If you are keen on outdoor pursuits, whether they be challenging or soft, Castle Rock Adventure Lodge is the place for you. The hostel consists of three accommodation blocks in a farm setting -- renovated homestead The Lodge, the Kennedy Chalet, and the Woolshed. The first two have fully equipped kitchens, lounges, and rooms ranging from doubles to dorms with all bedding provided. The Woolshed has basic facilities, including mattresses that can be laid on the floor marae-style -- guests need to bring sleeping bags and pillows.
If you are after a challenge, the list is almost endless. There is abseiling, rock climbing, flying fox, and mountainbiking. These take place rain or shine except for the Flying Fox which needs a relatively calm day. Professional instruction is available if you have never tried these before and all equipment is available for hire.
For those who just want to relax and get away from it all, there is plenty in store. The farm property has a network of walking tracks taking in a wide variety of scenery -- farm paddocks, rock formations, pine forest, native bush, streams, and panoramic views with Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe visible on a clear day. Guests at The Lodge and Kennedy Chalet can enjoy an outdoor heated pool, spas, tennis, and Sky TV. Those staying at The Woolshed need to pay a small charge for these and availability may not be guaranteed.
The Waitomo Wanderer runs a daily bus service to the hostel to and from Rotorua and Waitomo. As this is out in the country, there are no shops available so you need to bring in all your food. However a local restaurant can provide meals for groups.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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