Finally, I found a hostel where I didn't have to sacrifice comfort for budget. Pacific Coast Lodge is about a 10-minute walk from the beach and town of Mount Maunganui. It has that cozy feel for several reasons. The first thing is its size. With two levels, this hostel has beds for over 70 people, but the feel of a much smaller hostel. Prices start at NZ$22 for a dorm room, and discounts apply when you hold a traveler's card, such as VIP or YHA. Room styles include four-, six-, or ten-bed dorms, one twin room, and two doubles. There are no en-suite rooms, but the bathrooms sparkle and the whole hostel is meticulously cleaned each day.
The kitchen is a traveler's dream. Two large ovens and a total of 12 gas burners, along with three full-size refrigerators, a freezer, and cubby spaces that stretch out across 7 feet of wall, give the traveler plenty of space to store and cook. The kitchen is also well equipped with pots, pans, crockery, free spices, and free tea and coffee. There's also a barbeque for use outside.
Other perks include free bike hire, a games room with a pool and Ping-Pong, and a TV room loaded with SkyTV and old movies. There are washers and dryers and Internet on-site as well. The owners are also more than happy to help book activities, such as swimming with dolphins, adventure flights, and surfing lessons.