Up a narrow steep pathway five minutes above the main street of Kaikoura lies Top Spot. It has the same owners as The Lazy Shag, a few meters north along the coast, but unlike its modern counterpart, this hostel has fifty more years under its roof, which gives it a more relaxed old-fashioned feel.
Rose-laced arches cover the trail to the front of one of the two white houses, which boasts as its motto "not just a place to stay ... an experience." Handmade shell wind chimes in a cosy living area/kitchen and the vine-covered back porch combine to give Top Spot a quaint, earthy feel.
There's a record player in the living room providing Bob Marley and UB40 grooves and a fireplace solidifying the hostel's touch of laid-back retro vibe. Upstairs in the loft is a single computer cubbyhole with free internet (that is, of course, low-speed) and a movie-watching area just next to it with a handful of videos. But, the main attraction is the ocean and mountain views. There's a narrow balcony providing an even better glimpse.
The kitchen is medium-sized and standard. Pots and silverware are slightly cluttered in drawers, as is expected in a hostel. The large shower/toilets are unisex, which may not be for some who prefer more privacy. However, they are clean and provide indoor changing rooms. One annoyance is the draft that blasts through the many small windows here and through the halls and some of the bedrooms. It can get very chilly away from the living areas.
The bedrooms and bathrooms are standard and clean and the hostel itself is nothing phenomenal. Still, it provides the basics with a few extra charms. Also, regular slightly discounted seal-swimming excursions are provided and a detailed description of the local walks is on the wall. If you relish the small things in life, it may be worth ascending the steep incline to get to the Top Spot.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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