The Hostelz.com Review
Continuing along the main seaside road, about ten minutes past town is the Lazy Shag Backpackers. In few words, this hostel is a run-of-the-mill, no stand-outs, no frills, just the to-be-expected basics. There is a kitchen, computer corner, and a TV area downstairs. The hostel looks like a modern lodge, without any rustic charm, save the fireplace. But, even it is awkwardly set off in a narrow space separating the two rooms.
The bedrooms are standard. They have a clean separate en-suite shower and toilet. They are in rows along an outside wooden walkway with only sliding glass doors enclosing them, which are often left unlocked. The computer has free internet, but it is sluggish and there is almost always a queue along the two couches so twenty minutes is all that's allowed. Many backpackers opt for one of the internet cafes in town instead.
The hostel seems well organized and clean, it provides everything a backpacker needs. It even has a box full of games with the rules, movies, and a book of CDs. Built just a few years ago, it is in excellent condition. Though it is located beside a creek and a grassy campsite is next door, it doesn't have old rural charm about it if that's what you're looking for. It's decorated with Ikea style furniture and primary colors -- red and yellow, which may not appeal to everyone.
The bedrooms are standard. They have a clean separate en-suite shower and toilet. They are in rows along an outside wooden walkway with only sliding glass doors enclosing them, which are often left unlocked. The computer has free internet, but it is sluggish and there is almost always a queue along the two couches so twenty minutes is all that's allowed. Many backpackers opt for one of the internet cafes in town instead.
The hostel seems well organized and clean, it provides everything a backpacker needs. It even has a box full of games with the rules, movies, and a book of CDs. Built just a few years ago, it is in excellent condition. Though it is located beside a creek and a grassy campsite is next door, it doesn't have old rural charm about it if that's what you're looking for. It's decorated with Ikea style furniture and primary colors -- red and yellow, which may not appeal to everyone.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
December 2006
Their Description
Welcom to Kaikoura's newest backpackers. ALL ROOMS have EN-SUITES and HEARTING system. Warm, clean, well equipped, the Lazy Shag is set among magnificent trees with superb mountain views and gardens that strech down to river. Seal swims,snorkelling trips, FREE internet, log fire in winter, plenty of car parking space. Activities all within 5mins walk of town centre.
Really warm common (log fire never goes out!) + Dorm rooms, easy to use internet (+free!). Beautiful view, comfortable clean + homely. Thanks for your hospitality. Rachel, NY USA
What a lovely place, just like walking into a fairytale garden. Thank you for your charming hospitality. Ofra & David, Tel-Aviv Israel
Mind Blowing!! Is this a hostel or a dream? No Name
A great place to chill out, the location's just night too! The kitchen a real winner everything you want! Laura & Rosy, UK
Very warm & friendly hostel, set in a beautiful location with a back-drop of snow capped mountains! Louise, England
What a lovely place!! Only intended on staying a couple of nights…….but stayed for 4!! Definitely going to recommend this place to everyone. Thank you so much!!
Nick & Emily, Cardiff Wales
Really warm common (log fire never goes out!) + Dorm rooms, easy to use internet (+free!). Beautiful view, comfortable clean + homely. Thanks for your hospitality. Rachel, NY USA
What a lovely place, just like walking into a fairytale garden. Thank you for your charming hospitality. Ofra & David, Tel-Aviv Israel
Mind Blowing!! Is this a hostel or a dream? No Name
A great place to chill out, the location's just night too! The kitchen a real winner everything you want! Laura & Rosy, UK
Very warm & friendly hostel, set in a beautiful location with a back-drop of snow capped mountains! Louise, England
What a lovely place!! Only intended on staying a couple of nights…….but stayed for 4!! Definitely going to recommend this place to everyone. Thank you so much!!
Nick & Emily, Cardiff Wales
The Lazy Shag Details
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Average -- clean, fine This place was fine, though I might try somewhere else if I came back to Kaikoura. It has a small, independent feel, very different from the YHAs and Base places we stayed. The woman who runs it is friendly and nice. She only took cash for the room payment. It was a short (maybe ten-minute) walk from the train station and town, though kind of a ways from the Dolphin Encounter (twenty-five minute walk?). The rooms have bathrooms, which was nice. There are large sliding glass doors to the rooms. When we arrived, our doors were wide open, and it was cold. The heater in the room didn't do too much to heat the room. The room was clean and fine, but not set up particularly well. For example, there was no table or chair or anything we could use as a bedside table for eyeglasses or travel alarm clock. The bed was ok, but not particularly comfortable. There was no shelf or table in the room for putting anything on. The "hallway" is exterior, and it was raining when we were there, so we had to get wet if we wanted to use the kitchen or TV lounge. No laundry facilities (that we could see), and no luggage storage for daytime. — Stacey , United States (2007-12-04) Good, Comfortable Accomodation The Lazy Shag is a good budget option for couples or people who don't like shared facilities. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom. The property is close to the town center, shops and attractions, and the rooms are kept clean. The owner/manger is always available and extremely helpful. Internet is slow, but hey, its free. The downstairs TV lounge is pretty worthless (it's got no channels but there was an eclectic collection of vhs). There is plenty of parking. The value for money here is very good. I felt it had pretty decent ambiance compared with most hostels I've stayed at. I liked the wide sun decks. — Ian , USA (2007-05-28) Had a great time here. It's not a far walk away from the tourist information centre. The people there were really nice. Especially the staff. It was a nice, small, friendly hostel with clean rooms and clean toilets. I had a good time. — Sam (2007-01-08)