Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site.

Is breakfast offered at the property?

Breakfast options are available at the on-site café, Sicarios, which features a bar/lounge.

Does the property allow pets?

Yes, pets are allowed with a fee of NZD 20 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities in public areas.

What is the location of the property in relation to key landmarks?

The property is located near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum. It is approximately 0.6 miles from Kaikoura Beach and 3.1 miles from Peninsula Walkway.

Does the property have a swimming pool?

Yes, there is a seasonal outdoor pool available for guests.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, and kids can stay for free up to a certain age.

Dusky Lodge - Comfortable Hostel in Kaikōura

Average nightly price at Dusky Lodge by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$58
February	$67
March	$62
April	$60
May	$53
June	$61
July	$62
August	$38
September	$53
October	$53
November	$59
December	$53

What guests think

At Dusky Lodge, guests commonly highlight friendly staff, budget-friendly comfort, and a convenient walkable location, while shared amenities like large kitchens, lounges, and a seasonal pool or hot tub add value for backpackers and short Kaikoura stopovers.

Cleanliness is generally good but inconsistent, with several reports of dirty bathrooms or sticky floors alongside many remarks about clean rooms and tidy common areas. Rooms are basic yet comfortable, though some guests note thin walls or road noise, aging mattresses, and issues like nonworking TVs. Expect a sociable, budget hostel stay with handy amenities and variable polish.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Shared amenities are a strong point: large, well equipped kitchens with views, lounges, a hot tub/pool, BBQ areas, and on site parking. Some are seasonal (pool/cafe), and a few reports note closures or dated equipment.

Related guest reviews

8

Raphael

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Zimmer und die Küche waren sehr sauber. Vor und hinter dem Gebäude sind genügend Parkplätze vorhanden.

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10

Jeremie

Mar 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful view from the back patio. Close enough to walk to bus station. Kitchen equipement is definitely not the best

10

Sara

Apr 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly team and great facilities. We look forward to coming back when the weather is warmer and the cafe and pool are open. Well equipped kitchen facilities providing 180⁰ views of the mountains whilst cooking. Great location being centrally located on the main road a 5 minute walk from the town centre.

8

Asrul aziz

Nov 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Kind staff and good room . Please announcement for use swimming pool for summer only

10

Angelica

Mar 31, 2024

·

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!

8

Ludovic

Feb 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

En bord de route, grande auberge de jeunesse, pratique, relativement propre, piscine fermée, eau verte.

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10

Sonia

Jan 13, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

My stuff was perfect, i wish I stay longer. Cheap price and really nice stay. Bbq, pool, quiet, nice staff. At the beginning when I arrived with the bus, i thought omg... this is to far from in town.. but not at all. easy walking to restaurants and beach and grocery. Big mentionne to Greta and Sean who really make a difference, they where great, really helful, always really happy to assist with all the question or needed. It male a big difference on your stay when poeple are happy to help you. You can see that the team who work at Dusgy are happy. (i stay to other hostel that unfortunately.. staff make you feel that you disturbed them when you ask a questions, or even they dont help at all..) what is NOT THE CASE WITH THIS PLACE. They are nice and reallly really FRIEMDLY AND HELPFULL. Thank you ! The pool and the bbq is great, i wish that we can use the big kitchen but was almost always reserve for group. But notthing else to say about this hostel is great. Stay longer there guys and emjoy your time.

10

Benjamin Alexander

Mar 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Küche top ausgestattet. Der Pool war super!

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8

Denise

Jan 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed the swimming pool and spa.

10

Bich-Ha Henriette

Feb 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Guests often mention clean rooms and common areas, but feedback is inconsistent. Several report dirty bathrooms, sticky floors, or smelly rooms during their stay.

Related guest reviews

8

Raphael

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Zimmer und die Küche waren sehr sauber. Vor und hinter dem Gebäude sind genügend Parkplätze vorhanden.

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4

Katrin

Apr 12, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Bathrooms weren’t serviced and cleaned during our stay. Same for the kitchen. Otherwise fine and convenient.

10

SHOJIRO

Sep 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

部屋も綺麗で寝やすかった。ホテルの人はとてもフレンドリーで良い人だった。近くにスーパーもあるし、レストランも色々あるので、ご飯にも困らない

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6

Mary Ann

Apr 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The water was hot in the shower - very much appreciated. We found getting an e-mail at 5.00pm on the day of arrival with details wasn't really reassuring as to whether or not we still had a room for the night! Also the instructions on the sheet could afford to be more specific so that guests can be as helpful as possible - e.g. we were asked to strip the bed and put the sheets in the foyer - no mention of the towels. Only after we'd returned to key to the box did we discover we should have also brought the towels down. As well the cleanliness needed to be improved. The shower was very dirty around the edges of the base. It would be good to see fans in the showers - or some kind of shower hood to keep the steam in the area.

6

Margaret

Mar 31, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

10

Anthony

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

My room was clean and spacious, well ventilated and well appointed. Very pleasant, thank you.

8

Lynette

Nov 17, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

CLEAN

4

Kelly

Apr 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Bathroom didnt look like it had been cleaned, shower still had watermarks like it hadnt been cleaned. If you want guests to take sheets off beds on departure, you need to make sure whats under them is at least clean, not clumps of hair and stains all over protector. If its that stained you need to replace as not a good look

2

Jinish

Oct 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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

10

Bich-Ha Henriette

Feb 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are basic but comfortable, with some spacious options and comfy beds. Downsides include thin walls or road noise, aging mattresses, and issues like nonworking TVs or small rooms.

Related guest reviews

8

Elaine

Mar 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was adequate and near facilities. TV didn't work and one light bulb needed changing. Bed was comfortable and room clean.

8

Joy

Mar 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Basic but comfortable room. Good facilities in kitchen Nice views from veranda Would stay again

8

Carolai

Jan 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable beds, a very nice place to rest.

10

Anthony

Nov 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

My room was clean and spacious, well ventilated and well appointed. Very pleasant, thank you.

8

Ferdinand

Jan 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

private rooms accommodates 4 guests, 2 bunk beds, 1 double beds, TV did not work during our stay

6

Dorothy

Feb 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

6

Caroline

Feb 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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

10

Anna

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly staff, comfortable rooms and good location.

6

Louise

Jan 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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

6

Myra

Jan 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are widely described as friendly, welcoming, and professional. A few guests experienced poor after hours communication or slow responses to maintenance requests.

Related guest reviews

10

Ken

Aug 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

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

10

SHOJIRO

Sep 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

部屋も綺麗で寝やすかった。ホテルの人はとてもフレンドリーで良い人だった。近くにスーパーもあるし、レストランも色々あるので、ご飯にも困らない

Translate

8

Asrul aziz

Nov 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Kind staff and good room . Please announcement for use swimming pool for summer only

10

Raj

Mar 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent space… Staff is awsome 😍😍😍

8

Laura

Jun 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Muy amable el personal. Y segura

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6

Pritilata

Feb 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The only staff we interacted with was professional but friendly & helpful. Rules were strict, followed resulting in a calm & peaceful atmosphere

10

Sonia

Jan 13, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

My stuff was perfect, i wish I stay longer. Cheap price and really nice stay. Bbq, pool, quiet, nice staff. At the beginning when I arrived with the bus, i thought omg... this is to far from in town.. but not at all. easy walking to restaurants and beach and grocery. Big mentionne to Greta and Sean who really make a difference, they where great, really helful, always really happy to assist with all the question or needed. It male a big difference on your stay when poeple are happy to help you. You can see that the team who work at Dusgy are happy. (i stay to other hostel that unfortunately.. staff make you feel that you disturbed them when you ask a questions, or even they dont help at all..) what is NOT THE CASE WITH THIS PLACE. They are nice and reallly really FRIEMDLY AND HELPFULL. Thank you ! The pool and the bbq is great, i wish that we can use the big kitchen but was almost always reserve for group. But notthing else to say about this hostel is great. Stay longer there guys and emjoy your time.

6

Kristy

Dec 25, 2022

·

Stayed 19,349 nights

Bathroom lighting did not work and when it was brought to staff's attention, nothing was done. We had to use mobile phone torches in the bathroom

10

Anna

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly staff, comfortable rooms and good location.

10

Bich-Ha Henriette

Feb 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

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Location

Convenient, walkable setting near shops, restaurants, and transport; the town centre is roughly 5-15 minutes away along the main road. Some found it quiet despite the setting, though road-facing rooms can be noisy.

Related guest reviews

10

Jeremie

Mar 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful view from the back patio. Close enough to walk to bus station. Kitchen equipement is definitely not the best

10

Sara

Apr 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly team and great facilities. We look forward to coming back when the weather is warmer and the cafe and pool are open. Well equipped kitchen facilities providing 180⁰ views of the mountains whilst cooking. Great location being centrally located on the main road a 5 minute walk from the town centre.

8

Christian

Feb 15, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Sehr unkompliziert. Ruhig, obwohl nah der Hauptstraße. Fenster gut isoliert. Backpackerabsteige. Sehr zivilisiert.

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8

Hiroyuki

Apr 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

静かで、駅近く、」食料の調達も容易で、良いと思いました。

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6

KEIKO

Feb 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

1km walk from city center. I liked the wall pictures about creatures Kitchen is useful and nice view of mountains.

8

Claire

Feb 2, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location, well laod out property. I was only there overnight so didnt make full use of the facilities but did appreciate solid bunks that didnt sqeak. Well stocked and roomy kitchen

6

Dorothy

Feb 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

10

Sonia

Jan 13, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

My stuff was perfect, i wish I stay longer. Cheap price and really nice stay. Bbq, pool, quiet, nice staff. At the beginning when I arrived with the bus, i thought omg... this is to far from in town.. but not at all. easy walking to restaurants and beach and grocery. Big mentionne to Greta and Sean who really make a difference, they where great, really helful, always really happy to assist with all the question or needed. It male a big difference on your stay when poeple are happy to help you. You can see that the team who work at Dusgy are happy. (i stay to other hostel that unfortunately.. staff make you feel that you disturbed them when you ask a questions, or even they dont help at all..) what is NOT THE CASE WITH THIS PLACE. They are nice and reallly really FRIEMDLY AND HELPFULL. Thank you ! The pool and the bbq is great, i wish that we can use the big kitchen but was almost always reserve for group. But notthing else to say about this hostel is great. Stay longer there guys and emjoy your time.

10

Anna

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly staff, comfortable rooms and good location.

10

Bich-Ha Henriette

Feb 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Not enough information in reviews.

Related guest reviews

10

Sara

Apr 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly team and great facilities. We look forward to coming back when the weather is warmer and the cafe and pool are open. Well equipped kitchen facilities providing 180⁰ views of the mountains whilst cooking. Great location being centrally located on the main road a 5 minute walk from the town centre.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $50	2 $65	3 $65	4 $50	5 $50	6 $65	7 $50
8 $65	9 $50	10 $50	11 $65	12 $65	13 $65	14 $50
15 $50	16 $50	17 $65	18 $50	19 $50	20 $49	21 $65
22 $64	23 $49	24 $49	25 $50	26 $87	27 $50	28 $49
29 $49	30 $59

Dusky Lodge

Prices for Dusky Lodge

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Ensuite Family Room

Classic Double Room

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

Standard Double , Shared Bathroom

Standard Twin, Shared Bathroom

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom

Standard Twin Room

Guest reviews of Dusky Lodge

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Dusky Lodge

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23 $50	24 $50
25 $50	26 $50	27 $50	28 $65	29 $50	30 $59	31 $50