After finally wrapping up the kiwi picking season, we drove to Whitianga for a night’s stay at On the Beach Backpackers Lodge. We had the whole room to ourselves, and almost the whole house (with 2 toilets and a kitchen). We paid a deposit for the shovel, because we wanted to go Hot Water Beach to dig our own pool. Turns out we didn’t have to, the beach was already packed with tourists, and there were ready made pools. The water was too hot for me! Like 60C! Totally scalding! I only soaked my feet and then I couldn’t take it anymore. It was funny when the waves came in, as the cold seawater mixed with the hot water pool and everybody screamed at the sudden chills.
After watching Mr and Mrs Smith on DVD, I went to sleep whereas Ting continued her late night chat with 2m. Woke up the next morning to check out and then it was time to drive to Cathedral Cove to see the beautiful scenery. Had to walk for about 40minutes before we got to the beach area, but it was totally nice! The basic sanitary facilities there were also quite amusing. LOL
The BBH BPP rating can’t always be reliable. Of 4 hostels in Tauranga, we chose the one with the highest rating of 76%, and were shocked. The hostel, besides having a good location in the city centre, was dark, narrow and dirty. Hauling our luggage in the rain, we decided to just take a look first before deciding if we wanted to stay more than one night. That was our best decision. One glance, and we decided we would rather open our luggage in the parking lot and get all the stuff we need for one night. Too dingy and scary for our liking, totally incomprehensible how anyone would rate it so highly. We’re gonna rate it badly if we get the chance.
We were too disgusted with the state of the hostel until YJ didn’t eat, and I had cup noodles. (Ting was out on a date with 2m). We decided to have brunch at a café because it was probably unsafe to eat anything in the kitchen. But the brunch was superb, yummy! So we were in better mood before moving to Just the Ducks Nuts hostel. Don’t ask me why the name is so weird, I have no idea too. This hostel was only 72% rating, but it emphasized on cleanliness so we all prayed it was better. Thank god it was, so we are staying here to see if we get some work. Problem was that this place was so much quieter, compared to Hone Heke, and the owner has some pretty strict rules: after 10.30pm, occupants must return to their respective houses, no alcohols, no noise, and no visitors. There’s also nothing to do for leisure besides read and puzzles. We might just die of boredom, if it weren’t for some pretty nice housemates.
Tomorrow Ting has work at some fish factory, starting at 6am. YJ and I will have to wait till more vacancies open up. =( Everything in Tauranga costs money, what should we do?
Pls send me money, thank you. haha