Rainbow Lodge is a large hostel accommodating over 40 people in three- and four-bedroom units with sheets and blankets available for NZ 2. Rooms have locks and the main doors to the lodge are locked at 10pm. Office hours are 8-8 offering free tea and coffee and selling cookies and other beverages. You can reserve tours and transportation here and bicycles are on the premise for rent for $12 for guests and $15 for non-guests and come complete with locks and mandatory helmets.
Although the kitchen is quite large with two refers and sinks, it can be rather crowded during the dinner hours. Generally speaking the ample shelves for the dry foods and refers provides enough storage especially considering Mondays anything with a passed expiration date on the bag is tossed. The dining area consists of three large cafeteria-style tables and located right next to the living room for overflow diners.
There are two men’s and ladies’ restrooms and two each showers. A very nice dry sauna with adjustable temperature is available for free from 6-10pm and 50 cents during other hours. Since my tours usually ended around 4pm and then I had dinner, I could usually enjoy a free sauna session without anyone else around.
Located off Spa Road, it is within walking distance to the transportation center, information center, lake, river trailhead and the cheapest day spa in town. Two grocery markets are nearby. In spite of being so close to places, pick up service is just a phone call away.