked well in lovely January weather. Have been twice and would happily come again for longer still. — Narikin , UK (2011-02-07) If you want to relax in a great atmosphere, this is the place to go Amazing hostel. After having traveled nearly through the whole of NZ, I can honestly say, that this was my most favourite place. If you want party, you're definitely in the wrong place, but if you want some days to relax, this is the place to go. Had a double room just for myself with amazing see views. They also run some kind of yoga/meditation stuff, but if you don't want to take part in that stuff (like me), no one is going to bother you. Also really great is the tea house, a little pavilion over the cliff with a water line and a gas stove where you can cook a tea and relax. It's just really nice and absolutely lonely. So beware, really bad or no cell phone reception and a car comes really handy, too, if you want to go anywhere or get some groceries, cause you're really in the middle of nowhere here. — Martin , Germany (2011-01-16) Beautiful A wonderful place -- I could have easily stayed for a week. Interesting, gentle people and a peaceful feel. I will be back. — Aine , Ireland (2011-01-09) Amazingly peaceful A great place to have serious time out from busy, noisy lives, especially if you like a bit of meditation. The view is quite breathtaking and the peaceful feeling a relaxed atmosphere is very therapeutic. — Stephanie. , Christchurch. New Zealand (2010-03-30) The most beautiful spot in the world the location sells this place. It is tranquil and beautiful -- there is no debating just how beautiful this spot is. If you stay at Shambhala you need to be prepared to go along with basic living. There is only one electrical socket -- how badly do you need to charge that mobile phone? He is doing you a favour by not making it easy for you to have outside contact. The outside toilets (all there is during daylight hours) smell but so what (only when you are in them, the smell does not travel outside). Many people stay here longer than intended. That is due to the location and the vibe of the place. It is unbeatable. — Bronwyn , NZ/UK (2008-01-13) This is my favorite of all the places I stayed in New Zealand. More than a month when you add up all the times I went back. The sea is right there, the buildings, the paths, the bush is rejuvenating, and the very vibration of the place puts you at ease from the moment you arrive. Plus knowing that all of your electricity and water and nutrients are coming from renewable, sustainable, closed-cycle systems makes it all the more inspirational. Call up and book, but make sure to leave yourself some extra days because you won't want to leave. — Conor , USA (2007-05-11) Easily one of the most charming backpackers in the country. Their site says "Be prepared to stay more than you planned" and that's absolutely correct. We came there for a night, spent the next one elsewhere and returned for nine consecutive nights. Be aware that if you're afraid of composting toilets this might not be the place for you. The owner is great, and the beach is fantastic. — Nimo (2005-10-27) This is an eco-friendly accommodation — they have self-composting toilets, solar power and a relaxed atmosphere. It's in a nice location and it's close to the famous Mussel Inn. Though the facilities are backpacker-style, it was very comfortable. — Anonymous (2005-03-30)