At the base of the Coromandel, tucked away in Whangamata is the Garden Motor Lodge. This hostel and hotel complex is on the edge of town. The walk to downtown is not long, but the walk to the grocery store is very long (about four kilometers).
What the Garden Motor Lodge lacks in convenience due to its location, it makes up with its facilities. It is a new building that is kept spotless. The kitchen is well equipped, the bathrooms shine, and the lounge is comfortable. There are only four bunks in a spacious room, although we were put into a double room. There were not many people staying at the Lodge when we were there. So, there is not a lot of excitement and activity. Most of the time we wondered if anyone else was alive.
It is a good place to relax, rest and catch up on sleep. To avoid carrying groceries for four kilometers, we tried the restaurants downtown. The special at Pinky’s Bar (burger, chips, and a beer for less than $NZ10) is worth trying and certainly beat schlepping the groceries. If your travels bring you near Whangamata, the Garden Motor Lodge is definitely the place to stay.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
Location/Contact
