Dusky Lodge is centrally located in Kaikoura, though from the outside has a bit of a Motel 6 look about, and just a stone's throw away from the water, as well as an easy walk to the main street.
It has a pool, hot tub and sauna available to guests, and while Dusky advertises that the pool is heated, it seemed mighty cold during a recent visit. There is a beautiful wood deck out back that looks out on the mountains (and sometimes people's laundry). It also boasts two large and well-stocked kitchens (kept pretty clean considering the heavy use they get) and provides free pastries in the afternoon from the neighborhing bakery, which some backpackers seem to use as their main sustenance of the day.
The only real downside is the busloads of backpackers that often unload there -- though party-goers may enjoy the infusion of young blood into the small hot tub.
Staff is friendly though transient; the owner is a keen fisherman, and if he gets to know you, may invite you to a seafood barbecue. During a recent visit, he was also planning on starting up his new wood-fired oven for pizza nights.
Internet is available. Bikes are available for rental from the hostel for mere $5NZ a day, though must be returned before nightfall.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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Stayed here for a couple of nights. The room (especially linen and shower) were dirty. Found numerous hairs (from hair and pubic region) in the bed, the duvet cover had not been cleaned, and we have both got bedbugs from the place and are still itching two weeks later. Not the first instance of bedbugs at this place from what I have heard either. The lady at reception had a terrible attitude also. Wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy. 
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