We live in Wellington, an hour by (frequent) train from Paekakariki (Maori for perch (pae) + parrot (kakariki). We can't afford to get away much or to go far, but this is perfect. I think we've been 4 or 5 times now, and when family come to visit we make sure they stay there too. The train ride is both inland - towns, countryside - and along the rugged Kapiti Coast coastline, with views of Mana and then Kapiti Islands, even the top of the South Island on a good day. A car ride is probably half that time. The price is right and includes a room with our own deck, loo and bathroom for a low cost. Even the 2 largest backpacking rooms are great - clean and comfortable - the most in a room might be 5, and there are another 3 spaces for 2 or 3 max.
The backpackers is perched on a hill - town, railway line and steep hillside on one side, lots of green and a few properties between you and the sea and Kapiti Island. You can hear the sea everywhere and you forget that a city of... more