One-Sentence Journal - Post #11

Today is Sunday, 22 November 2009.

The 326th day of 2009.

There are 39 days left in the year.

My first Spring in New Zealand.

Somewhat Sunny but windy!

Somehow excited and, restless.

South Island - New Zealand [ Reviews on Hostels - Winter '09 Break ]

South Island - New Zealand

YHA Mount Cook
[You can also book thru HI-hostels.com]
Address: Cnr Bowen & Kitchener Drives, Mt Cook
Contact: +64 3 435 1820 Fax: +64 3 435 1821 
Email: yha.mtcook@yha.co.nz

See Map & Direction 

This is the first hostel on my recent winter trip around the South Island. Arriving here at night, I have no idea how's the surrounding was like. But, the hostel was really clean, cozy and the staffs are just really nice. For the 1st night, after driving for a few days already. I really wanted some privacy and just a good night sleep, so decided on a private room. And, it was just incredibly nice. YHA Mt. Cook is built in a log cabin style so, it give that sense of coziness and warmth. The private room was just way better than a hotel room. I was just pleased and enjoyed a great night sleep.Waking up was just dreamy for me because once I opened my eyes. I just saw part of Mt. Cook surrounded by pink skies. It's just breathtaking. 

Since, I am on a budget, for the second night, I decided to switch to a 4-bunks dorm. And, again, it wasn't a disappointment. Room was great. 

Just a Note: 

If you are on a tight budget, remember to do your grocery shopping before heading up to Mount Cook, coz everything is just way too expensive.

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness :

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe YHA Mount Cook - Comfortable, Cozy & Highly Recommended!

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Purple Cow - Wanaka

**When I was there in June, Purple Cow was actually part of BBH but, currently it's owned by YHA, renamed to YHA Wanaka**

Address: 94 Brownston Street, Wanaka
Phone: +64 3 443 1880 Fax: +64 3 443 187

I am writing this review based on my experience when Purple Cow was still part of BBH.  

I would say, the location of this hostel is the main attraction. The hostel is huge with nice lounge and big kitchen. They even have mini kitchen in the 4-bunk dorm. 

However, when I was here, the room was kind of smelly. Not sure if it's always like this or because my room was full of boys. Anyway, I would say the crowd is more of youngster from 16-21 years old all heading to ski reosrt at that time. So, expect some noise.

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness :

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe Purple Cow - Hot Spot, Roomy & HUGE Kitchen!

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Chateau Franz - Franz Josef

[You can also book thru BBH]

Address: 8 - 10 Cron St, Franz Josef

Phone: (03)752-0738 Fax: (03)752-0743  

I have to say coming here was because of the name. LOL! Silly...I know..

Anyway, it's not exactly impressive. But, again location was good. They offer FREE SPA (unfortunely, didn't get to try this out because it's always full), and FREE SOUP (which taste pretty good.)

And, it's within walking distance to the glacier hot pools. Love the fireplace but, the heatpump in the room is loud.

Though, no idea why but, the crowds that comes here never clean up the kitchen. So, lots of unwashed plates - YUCK!

 

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness :

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe Chateau Franz - Incredible Staff, Lovely Fireplace, Free Parkings!

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Empire Hotel

Address: Ross, West Coast

Phone: (03) 755 4926‎

Got to say the worst hostel I was in for the whole trip.

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness : for tidiness but, mouldy!

Kitchen Cleaniness : Horrible! and Smelly! 

Value for Money: $$$$$

3 Words to describe Empire Hotel - Smelly, Mouldy Everywhere & Arghhh!

 

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Punakaiki Beach Hostel, Punakaiki 

[You can also book thru BBH] 

Address: 4 Webb St, Punakaiki

Phone: (03)731-1852 Fax: (03) 731-1152

Email: info@punakaikibeachhostel.co.nz

Well, the name does give it away already. It's by the beach, of coz. Nice view of the beach and walkable to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Great lounge and verandah for you to just chill. I would without doubt recommended this hostel to anyone if you plan to stay for sometime in West Coast. Totally love the place.

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness :

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe Punakaiki Beach Hostel - Comfortable, Hidden Gem & Highly Recommended!

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Karamea Holiday Park 
Address: R.D. 3, Karamea 7893
Phone: +64-3-7826-758
Fax: +64-3-7826-738
Email: info@karamea.com 

Arrived in Karamea pretty late so have no idea where to head to. This is the first sign we saw before turning into the Karamea town. And, we were lucky that they have not close for the day. We stayed at their 4 beds cabin. It was pretty ok. Clean but, it funny that the next day, you only see senior citizen in this place. But, all is good and comfortable.

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness : Didn't use the kitchen as they provide a small cooker in the room!

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe Karamea Holiday Park - Hidden Away, Lots of RV & Nice People!


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Accents on the Park, Nelson 
[You can also book thru BBH]   
Address: 335 Trafalgar Square ,Nelson
Phone: +64 3 548 4335 ,0800 888 335 within NZ

Fax: +64 3 548 4334

I would say the prettiest hostel we have been to. It's right next to the Cathedral, and its just one minute walk away from restaurants, shops & bars. Great location. And, they have the best bathroom among all the hostel, I have been to. Although, I have to say the kitchen - the cooking area is just way too small. Oh...they give an hour free wireless internet daily per person. That's just really cool.

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness :

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe Accents on the Park - Comfortable, Great Staffs, Great Location!


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Le Gite Backpackers, Hanmer Springs

[You can also book thru BBH]  

Address: 3 Devon Street, Hanmer Springs

Phone: (03) 315 5111

Email: legite@xtra.co.nz

It's more like a homestay kind of backpacker. No bunks but, beds. It's really nice and cozy especially if you go in Winter like we did. They have this really neat fireplace in the living area with a fat cat lying around. Very Homey.

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness :

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe Le Gite - Cozy, Homey & a big Fat cute cat!




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 Dusky Lodge, Kaikoura
[You can also book thru BBH]   
Address: 67 Beach Road ,Kaikoura
Phone: 03 3195959 Fax 03 3196929
Email: info@duskylodge.com

They have spectacular view from the verandah. And, the place is just massive. Lots of rooms, huge lounge and kitchens. But, the mattress in the room tend to sink in. So, be prepare to disappear into your mattresses. Oh, not forgetting love the hot spa. It's heaven in winter!

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness :

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe Dusky Lodge - Massive place, Great Spa & Lovely Staff!

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Charlie B's Backpackers, Christchurch
[You can also book thru BBH]
Address: 268 Madras Street, Christchurch
Phone/Fax: 03 3798 429
Email: enquiries@charliebs.co.nz

It was my last few days of holiday before heading back to Dunedin. So, I kind of spur a tiny bit and got myself a private room which was totally worth it. Really nice, kind of old looking but totally comfortable with street view, which was totally ok. It's located in an old building with its own character which was totally unique. They have huge common area. The kitchen was cool too.

My ratings out of 5 Stars!

Location:

Room Cleaniness :

Kitchen Cleaniness :

Value for Money:

3 Words to describe Charlie B's - Love the Room, Trendy & Free Parking!

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One-Sentence Journal - Post #10

I think I officially had my first panic attack this morning right before exam. My mind totally went blank. And, I totally know nothing of the exam. I am like shit -- am feeling as if my heart going to jump out. Anyway, I think I did ok for the exam.

One-Sentence Journal - Post #9

Sunny out there. Wasn't as motivated to do my studying for exam for lots of reasons. Sigh! Nonetheless, I did managed to drag my lazy bum to the Botanical Garden to do some studying while enjoying some sun.

One-Sentence Journal - Post #8

Rainy Day Today! But, my body is burning up. Felt so hot and everything in my mouth felt tasteless.

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[Mail2Blogger]

One-Sentence Journal - Post #7

Didn't post on my one-sentence Journal Blog recently -- I guess becoz after Psychology Exam, I felt much more relaxed. So tend to be slightly lazy. LOL!

Nice day out there today but am indoor studying for the next exam. =)

Top 10 Things I Got to Do Before I Turn 30!

God! 30 is just around the corner! And, I have lots of things that I need to get going. Somehow, I don't feel I am there yet..I mean 30. Sigh! It feel so far yet so near.

Here goes, my top 10 list. Finger crossed! I am so making this happen.

1. Learn Another Language and Speak Proficiently! - Currently, I know English, Malay and a few Chinese Dialects and am adding on to the list. p/s: Got to improve my cantonese!
   
2. Overcome my fear of the sea and fish! - Sigh! Unfortunetely I really love the beach and the sea. You know those feeling where you can only see, not touch. I fear the sea and ya....dont laugh...fish too.
   
3. SkyDive - This should be pretty visible since I'm here in New Zealand. Finger Crossed!
   
4. Bungee Jump - Hmmmm! By hook or by crook..i'm doing this jump!
   
5. Go on a camper van trip - I dont know. Seems comfy and you are able to cook in there. LOL!
   
6. See, Feel and Experience SNOW. Oh! To kiss someone in Snow too. - Sigh! Haven't done so...so far.
   
7. Learn to Swim! - Probably this would help in my fear of the sea.
   
8. Take a Writing Class - I guess this would help if I want to start my writing.
   
9. I seriously need a healthy hobby. Running, perhaps or swimming! - and, get disciplined!
   
10. Start an Emergency Fund of at least 6 months living expenses

There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.
~ Henry Ford

Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art. ~ Stanislaw Jerzy Lec