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Ref.#: 7666
"exceptional, immaculate and inviting.." Lonely Planet and rated 94% by BBH in 2010. 6 steps to the sea with self catering farmhouse kitchen or great cafes nearby if required. Welcoming seafront lounge with warming fire in Winter.Enjoy the home-style comfort, quality and friendliness. Other facilities include quality bedrooms, kayaks, WIFI, TV in rooms if needed, BBQ, piano, laundry and PARKING. A brilliant spot to explore the Wellington region. Trip planning and job search assistance our speciality.Winter Rates Apply.
Testimonials
Testimonials Written by Dean, Visitor to Moana Lodge on his website www.backpackadventures.com
"With stunning seaside views, beach-themed décor and down-home friendly staff, Moana Lodge could be mistaken as a bed & breakfast. This lodge is in the small village of Plimmerton, New Zealand, and has undergone tremendous changes since the owners purchased the property in 1998. Once occupied as a drug & alcohol rehabilitation centre, the building was left in deteriorating condition. But owners John & Helen took it as a challenge to build a travelers getaway that felt more like a home than a hostel. With numerous renovations over the last 13 years, Moana Lodge now attracts travelers from all over the world.
Large bay windows in the living room provide a beautiful view of the seaside and mountains. Comfy sofas and couches have been arranged to encourage socializing with other guests, or simply relaxing and watching the waves roll in. A gas fireplace sits by the front windows for chilly evenings. To give the lodge a home-like appeal, the owners have adorned the house with various nautical and beach-related decorations.
The impressively well-stocked kitchen has a communal fridge, sink, gas stove & oven, large island for food preparation, free coffee & tea and a BBQ on the outdoor patio. There are more than enough kitchen supplies for preparing meals, and the hostel supplies large plastic containers for food storage. This storage system makes it clear and efficient for all guests, thus eliminating messy plastic bags in the fridge and cupboards. The good-quality dishware is also a welcome change from the often mismatched, chipped dishes found at other hostels. The adjoining dining room has two large tables with chairs, and is decorated with New Zealand maps and vintage photos of Plimmerton.
Moana Lodge attracts couples, families and a few single travelers. The majority of bedrooms and bathroom facilities are on the second floor of the building. There are doubles, twins and single beds (no dorms), and are beautifully decorated and very comfortable. We booked the double room with expansive seaside view, which is especially stunning at sunset. The bathroom facilities are superb and impeccably clean. There are several toilets (with beach-themed seats!), and bathrooms with shower stalls, sinks and ample counter space. They also offer liquid soap, hand towels and hair dryers for convenience.
Additional amenities at Moana Lodge include: several computer terminals for internet use, WiFi for laptops, a communal television with videos & DVDs, piano and guitar, kayak rental and many brochures and postings for attractions, tours and restaurants in the area. Car parking is available.
We had the pleasure of staying at Moana Lodge during the Christmas holidays. With room bookings at full capacity, there was a steady stream of guests from Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Israel, Canada and the United States. During this time the staff invited guests to contribute a dish for a communal Christmas Eve dinner at the Lodge. The meal was a magnificent display of sumptuous dishes, all with each guest’s unique cultural flavour. At the end of the evening guests had huge smiles on their faces from all the festivities.
We highly recommend this hostel for couples, families or single travelers. The home-like setting provides a tranquil spot for relaxing and socializing with other hostel guests. There are many outdoor activities available in the area such as hiking, swimming, kayaking or trips to nearby Wellington.
The town of Plimmerton is very small, and is about a 15-20-minute walk from Moana Lodge. There are a few businesses including a small grocery store, cafes and other small-town shops (no ATM). The neighbouring town offers a bigger grocery store, fast-food restaurants & bars and ATM machines, however is a further 10-minute walk. Having access to a car is recommended for convenience, however is not absolutely necessary.
InterCity Bus Lines does regular trips to the area, and passes through Plimmerton on its way to Wellington. When booking the bus request the MANA bus stop, which is located about a 40-minute walk from Moana Lodge. It would be a good idea to contact the hostel ahead of time to arrange for a pick-up at the bus stop. There are no buses that travel through Plimmerton, however taxis can be taken directly to the lodge. Another option would be to take the InterCity bus to Wellington, and then take the train back to Plimmerton. The Plimmerton train station is just on the edge of town, and is about a 20-minute walk to the hostel."
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