Dusky Lodge - Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with free parking, a quick walk to Kaikoura Museum

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Dusky Lodge - Hostel

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; pool views
Reception
Fridge, microwave
Seasonal outdoor pool
Standard Twin, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Hot Tub
  • Housekeeping
  • Pet friendly
  • Pool
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
67 Beach Road, Kaikoura, 7300
  • Kaikoura Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Kaikoura District Museum
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Peninsula Walkway
    ‪7 min drive‬

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Room options

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Standard Double , Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Twin, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Ensuite Family Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Kaikōura

Dusky Lodge - Hostel places you within a 15-minute stroll of popular sights such as Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum. This hostel has 40 rooms and welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Kaikoura Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kaikoura Museum - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Kaikoura District Museum - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Peninsula Walkway - 7 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Point Kean Seal Colony - 10 min drive - 3.8 miles

Getting around

  • Blenheim (BHE-Woodbourne) - 102 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Coopers Catch Kaikoura - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Strawberry Tree - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Why Not Cafe - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Kaikoura Seafood Bbq - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Slam Club - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Dusky Lodge - Hostel

Hostel with free parking, a quick walk to Kaikoura Museum
Guests of Dusky Lodge - Hostel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a hot tub, and a seasonal outdoor pool. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with securing valuables, tours or tickets, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Safes are also included.
A seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Sicarios

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Hot tub
  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • In the mountains
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for NZD 20 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: NZD 20 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-6:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Dusky Lodge Backpackers Kaikoura
Dusky Lodge Backpackers
Dusky Backpackers Kaikoura
Dusky Backpackers
Dusky Lodge
Dusky Lodge Backpackers
Dusky Lodge - Hostel Kaikoura
Dusky Lodge - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Dusky Lodge - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Kaikoura

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Dusky Lodge - Hostel?

Dusky Lodge - Hostel provides free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Dusky Lodge - Hostel?

As of May 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dusky Lodge - Hostel on Jun 2, 2025 start from $64.9, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do within easy reach of Dusky Lodge - Hostel?

This hostel is located in Kaikōura, a short 12-minute walk from Kaikoura Beach and also 12 minutes on foot from Kaikoura District Museum. You'll also find Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Dusky Lodge - Hostel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel.

Does Dusky Lodge - Hostel feature a casino at the property?

No, Dusky Lodge - Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Dusky Lodge - Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Is Dusky Lodge - Hostel a good place to stay for couples?

Couples will appreciate amenities like a bar, a Michelin-rated restaurant, and a seasonal outdoor pool at this hostel.

Are there hot tubs at Dusky Lodge - Hostel?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this hostel.

Does Dusky Lodge - Hostel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Dusky Lodge - Hostel serves breakfast for a surcharge at Sicarios.

Will Dusky Lodge - Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Dusky Lodge - Hostel for a fee of NZD 20 per pet, per stay.

Are there connecting rooms at Dusky Lodge - Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Dusky Lodge - Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at Dusky Lodge - Hostel.

Dusky Lodge - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 206 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 83 out of 206 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 34 out of 206 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 17 out of 206 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 206 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness
Needed a bed for short stay in Kaikoura en route to Picton ferry. Dusty Lodge was available, pet friendly and the lower end of budget. Arrived after reception shut but they had left key and instructions to room. It was very small especially considering we paid $20 extra for a dog but was equipped with a tv, fan, stools, desk and plenty of hooks which I like for hanging bags, leashes, coats etc. Could see a pool, spa and sauna plus 2 kitchens which we didn't have time to use. Not used to sharing a bathroom with strangers so that was a big minus - reason why I wouldn't likely book again. Nice walking distance to dairy open til 11pm and next morning to bakery for coffee and scone.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Pritilata

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The only staff we interacted with was professional but friendly & helpful. Rules were strict, followed resulting in a calm & peaceful atmosphere
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jinyu

Lovely people
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bich-Ha Henriette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic place to stay for all

The reception was warm and welcome. Our room was spacious, clean and comfortable with a small desk and a queen bed. It is close to the bathroom so it was very convenient. The 24hr kitchen was clean and amazing with a view and door leading to the terrace with seats etc. check out is easy and straightforward. We did not have a car this time but it would be quite convenient to go park in the back. The walk to town is around 10 minutes but we had to cross the “highway”/main road which makes it a little inconvenient. There is a day’ n night market steps away and a great fish and chips and seafood restaurants also steps away.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Caroline

Unfortunately it was quite noisy, the walls are thin and you can hear most of what happens in the other rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Carolai

Liked: Cleanliness
Very comfortable beds, a very nice place to rest.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darryl

Traveled with partner
I thought it was good value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

I’m not a hostel person

This is a ‘well-used’ hostel. I probably would not stay here but this is where the group I was travelling with stays. Too basic for me, it might be okay for others.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Denise

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed the swimming pool and spa.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Myra

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was clean and the staff were friendly. However there was 0-none tv reception and you could hear people moving chairs, heavy stomping above you at random hours. The stairs leading from the kitchen/dining area were a bit suspect too.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Ferdinand

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
private rooms accommodates 4 guests, 2 bunk beds, 1 double beds, TV did not work during our stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good value hostel

Kaikoura is very popular and this was the only room at a sensible price. En suite family room with use of communal kitchen. Nice and quiet with view of mountains for breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sapphyre

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Jinish

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Pathetic

Very smelly and unhygenic room.. Staff tried to help ti change tge room with her limited time but besds are dusty, smelly, stained with some or otger thing.. Very disappointed with the stay... Miserable
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ken

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We arrived 10mins after checkin and could not get in contact with the “after hours manager” we sat around waiting for an hour calling the provided numbers, and found him lighting the fireplace. Kitchen was nice hot tub was great. They have large TV and lounge area on both levels. Hopefully next time there will be better communication
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

??

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Nice and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Micaela

Good clean and comfortable accom.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angelica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For such a cheap price, this was an amazing place to stay at! The 24 hour kitchen was large and useful, there were plenty of common areas, the hot tub was clean, and the shower stalls were big! I would definitely Dusky Lodge to a friend!

6/10 Okay

Margaret

Traveled with family
Not very clean windows dirty and kitchen floor and tables not very clean needs more cleaning cloths the floor in the unit was very sticky for the price i would have expected it to be better
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Katie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a huge place for a backpackers, we definitely enjoyed staying there.

6/10 Okay

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Affordable accomodation not too far from the town centre. Beds are obviously old and need an upgrade as they are dipping, but not unexpected for budget accomodation
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Gavin

Traveled with family
Good stay
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Kimberlea

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious room with ensuite, painful because it was upstairs which I hadn’t realised, carrying all our bags up was tricky. Simple things like enough tea towels in the kitchen and cloths for the bench’s would’ve made a difference. Pool and spa were good but very busy. Door to bathroom kept opening by itself (sliding). Staff didn’t give wifi password or explain there were problems until prompted.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023