We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Fish Tank Lodge

86 West End, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand
Hotel amenities
Fish Tank Lodge
Show the lowest price for this hotel*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

64 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    36
    18
    6
    3
    1
Date Rating
Dublin, Ireland
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
17 hotel reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW via mobile

They have the best location from all the places in kaikoura. From their terrace you look at the sea, place is in town. Big lounge room with comfy couches, big tv with DVD player. Big kitchen. Nice rooms. All was perfect. Paid 65$ for double with shared bathroom.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

The Fishtank is a nice hostel in the centre of town. Kaikoura is a small town, so not noisy at all, even in the centre of the city where this hostel is located. It is a short walk to the tour operators for whale watching, dolphin encounters and loads of other cool stuff. Craig, the host, is a really nice,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
cairns
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

This Backpack is one of the best I stay in NZ yet ! Lots of nice paintings on the walls, clean and comfy common area, 50m from the beach and straight in front of the bus stop ! The new manager is very helpfull and give good advice on what to do in the area. I'll defenitly come back to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Lyttelton, New Zealand
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

We took off to Kaikoura and were wondering where to stay, so tried the Fish Tank Lodge first and were impressed about the service and liked the quirky place with all those amazing paintings! Our room downstairs " with mountain view " ;))) ( bit ironically expressed) was a bit smelling like mushrooms :( , but the mattresses were really... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Poulsbo
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2013

If you are young and love to party till "all hours," this may be the place for you, but if you would appreciate a quiet, clean place to sleep, look elsewhere. The bedroom (we had a double) was ok, but had windows that opened out to the deck, upon which sat two or three people who talked loudly and long... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Nancy K for Kaikoura
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013

Situated on the Esplanade in Kaikoura with views from its balcony to the sea and the mountains this Backpackers Lodge is perfectly situated. On the main street close to all amenities and with a good front desk for bookings. The lounge is spacious and comfortable. Large fully equipped kitchen. Dorm beds are comfy and the dorm rooms are not crowded.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

Had a fab three nights in one of the double rooms, hostel is ran by the nicest guy called Craig who is always happy to help! The location is amazing 20 metres from I sight and pubs shops etc! Can almost see the sea! Incredible!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Manchester, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

Stayed here for one night whilst on an organised tour. Got a room downstairs which had a very musty smell and was not the cleanest. The rooms upstairs did seem somewhat better and the common room / lounge was quite nice. Reception was manned on an ad-hoc basis and was not the most helpful. Quite often reception was just a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
UK
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

The room was small but tidy. The facilities were clean during the day. The main problem was the common area which was supposed to be closed off later at night. Unfortunately it was not. We were awoken at 1am by one noisy group then by another at 4am. As a result we had little sleep. In addition we had advised... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013

Unique decor with marine life painted on the walls and ceiling - hence the name fish tank. Outside balcony, large clean kitchen, friendly helpful proprietor. Laid back, comfortable, friendly feel, not overun with notices and rules. Cheapest hostel in New Zealand - and the best bit - get off the bus with all your heavy backpacking bags and take one... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Waves on the Esplanade Kaikoura
Great value on a similar hotel
Kaikoura, Canterbury Region
5 of 5 stars 213 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Travellers also viewed these Kaikoura hotels
Dolphin Lodge Backpackers 4.5 of 5 stars 36 reviews Albatross Backpacker Inn 4.0 of 5 stars 74 reviews Waves on the Esplanade Kaikoura 5.0 of 5 stars 213 reviews Kaikoura Cottage Motels 5.0 of 5 stars 80 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1308006?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d1150613?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d577119?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d665767?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 19 hotels in Kaikoura, ranked by popularity

Been to Fish Tank Lodge? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Fish Tank Lodge

Address: 86 West End, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand
Region: New Zealand > South Island > Canterbury Region > Kaikoura
Hotel Style:
Ranked #13 of 31 Speciality lodging in Kaikoura
Price range (per night): S$43 - 58
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Located in the heart of Kaikoura with uninterrupted views of the ocean and mountains is the cosy Fish Tank Lodge. Beds are seriously comfortable with crisp clean linen already made up for you and the national buses stop right outside the front door. The kitchen is fully equipped and the lounge warm and cosy with some awesome artwork which is a must see! Feel right at home here with free tea and coffee and a warm kiwi welcome to Kaikoura. ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with HostelWorld so you can book your Fish Tank Lodge reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Fish Tank Lodge, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Fish Tank Lodge
Show the lowest price for this hotel (from our partners)
Show Prices