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Support our hostel and not the big travel corporations and BOOK DIRECT on our website,
no booking fees and full refund if you cancel before 48 hours.
We belong to The Backpacker Group which offers discounts with a selection of other quality hostels in New Zealand.
Make sure to pick up The Backpacker Group discount vouchers from reception. See you soon!
Please check the NZTA website for road updates if traveling to or from Kaikoura.
Dusky Lodge & Backpackers is a great place to relax, unwind and take in the great views and spectacular sunsets from our extensive decks. We are the largest hostel in Kaikoura offering a clean homely environment.
We offer dorm rooms, private single, twin, double and family rooms – shared bathroom or Ensuite. Guests booking directly through our website will pay the lowest possible rate advertised.
Save yourself time and make your trip easy by letting the staff at Dusky Lodge Backpackers book any activity or tour for you. Contact us for some awesome discounts on a range of activities!
Enquire about booking one of our floors or the entire hostel to stay with your sports team, school group, family, cultural group, tour group or organisation.
State Highway 1 Real time status information
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we go Whale Watching?
Yes! You can go whale watching on a boat with whale watch Kaikoura or jump a plane or helicopter to see these beautiful creatures. Our helpful staff at reception can help you book these.
Do you have WIFI?
Yes! WIFI is free and unlimited!!!!! It is available throughout the building and bedrooms. Even on the deck so you can skype home and make everyone jealous with the view!
Do you have parking?
Yes! We are very lucky to have ample parking behind and in front of our building.
Where can we eat crayfish?
There are lots of options for eating this in Kaikoura from the restaurants in town to the famous seafood BBQ by the beach. If you are feeling more adventurous you can go fishing or diving and catch your own.
What can you do on a rainy day in Kaikoura?
Yes! It can rain even in this bit of paradise we call home. We say don’t let it stop you. The views here can be more dramatic with bad weather. The wildlife here are not discouraged with bad weather and you can still see the seals and other wildlife. If you really want to stay dry you can visit the new Kaikoura Museum.
Is there a supermarket?
Yes!! There is a big New World located a one Minute drive or a 10 Minute walk from the Hostel.
What free Activities are there?
Kaikoura is beautiful so even a walk on the beach is worthwhile. There are a few spectacular hikes around. The most popular is the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway. This is a 3.5 hour loop walk from the Hostel. It takes you all along the beachfront, to visit the seals at the seal colony, past the seafood bbq and up along the stunning peninsula then back to the hostel. Another popular activity is going up to the lookout at sunrise or sunset. The views are hard to beat.
Where is Ohau with the Baby seals in the waterfall?
Ohau is a very special place where baby seals can be found playing in a waterfall. Unfortunately this area is currently inaccessible due to earthquake damaged roads. We hear the road will re-open in December 2017 and hopefully access will be restored to this natural wonder shortly after. Don’t worry we have confirmation the seals are still there and having fun.
Are the roads to Kaikoura open?
Since the November 2016 earthquake travel to Kaikoura has been a little different. The roads are now open 24/7, there are multiple roadwork sites through this section of road, under Stop/Go control and/or with traffic lights with speed restrictions in place. Road users are advised to expect delays and to plan ahead for their journeys. Please note the road may close at short notice due to weather conditions.
Please keep updated with the NZTA at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and- travel-information/
Can I use Union Pay at your hostel?
Yes you most definitely can use Union Pay as payment at our Hostel. Check also our Chinese Page on our website.
Can I Check In after 7pm?
Yes you can! If you’re arriving after 7PM, we will need to email you our late arrival instructions. You will get a code for the front door and your key will be on the reception desk with your name on it, along with your room number and our WIFI password. If you cannot get into the hostel, please ring the front door bell for the Night Manager.
