Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
rooms upstairs in two wings. Clean shared bathrooms, high celings, communal kit-
chen…great value for money. Some rooms cop a bit of noise from the pub downstairs,
but the owners try to shuffle people around to dodge the din.
Windsor Backpackers
HOSTEL $
( 07-308 8040;
www.windsorlodge-backpackers.co.nz
; 10 Merritt St; dm/s/d from $27/48/66;
)
Whakatane's best backpackers occupies a converted funeral parlour…so expect a
restful sleep! Excellent rooms range from serviceable dorms to a couple of motel-stand-
ard doubles out the front. The communal kitchen, lounge and barbecue courtyard are spa-
cious and tidy.
Awakeri Hot Springs
HOLIDAY PARK $
( 07-304 9117;
www.awakerisprings.co.nz
;
SH30; campsites $36, d cabins/flats/units $70/85/
95; )
About 16km from Whakatane on the road to Rotorua (SH30) you'll come to the
immaculate Awakeri Hot Springs, an old-fashioned holiday park complete with (as the
name suggests) hot springs (adult/child $7.50/5), picnic areas and a bed for every budget.
Captain's Cabin
APARTMENT $$$
( 07-308 5719;
www.captainscabin.co.nz
; 23 Muriwai Dr; d from $125, extra person $25)
On the
serene side of town with sparkling water views, this homely self-contained unit is perfect
if you're hanging round for a few days (cheaper for two nights or more). A cosy living
area cleverly combines bedroom, lounge, kitchen and dining, with a second smaller room
and bijou bathroom − all sweetly decorated along nautical lines. Sleeps three.
White Island Rendezvous
HOTEL, B&B $$$
( 0800 733 529, 07-308 9500;
www.whiteisland.co.nz
;
15 The Strand E; d $100-160, apt from
$200, B&B $190; )
An immaculate 28-room complex run by the on-the-ball White Is-
land Tour people (cheaper rates for tour-goers). Lots of balcony and deck space for inhal-
ing the sea air, while interiors are decked out with timber floors for a nautical vibe. De-
luxe rooms come with spas; disabled-access facilities available. The B&B next door in-
cludes cooked breakfast.
Tuscany Villas
MOTEL $$$
( 07-308 2244;
www.tuscanyvillas.co.nz
;
57 The Strand E; d $155-200; )
This mod motel
may be a long way from Florence, but still offers a few rays of Italian sunshine with in-
