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Castaways Resort

685 Karioitahi Road Karioitahi Beach, Waiuku, Auckland 2341 New Zealand
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Traveller (320)
Room & Suite (127)
Dining (33)

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About

#1 of 2 small hotels in Waiuku
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Situated on the wild coastal cliff tops of Karioitahi Beach on the west coast of Auckland, New Zealand, Castaways Resort is perfect for an effortless escape, a one-of-a-kind wedding location, or a distraction-free conference venue. Dine at Castaways Restaurant & Bar and enjoy a blissful experience at Bersantai Day Spa. All of this is within an hour’s drive from the Auckland CBD or airport - so close to Auckland, yet a true escape from the ordinary.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Beach
Hiking
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Spa
Parking
Internet
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Meeting rooms
Facial treatments
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Neck massage
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Seating area
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Telephone
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Languages Spoken
English
378Reviews3Q+A82Room tips

Reviews
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Courtney C wrote a review Jan 2024
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
Lovely stay in the Villas. Maddie was incredible, made our stay a fun one! The views were incredible and the beach was lovely. Food was pretty good in the restaurant. Staying in the Villas did feel like a mission to get to but the buggy’s were nice
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Holley Thoresen, Marketing at Castaways Resort
Responded 30 Jan 2024
Dear Courtney, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are glad to hear that you had a lovely stay in our Villas and that Maddie made your stay enjoyable. We appreciate your kind words about the incredible views and lovely beach. We have noted your feedback about the accessibility of the Villas and we will take it into account. We hope to welcome you back to Castaways Resort in the future. Kind regards, Deepak Gheek Front Office Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Danielle M wrote a review Jan 2024
1 contribution
My experience with Castaways Resort has been so appalling, I feel it’s only appropriate to share with others who are considering staying here in the future. I initially booked my stay for 6 nights at the end of December. As our trip got closer, my husband and I decided we wanted to adjust our stay to 3 nights. We were able to cancel with a full refund up until 72 hours prior to our stay. I was initially going to cancel and rebook, but noticed they were booked and I could risk giving up our room completely. I instead decided to reach out to the resort directly and was told my stay had been changed to 3 nights instead of 6 and they could work out a refund upon my arrival. This response was one of many lies I would be told as I navigated this issue. I have attempted to resolve this issue up the chain of management and have been told I did not follow their cancellation policy that requires 24 hours notice. I provided the email chain where I reached out 11 days before my arrival when the reservation was changed. This was ignored. To date, Castaways Resort owes me $750 US. I have left messages and emailed the General Manager and have yet to receive a response. There has been no effort in trying to come up with a resolution. This is particularly frustrating knowing I could have canceled if not told they would work with me in the first place. In addition to this experience, the accommodations were adequate at best. The views are spectacular, but the units themselves are much older than pictured. The resort is overpriced for the provided accommodations and level of customer service you will receive upon arrival.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Penny and Tony Hibberd wrote a review Jan 2024
22 contributions4 helpful votes
We had a very disappointing stay at this resort last week. We booked a 2-night stay in one of the villas for my husband's birthday. Our expectations of a stay in a 5-star resort were high having stayed in other 5-star resorts and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The stay didn't even start well. Tatty signage to the resort from the road meant we drove passed it. It looked like a real estate sale of sections. We were greeted at reception by tired staff who appeared not to know when our villa would be ready for us. We arrived at 13.30 ready for a 14.00 spa treatment. We said we were happy to get a coffee and then go to the spa before seeing the villa and were reassured that everything would be ready by 15.30. the spa was also tired and not clean. The relax room looked over a water tank! no exceptional view there. The massage table was hiding an inch of dust and dirt which when you are face down is not pleasant. No enquiries about level of massage, oil or scent before the start. No robes or little luxuries at all. The piped music was on a short loop which nearly sent me running for the hills after an hour. Not a 5-star experience at all. We then drove as instructed by reception to the car park. The transport system round the resort is ridiculous. A golf buggy has to be booked to get to your villa 20-30 mins in advance for trips both ways. The car park is at the top of the hill with no seating or shelter whilst you wait. Very annoying start! We eventually got picked up to find we didn't have the key I assumed as we had booked in it would be in the door of the villa or inside. No we apparently should have collected it form reception. The golf buggy lady went and got it for us. The villas are lovely. The one we stayed in was fairly new. Equipped well with a full kitchen, ensuite shower rooms and a large deck. The deck however overlooked the villa in front and yet another water tank not the amazing view we were expecting. We were in villa 100. We started to settle in and found the ensuite bathroom floor had stale urine round the toilet - not pleasant this was reported and we were offered the services of the golf buggy driver! we decided to wait until the morning and have housekeeping attend. That never happened. Our restaurant experience of a supposedly tranquil meal to celebrate a birthday overlooking the ocean was quickly destroyed. An event on the other half of the deck was pumping disco music from 6pm until we left at about 8pm. The food was far from 5-star and the waiting staff in need of team training. A very overpriced meal and we wouldn't return. Breakfast was terrible. Dirty uncleared tables, no plates, cutlery and not very appetizing food. The restaurant needs a deep clean that includes the floor, windows and toilets. Sadly, things didn't get better. The pillows on the bed were cheap fibre filled that had seen the end of their live. There was no choice of or spare pillows. Our second day we returned from the beach to relax on the deck and read. Just as we did that the weed eater and lawn mower started up around our villa for 2 hours!!!!! We ended up with all the doors and windows closed with the a/c on. This is no way a 5-star resort and I can see from a lot of other reviews on this site that others agree with no comment from Marsden or Castaway. I have already reviewed privately with the resort but have had no response. Hence one to warn other as I don't think things will change in the near future.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Check that improvements have been made before booking
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Arugam64 wrote a review Jan 2024
Toronto, Canada27 contributions7 helpful votes
We recently enjoyed a delightful 2-night stay at Castaways Resort and wanted to share our experience, especially considering the varying reviews on this property. Our stay was in a 2-bedroom Villa, and we believe it's essential to shed light on some nuances that may influence your decision. The Villas, situated at the highest point on the hill, provided breathtaking views of the surroundings. Our accommodations were spacious, modern, very clean, and equipped with all the amenities one could desire, including a dishwasher, full-size fridge, stove top, oven, microwave, washing machine, and even TVs in each bedroom. The resort's overall aesthetic, coupled with the tranquil atmosphere, contributed to a truly relaxing experience. However, it's worth noting that the Villas are not accessible by car. Guests are required to park at an upper parking lot and rely on the resort's golf cart service to transport them and their luggage to go to their car or the restaurant. They recommend to call 15 minutes ahead of when you need the ride. While this might inconvenience some, we found it manageable as we mostly explored the resort on foot. We were a 5 minutes walk away from the parking lot, 3 from the spa and less than 10 from the restaurant. The villas are quite spread out so you could be a bit further or closer. The walking paths are scenic, though the hill is steep, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The villas that are the very top are further from the restaurant but also closer to the parking lot so you can also drive down to the restaurant if you wish. The restaurant offered excellent dining options, and the spa provided a lovely escape. Both were reasonably priced for the quality, adding value to our overall experience. In terms of service, while the staff was helpful and friendly, Castaways may not match the organization and staffing levels of higher-end luxury resorts.. It's also important to note that the resort lacks certain amenities found in more upscale establishments, such as multiple restaurants, a beach club, or a pool. However, considering the price point, Castaways offers a fantastic value for the quality of the Villas. Stand-alone villas like this being typically about 3 times more expensive when staying at full amenities luxury resort from our experience. We didn't explore the chalets and studios, but based on our observations and other reviews, they appear to be older and more dated. However, their proximity to reception and the restaurant and ability to park your car in front might appeal to those seeking convenience over modernity. The resort's location is away from the typical international tourist spots. It was a perfect place for us to unwind, after a very active trip across the South and North Islands. While there seemed to be a few other international travelers, there were also many New Zealanders escaping the city for a peaceful retreat. Lastly, it seems that some accommodations at the resort are privately owned but managed by Castaways when not in use. This might explain the setup and the limited staff, but it didn't impact our stay negatively. In conclusion, Castaways Resort offers a wonderful escape with stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and a tranquil atmosphere. It might lack some frills of higher-end resorts, but for the price, it's a true bargain.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Holley Thoresen, Marketing at Castaways Resort
Responded 14 Jan 2024
Thank you for your great review of Castaways! We really appreciate getting feedback like this and I'll be sure to share it with the team. We are are really glad that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again very soon. Kind regards Kamal Daoudi| Resort Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Daydream10622505827 wrote a review Jan 2024
Auckland Central, New Zealand2 contributions1 helpful vote
We made a booking back in April last year for a friend's wedding at Castaway in early January. I received an email from the hotel confirming the booking. On Christmas Eve they sent me an email telling me they had cancelled our booking because they couldn't get hold of us. I couldn't find any emails from them whatsoever nor find any attempts to call me on the day they cancelled the booking. This was hugely disappointing and pretty distressing for my wife as it was a close friend of hers getting married. The worst thing was they tried to make it sound like it was our fault for not calling them back when it would seem the problem was they double booked the room. They should have just owned it and apologised as opposed to trying to shift the blame on us. Very poor form.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Caroline M wrote a review Dec 2023
Auckland Central, New Zealand1 contribution1 helpful vote
You will be ripped off if you stay in a villa here. They do not have the resources, processes or systems in place to support a 5 star experience. You can’t drive to the Villas. You and your luggage need to be collected from a communal carpark by golf cart on arrival.  Outrageously poor service follows.  - Appallingly, our elderly mother was left waiting in the Villa carpark for over an hour in the heat of the day to be shuttled to the Villa on arrival - Other members of the party waited over 2 hours to be shuttled, left to their own devices and wondering what the hell was going on. Calls to reception went answered. - Next day, again we were left stranded at the villa and not picked up by cart as booked. We finally managed to flag down a cart to take us to breakfast. - The villa itself was nice enough, but so new amenities weren’t provided as advertised and there was no guest manual or instructions. The Villa wasn’t yet connected to the restaurant. (A very ordinary dining experience, at best). - We provided feedback during our stay, requested a follow up call from the manager on departure and have also completed a survey. We havent received any communication from management at all. Poor. I do not typically write reviews but genuinely wanted to share our experience so others won't feel ripped off, especially when Kiwis are facing a cost of living crisis. What should have been a special big birthday celebration with family was spoiled by very poor service and a lack of care. Yet, of course they've been very quick to charge the credit card.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Keith R wrote a review Dec 2023
Auckland Central, New Zealand174 contributions101 helpful votes
This is a hard review to write as there is good and not so good. The check in was coldly efficient......the man behind the desk needs a charm course , even a hello , how are you, hope you have a nice stay would be good. The villa we booked was great....new and well equipped, magnificent views...only downside is that it was a long way from the car park so you need to book a golf buggy to get to it. The restaurant describes itself as dining in paradise....its a bit tired though. Food was both good and terrible.....rib eye steak was worst for the year....doublt it was rib eye anyway. Other options were good. Needs to put a dress code in place urgently.......say smart casual. One guest was in a singlet and gumboots...not a good look for a resort that should be better than that!
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: dont expect world class resort service and you probably will be ok
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Roam07882458119 wrote a review Nov 2023
1 contribution
My partner and i stayed for a night in a chalet. Honestly was the perfect getaway for us!! We absolutely adored the view, restaurant and room itself! The lady’s in Reception were lovely and the customer service in the restaurant was amazing the staff were so polite and tried really hard accommodating for my wife who has allergies! I personally would recommend the Lumina Lamb Rack with the Red wine Jus! We Will definitely be visiting again :)
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Harry J wrote a review Sept 2023
1 contribution2 helpful votes
Unfortunately, the dingy coastal tent was a bit of a disappointment. If this is your first experience of “glamping” or haven’t stayed anywhere comparable, then maybe this place would impress? Unfortunately, it reminded me of a budget hotel room inside a dark, semi-permanent tent structure with a poorly designed en suite and smelly eco toilet. Not really the promised 5-Star glamping haven. The alleged “delicious gourmet dinner” was average. The first night, the potatoes weren’t properly cooked and had to be thrown away, and the burger buns appeared to have been defrosted for the occasion (they just fell apart). Desserts were bland, premade supermarket quality. Fine, but not gourmet. The soup starter on the second evening was quite good but overall, the food was disappointing. For the price we paid – around a $1000 for 2 nights – I expected to experience something a lot better. Other similar accommodation in New Zealand offers far better experience for a fraction of the cost. If you're considering the Castaways resort or their Glam Camping for a special occasion, be prepared for disappointment, especially if you've stretched your budget. The receptionist who checked us in was friendly, but the housekeeper and other staff we ran into around the resort weren’t particularly warm and in all honesty the overall vibe was a bit bleak. Castaways Glam Camping isn’t awful. I've read some online reviews indicating people have actually packed up and left; it wasn't that bad. The views and setting reflect what are shown in the photos and if you get good weather a stay will be lovely. Unfortunately, at this price point the food, facilities and professionalism is disappointing.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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Mabelle wrote a review Aug 2023
Auckland, New Zealand127 contributions33 helpful votes
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Excellent resort. Stunning view from our little cabin. Watched the sunset. Great little cabin close to the beach. A bit of noise from a dirt bike on the beach, but to be expected as there was a lot of cars and bikes there on a Sunday afternoon. Our cabin was warm, clean, eco friendly. Surprisingly quiet considering there were people in the units attached. TV’s have the volume turned down so you can’t disturb others. Great little kitchenette which we didn’t even use as the restaurant serves good food. Free breakfast was excellent. A great buffet including bacon, eggs, hashbrowns… yummy. We will definitely be back and stay longer next time.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Bring your own pillow. Free breakfast is excellent.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
$248 - $384 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandAucklandWaiuku
NUMBER OF ROOMS
33
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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CASTAWAYS RESORT - Now $237 (Was $̶3̶9̶9̶) - UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison (Waiuku, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Castaways Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Castaways Resort?
Nearby attractions include Kariotahi Beach (4.8 km), Kariotahi Beach (0.2 km), and War Adventures (4.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Castaways Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Castaways Resort?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Castaways Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Castaways Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Castaways Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Nicks Cafe, The Shires, and Cafe Karma.
Does Castaways Resort offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Does Castaways Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Castaways Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.