Piwaka Lodge and Backpackers

Nice welcome by Nicci, found the accommodation to be clean tidy and very welcoming. Great location short walk down to Picton harbour for the ferries and other holiday ideas like fishing or simply going to beaches on water taxis fantastic location, fish and chip shop next door, nothing more can be said. Simple breakfast included, a few bars and restaurants lovely ice cream parlour shopping and a nice supermarket. Parking in the library car park next door or opposite the hotel speak to Nikki about the parking location for traffic wardens.

We travelled from Invercargill to Picton all in one day on our motorbikes, arrived at 8.30pm, so we thought were lucky to get accommodation on the main street, given the time of night. The lady at reception was utterly rude upon arrival, told us to "ring a bell" yet the bell was covered by the atrocious state of her desk & reception area. The place reeked of incense & stale cigarettes, in EVERY part of the lodge. We shared a double room, which was just outright filthy. Didnt appear to have been cleaned in months. Dirty sheets from previous guests. The Shared Bathroom was absolutely DISGUSTING. The whole shower floor was covered in thick black hair & baked on skid marks in the toilet. DISGUSTING!! The place was like some dirty "Homeless" people were in control. Also we were told to park our Harley's out on the street, as a police camera way further up the street, would ensure security. Ummm no - not good enough, considering our bikes are worth more than this awful accommodation & the place was advertised as having FREE on-site parking. Overall, we were grateful to get accom at the time of night we arrived, but quite frankly, the woman's attitude & arrogance was beyond acceptable & we won't make the mistake of staying in this filthy establishment again. Given the world is suffering from COVID, & hygiene is PARAMOUNT, the state of this accommodation made us feel like we could've caught COVID.

Right from the time I booked over the ph to the time I left Nicci the on-site owner was supper helpful and friendly, I arrived early because of my flight so she stored my bag and the cleaners got my room ready asap While they were doing that Nicci told me to help myself to the complementary breakfast that she puts on every morning of cereal peaches toast and spreads. I had a double room with a onsuite that shared with the neighboring room you just locked their door when you used it and unlocked when you left it was a huge shower room. My room had a king size bed T.V mini fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Piwaka is in a great location at the top of the main st so you are surrounded by cafes shops and there is a great 4 square 2 min walk away...the waterfront is only a 5 min stroll.....I was off to outward bound and Nicci has offered to drop me off with my huge bag she was so helpful,Nicci also booked a day trip for me on the mail boat...a catamaran that delivers the mail through out the Queen Charlotte Sounds ....value for money...4hr boat cruise with amazing info on the sounds we delivered mail and goods to all the resorts and home owners I abslouty loved it!! Pikawa backpackers had every thing to make there guests feel at home games books a comunial lounge and TV comunial kitchen and fridges I even found wine glasses....all in all the price is amazing for what you get and it was great to know as a solo female traveler that Nicci lives here on site..... Thanks so much Nicci and Piwaka I wish you all the best x