Sunrise Lodge is a wonderful little hostel located just a short walk from Kaikoura town centre. The owners are fantastic and really go to the extreme to make you feel welcome. A free pick-up is provided from the bus-stop in town and they take the time to show you to your bed and introduce the other people staying at the hostel. Likewise, at the end of your stay, there is no pressure to leave before a certain time and they will drop you back into town to meet your bus.
The hostel itself is a small bungalow behind the owners' home. There is an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area that is extremely well equipped and spotlessly clean. There are magazines, books, board games, cards, and a CD player/radio for entertainment, and everything you could possibly want for cooking with in the kitchen. The rooms have just a few beds (no bunks!) and all bedding is provided. A washing machine is available for use free of charge and there is the option to either dry clothes outside on the washing line or for a small charge, the owners will let you use their dryer.
Each morning the owner goes out to catch crayfish and you are welcome to go out too - everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. The beach is just a minute's walk from the back gate and town is another 10 minutes along the road. This hostel really is a little gem!
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
April 2004
4.3 Average from 9 Ratings
This is an open forum, and unlike other hostel guide websites we don't censor out the negative comments.
We can't validate the legitimacy of comments posted on this site—so take what you read here with a grain of salt.