The only downside to this place might be that the dorm rooms would be a bit tight if fully occupied. The owners are extremely friendly and helpful, they even offer the yha low carbon discount which most non YHA hostles will not. The cleaning staff provide a level of entertainment if you like people watching and I would stay here... More

If your backpaking one night is enough, it reminded me of my nans house, when you walked into the walk it smelt like granny, we only stayed so we could visit the southward car museum, the location is good right on the beach but it does need updating!

The Kapiti Coast is a beautiful (yet often underrated) part of New Zealand, and Barnacles is in a prime location, right across the street from Paraparaumu Beach. It's only an hour to the capital city of Wellington, and a short ferry ride over to Kapiti Island. This hostel has a nice homey feel to it, and the private rooms are... More

The Inn is located right by a beautiful beach with lots of nice restaurants on a strip a stones throw from the beach. Restaurants in the area are well priced. We were 4 adults that shared a family room - definitely a little tight. Would be excellent for parents with kids. Big, clean kitchen. You can easily take the train... More

Very nice and cozy place. Nice backyard and owners / staff are super nice... Perfect place to chillout more than few days

From the moment I arrived to the moment left I was treated with true kiwi hospitality. Nothing was too much. The rooms are good, the photos on the wall wonderful and its an historic building. No beyer place to stay if you want to go to Kapiti island or want to chill out by the beach close to wellington.

Wonderful experience for me, a 50 year old woman! Stayed a bit more than 1 month at Barnacles. The hosts are perfect for their jobs: Helpful, good with people, flexible, friendly and knowledgeable... The place was always clean and organized but still homely Right at a great beach! Joint short term golf and (very friendly) tennis club (within walking distance)... More

seaside views, lovely location, very cosy, log fire, good kitchen, friendly staff and long-term residents (but not in a cliquey way).

Barnacles Seaside Inn is so much more than a hostel. When we arrived in front of this YHA associate, we could not believe our eyes: close to the beach, wonderful sea views, a well-maintained old boutique hotel meets English seaside holiday accommodation, and all that a YHA? With its comfy living room, abundant tasteful decoration and photographs of decades past,... More