Castaways Resort

685 Karioitahi Rd, 2683 Waiuku, New Zealand

Guest reviews: 8.5

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Castaways Resort on Karioitahi Road, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The drive out to Waiuku feels like you’re heading to the edge of the world, especially if you’re coming from Auckland (about an hour south, depending on traffic). But that remoteness? That’s actually the whole point.

The resort sits right on Karioitahi Beach, and I mean *right* on it – you can literally walk from your room to black sand in about thirty seconds. The beach itself is this wild, windswept stretch that feels completely different from the golden sand spots most tourists hit. It’s dramatic, you know? The kind of place where you’ll see locals surfing even when it looks way too rough for comfort. The staff mentioned that the fishing’s incredible here too, though honestly, I was more interested in just watching the waves crash while nursing a coffee on the deck. Speaking of which – the on-site restaurant actually knows what they’re doing. I had low expectations (resort food, right?), but they’re clearly working with local suppliers because everything tastes fresh rather than frozen-and-reheated.

What really got me was how quiet it gets at night. I mean, properly quiet – no traffic, no city hum, just wind and waves. The rooms are solid too, though the decor’s a bit… well, let’s call it “coastal themed” in that deliberate way that screams interior designer rather than beachhouse charm. But the beds are comfortable, the heating works (crucial in winter), and most importantly, the sound insulation is good enough that you hear the ocean instead of your neighbors. Parking’s easy – plenty of space, which you definitely appreciate after dealing with Auckland’s parking situation. Check-in was smooth, though I’d recommend calling ahead if you’re arriving late since this isn’t exactly a 24/7 operation. The whole place feels more like a well-run boutique spot than a big chain resort, which explains that 8.5 rating. You can tell they’re paying attention to details without being fussy about it. If you’re looking to properly disconnect – and I mean actually disconnect, not just post photos of yourself “disconnecting” – this works. Just don’t expect nightlife beyond the hotel bar, because Waiuku rolls up the sidewalks pretty early. But honestly? After a day of beach walks and that coastal air, you’ll probably be ready for bed early anyway.

HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS

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Reviews

Staff: 8.9

Comfort: 9.0

Location: 9.4

Free WiFi: 8.8

Facilities: 8.5

Cleanliness: 8.9

Value for money: 8.2

Jane from New Zealand (18 June 2025)

9/10

Quiet and relaxing. Good for recharging your batteries.

What could be improved: Villa cold when we arrived. Would have been nice if heating had been turned on. But did not take long to warm up.

Tauri from New Zealand (3 June 2025)

9/10

love castaways

What could be improved: n/a

Julie from New Zealand (2 June 2025)

9/10

Wow! What a truly stunning location. The views from our chalet were breathtaking. The chalet itself felt large and we had everything we needed. Everything was lovely and clean. The option to have the beds split into 2 singles in each room, was very appreciated. The reception staff were incredibly polite and friendly. We really loved our...

Julie from New Zealand (2 June 2025)

9/10

Wow! What a truly stunning location. The views from our chalet were breathtaking. The chalet itself felt large and we had everything we needed. Everything was lovely and clean. The option to have the beds split into 2 singles in each room, was very appreciated.

The reception staff were incredibly polite and friendly.

We really loved our stay.

What could be improved: It wasn't immediately clear that the drinks in the full size fridge were 'mini-bar'. I found a menu on the sideboard.....but it would have been a lot clearer if the sign was on the fridge itself. Luckily I stopped my kids before they opened anything haha.

Russell from New Zealand (31 May 2025)

9/10

The Villas are lovely, the staff really friendly and helpful. The view is fabulous. Restaurant food was lovely too. What could be improved: Loved the golf carts, however if you are using the facilities at Castaways like the restaurant or Spa we were told by reception that we are to go back to the carpark to drive to the facilities...we wanted to...

Russell from New Zealand (31 May 2025)

9/10

The Villas are lovely, the staff really friendly and helpful. The view is fabulous. Restaurant food was lovely too.

What could be improved: Loved the golf carts, however if you are using the facilities at Castaways like the restaurant or Spa we were told by reception that we are to go back to the carpark to drive to the facilities...we wanted to have a drink before dinner at our villa enjoying the view and then a few with dinner. Drinking and driving no matter where is not to be encouraged and would be nice to be delivered safely bank to our accommodation.

Maxime from France (25 May 2025)

9/10

The view is absolutely stunning. We could have spent the whole stay sitting there and watching the ocean.
The room itself is very comfortable and has all you need.
The personnel was caring and very nice.

Absolutely recommend this resort for a calm, relaxing and breathtaking stay.

Andrew from Australia (12 May 2025)

9/10

Location was remote with open acreage surrounds and sweeping oceans views. Bed was comfy and room clean. No noise, easy access to restaurant (get there early to enjoy the view if having dinner).

What could be improved: Nothing

Moli from New Zealand (6 May 2025)

9/10

I liked everything, best accommodation in the north island

What could be improved: Nothing I didn't like

Soumitra from New Zealand (30 April 2025)

9/10

The location and the villa

What could be improved: Restaurant is bit small and crowded

Viela from New Zealand (26 April 2025)

9/10

Stunning views of the ocean.

Margaret from New Zealand (25 April 2025)

9/10

5 star restaurant! Comfy beds.Well designed unit.

SURROUNDINGS

What's nearby:

  • Dellrian Gardens: 6 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/bar Cafe Alba: 7 km
  • Restaurant Agave at Castaways: 250 m
  • Restaurant The Curry Master Waiuku: 8 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Lake Whatihua: 1.6 km
  • Waterfall Waitangi Falls: 13 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Karioitahi Beach: 600 m

Closest airports:

  • Ardmore Airport: 47 km
  • Auckland Airport: 60 km

ROOMS

  • Estimated price from: $208. Studio with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
  • Estimated price from: $234. King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
  • Estimated price from: $252. Two-Bedroom Chalet with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
  • Estimated price from: $282. One-Bedroom Villa with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
  • Estimated price from: $300. Deluxe 2 Bedroom Chalet with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
  • Estimated price from: $376. Two-Bedroom Villa with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
  • Estimated price from: $466. Three-Bedroom Villa with 3 × 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 6
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FACILITIES

View:

  • Landmark view
  • Sea view
  • View

General:

  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Private entrance
  • Family rooms
  • Ironing facilities
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron

Kitchen:

  • Electric kettle

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Beachfront
  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Services:

  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • Fax/photocopying Additional charge
  • Packed lunches
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • Babysitting/child services Additional charge
  • Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge

Wellness:

  • Full body massage
  • Head massage
  • Neck massage
  • Back massage
  • Spa/wellness packages
  • Spa lounge/relaxation area
  • Spa facilities
  • Light therapy
  • Body wrap
  • Body scrub
  • Body treatments
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Hair treatments
  • Make up services
  • Waxing services
  • Facial treatments
  • Beauty Services
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Open-air bath Additional charge
  • Massage Additional charge
  • Spa and wellness centre Additional charge

Activities:

  • Archery Additional charge
  • Beach
  • Hiking

Food & Drink:

  • Wine/champagne Additional charge
  • Kid meals Additional charge
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Languages spoken:

  • English

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key access
  • 24-hour security

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Satellite channels
  • Telephone
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided

Most popular facilities:

  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Free parking
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Free WiFi
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Bar
  • Very good breakfast

Entertainment and family services:

  • Kids' outdoor play equipment

Other for your stay:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
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HOUSE RULES

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00 to 18:00
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out:

  • From 08:00 to 11:00

Age restriction:

  • The minimum age for check-in is 18

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

HOTEL ADDRESS

685 Karioitahi Rd, 2683 Waiuku, New Zealand

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