As backpacker lodges go, this is one of the best. The bus driver (bus from Auckland) pulled over in Paihia and asked everybody on board where they were staying...when it came to my turn, the only one to say Capt Bobs, he said: "Excellent choice, the best place in town."

The place is VERY clean and the manager is friendly and hardworking. The atmosphere rubs off on the guests. This is not the "party-hardy" place, those are in the main town of Paihia, as Capt. Bobs is a little north but still an easy and scenic walk to town.

Near the beach, convenience store, the tour outfits stop and drop off.

I got a single room ($40) but the group rooms looked good too.

I'd get up early and have tea in the upstairs kitchen/dinning room and mellow out with the view. Beautiful garden, well tended.....Bougainvilla blossoms. Nice.
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