Welcome to
Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
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Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
197 Revell St, Hokitika, 7810
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAPS DIRECTIONS
Off street parking is available in the driveway.
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CHECK IN
Check-in time: Anytime after 4:00pm
Check-out time: Anytime before 10:00am
For early check-in or late check-out, please reach out closer to your stay and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
ACCESS
You will be emailed your access code the morning prior to your arrival.
MINDFUL CHOICES
In keeping in line with our sustainability goals please note we do not provide milk upon arrival. We understand there is diversity of taste where milk is concerned and with so many options on the market these days we ask you to please pick up your favourite so your cup of tea or coffee will be just the way you like it.
DINING
In New Zealand’s smaller towns, restaurants close earlier with optimum dinner reservations between 6:00 – 8:30pm.
If arriving after 8pm, consider dining beforehand or grabbing supplies from New World supermarket (open until 9pm) to enjoy a home-cooked meal in our fully equipped kitchen.
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WIFI Network: WONDERLAND
Password: wonderland11Please note the ORBI Booster. This boosts the wifi in the lounge and suite two. If you unplug this the connection will become patchy so please make sure it is always plugged in.
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Tiaki means to care for people and place. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.
Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa, welcome to New Zealand.
CARE FOR NEW ZEALAND
#TIAKIPROMISE
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Click HERE to be taken to our live NZTA traffic and Travel updates.
Travelling Well on the West Coast
Respect private land and farm gates.
Stay on marked tracks.
Leave beaches and forests as you found them.
Support local businesses where you can.
Take your rubbish with you.
Drive carefully on West Coast roads.
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Every great day starts with a good fix, and at Host’d, we believe the little details make all the difference - like starting your morning with a plunger coffee from Coffee Supreme.
As a cornerstone of New Zealand’s coffee scene, their ethically sourced beans and community-driven ethos bring people together, fostering connection with every sip. From supporting the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand to partnering with the Wellington City Mission, their mission goes beyond great coffee - it’s about spreading kindness.
We’re proud to share that spirit with you, and if the taste lingers long after your stay, Coffee Supreme ships worldwide, so you can relive the flavors and memories from home.
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Welcome to Your Home Away from Home!
We’ve poured a lot of heart into designing these spaces for you to enjoy and make your own. We kindly ask that you treat the home and its amenities with the same care and kindness you would your own.
Family-Friendly: Our homes are perfect for little ones under 12. Please take care to keep plants and delicate items out of reach if needed.
Guests: Unregistered guests are welcome by invitation - just let us know in advance.
Key Safety: If your property has a lockbox, please return the keys to the lock box whenever vacating the property to keep the keys safe.
Dishes: Before checking out, kindly wash any dishes or load the dishwasher if available.
TV & Personal Accounts: If you log into any streaming apps, please don’t forget to sign out to keep your information secure.
No Smoking: To keep our spaces fresh, please refrain from smoking indoors.
Candle-Free Home: We kindly ask to please avoid using candles for your safety.
Thank you for your cooperation, and from all of us at Host’d - enjoy your stay!
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This is a little guide to help you find your way around the kitchen and appliances.
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Jacuzzi Rules & Guidelines
Welcome! To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with our beachfront jacuzzi, please follow these guidelines:
Usage & Safety:
Always shower before entering.
Children under 14 must be supervised!
If you feel overheated or lightheaded, take a break.
The jacuzzi is for property guests only.
Maintenance & Operation:
There is a lockbox mounted on the wooden post right next to the spa. Inside is the key to unlock the spa, and the code is 1975.
Here are some photos to help you locate the spa lockbox:
Operate the cover using the lever: fold it left to right like a sandwich and swing bar to right to open. When closing pull back to left and ensure all corners and flaps are secured to retain heat… otherwise your spa will drop in temperature.
No bath oils, salts, sunscreens, bubbles, food, beverages, or smoking in the area please.
Timing & Amenities:
Available from 6:00 AM to 11:00pm.
Red & white spa towels are available in a jute basket.
Jacuzzi Settings:
Occasionally the hot tub may switch into EC (Economy) mode after using the lights.
To change the mode:
Press the Power button
Then press the Light button
This will cycle through the three modes:
EC (Economy)
Standard
Sleep
Simply stop when the jacuzzi returns to Standard mode.
Additional Care for Long Stays:
Add 2 tablespoons per person of chlorine/bromine after use.
Check the pH level with provided strips as needed.
IMPORTANT: Always keep the cover on when not in use to maintain the optimum 40°C temperature and prevent debris buildup.
Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy your stay under the amazing New Zealand starry sky at Drifting Sands!
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Rubbish, Trash, Glass & Recycling
Thank you for staying with us!
As our refuge collections run fortnightly, please avoid overfilling bins with travel, car, or event waste.
Inline with our sustainability goals we kindly ask you if you have extra rubbish and glass please drop it of at our local Hau Hau Road Recycling Centre.
For recycling (yellow bin), follow the red sticker guidelines: no food, glass, or polystyrene - only cans, paper, and plastic (without lids).
Glass only in the blue bin please or if you have excess, taken to the recycle centre please.Travelling with little ones? If you’re using nappies, we kindly ask that these are not placed in our bins at the property, as general waste is only collected every two weeks. Instead, please dispose of them in the bins provided at New World supermarket or at the Hau Hau Road Recycling Centre.
Bins are put out on Monday nights on Revell St. If home you will see one of our friendly team pop in to take the bins out.
Thank you for your understanding and support keeping our holiday escapes tidy and sustainable!
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Kia Ora, pet-loving pals!
We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome you and your furry friends at our Host’d beautiful escapes. To make sure everyone has a purr-fectly delightful stay, here are a few pawsome guidelines:
Pet Paws-itivity: Please ensure your pet is well-behaved and friendly. We want all our guests, both two-legged and four-legged, to have a fantastic time!
Furniture Furr-ee: We love your pets, but our furniture prefers to stay fur-free. Please keep all pets off the furniture. Feel free to bring their favorite bed or blanket so they can feel at home.
Clean Paws Patrol: After a romp on the beach or a stroll in the garden, please give those paws a quick wipe. This helps keep our space cozy and clean for everyone.
Leash & Love: While exploring the property and playing on the beach your pet is fine off leash. However, please keep your pets on a leash when venturing through the township so they stay close by your side and don’t wander off.
Potty Protocol: Please pick up after your pet. Let's keep our outdoor spaces fresh and clean!
Quiet Time Tails: Just like our human guests, pets need to observe quiet hours too. Help us maintain a peaceful retreat by keeping noise to a minimum, especially during the evening and early morning hours.
Snuggle Spots: While the furniture is off-limits, feel free to create a cozy nook for your pet. Whether it's a favorite toy or a special blanket, make sure they have their own little corner to snuggle up.
Emergency Wags: If there’s a pet-related emergency, please contact our local vet, West Coast Vets - Hokitika Clinic +64 3 755 8361. They’re just a woof away!
We hope you and your pets have a tail-wagging good time! Thank you for helping us keep our space welcoming for all guests.
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To ensure a comfortable stay, we provide various forms of mood lighting. Lamps and bedside lighting around the house give a lovely ambience.
We recommend leaving a light or two on when you head out for dinner so that when you return you have no trouble finding your way around.
If you are arriving in the dark, the light switch is on your right hand side as you enter the door.
To turn on the garden festoon lights the switch is straight ahead as you walk into the garage from the garden.
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You will find all our washing machines and dryers in the garage with drying racks and laundry detergent.
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So Do We! 🌿
At Host’d, we take great pride in our green spaces, caring for hundreds of plants across our properties. Each one has been lovingly propagated, nurtured, and placed with purpose, creating a fresh, vibrant atmosphere while naturally filtering the air for you to enjoy.
While they may not always look picture-perfect, each leaf tells a story of growth and resilience. To keep them thriving, we kindly ask that you avoid watering or tampering with them - they’re on a special care schedule tailored to their needs.
We also ask that small children be kept away from the plants, as little hands can be curious, and some species may be fragile or sensitive to touch.
By admiring rather than adjusting, you’re helping us maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem within our homes. Thank you for letting our plants do what they do best- bringing life and beauty to your stay! 🌱✨
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CHECK OUT 9:45AM
To ensure a smooth departure please aim for 9:45am, this then gives you an extra 15 minutes should you need it to be out of the property by 10am when our housekeepers arrive.
Our housekeepers are the real heartbeat of our company and they do a brilliant job so please help respect their demanding schedule.
Turn off lights, close windows and doors, and return keys to the lockbox and scramble code (if applicable).
Wash and put away dishes or start the dishwasher with enough time for the cycle to finish for the housekeeper.
NOTE: Please avoid putting frying pans or cookware in the dishwasher - it can damage their non-stick surface and shorten their lifespan. We kindly ask that these items be hand washed only.
Leave used towels in the bathroom (please do not put into the washing machines as our lovely linens are hired).
Log out of any personal accounts on TV apps for security.
Dispose of waste in line with our rubbish and recycling guidelines. If you have excess waste please use the Hau Hau Road recycling center.
Check for belongings so nothing special gets left behind.
If you have perishable items that are worth sharing please leave them in the fridge or on the bench.
If you've moved furniture, kindly return it to its original spot.
For properties with condensing dryers, please empty the front water reservoir and lint filter.
We know accidents happen - if there are any accidental damages please let us know so we can address the issue before our future guests arrival.
If you have early travel plans and are vacating the property earlier than check out it’s lovely to let us know so we may pass onto the team. This may allow them to start a wee bit earlier and means we may offer an earlier check in when requested.
Please take a minute to leave us a review - we'd love to hear about the favourite memory of your stay.
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Click HERE to explore our handpicked favourites!
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111 is the emergency number in New Zealand for Police, Fire and Ambulance.
+64 3 755 8180 - Westland Medical Centre
+64 3 755 8150 - Westland Pharmacy
+64 210 266 5154 - Property Manager: Claire O'Connell. Please text message only
Please note there is a first aid kit located in one of the kitchen drawers: HERE
FAQs
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HEATPUMP - We have a large Toshiba floor-mounted heatpump to keep Drifting Sands nice and toasty during your stay.
OIL HEATERS - Each suite is also equipped with its own Goldair oil heater.
ELECTRIC BLANKETS - The electric blankets have an easy off/on switch where you can manage the settings to suit your preference. From December through to the end of March, we remove the electric blankets as the warmer weather provides better sleeping conditions for a more restful night.
BLANKETS - There blankets in each wardrobe to ensure a cosy and warm stay.
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We’re happy to offer barbecue hire for guests staying at our properties that don’t already have one available.
If you’d like to enjoy a relaxed cook-up during your stay, you can view our available options and book directly here:
https://www.hostd.nz/bbq-rental
Our barbecue packages are designed to be simple and ready to use, so you can arrive, unwind, and enjoy the experience without any hassle.
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Tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink, including here on the West Coast where it often comes from natural sources.
You can safely enjoy fresh, clean water straight from the tap.💧💧
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We’re so looking forward to welcoming you and love that you’re planning to spend time with local family and friends during your stay - it’s moments like these that make your trip truly special. 💛
We absolutely welcome and encourage you to have visitors join you to make your stay even more memorable!
Whether it’s a friend stopping by for dinner or a family member popping in to say hello, we’d love to help make your time with us as special as possible.
Just a kind reminder that only those listed on the reservation (whether booked through Airbnb, Booking.com, direct booking, etc.) are covered by the booking platform’s insurance policies (e.g., AirCover). This means the reservation holder kindly takes responsibility for the home and any happenings during their visit.
We trust in your care and thoughtfulness for the property and we’re truly grateful for your care and understanding hosting extended guests. 😊
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Everyone loves a good cup of tea! 😊 Please note that all our kettles are electric - so please DO NOT place them on the stovetop. Believe us - it has happened!
For safety reasons, and in keeping with our guidelines, we do not provide any hob-top appliances, such as:
Moka pots
Stovetop kettles
Percolators
If you are bringing your own and plan to use it, we strongly advise keeping a close eye while in use to ensure safety.
Happy brewing! 💛
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We know how easy it is to leave something behind in the excitement of travel and we’re happy to help reunite you with your belongings.
If you think you’ve left something, send us a message through the booking platform - sharing a photo (if possible) helps our team. If we can locate it, we’ll let you know!
To have your item returned simply send us a self-addressed prepaid envelope to:
Host’d HQ
Drifting Sands
197 Revell Street
Hokitika 7810
West Coast, New ZealandA Little Helping Hand 💛
We request for a $15 service fee to cover the time and care our team takes to retrieve, store and package your item plus a special trip to the post office to send it on its way.
We love looking after our guests and will always do our best to help! 😊
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At Host’d, we want you to feel completely at home - starting with the little things that make a big difference. Your reservation includes fresh linens and plush towels, so you can settle in without a worry.
From the moment you arrive, everything is thoughtfully prepared so you can simply unwind and enjoy your stay. We’ve taken care of the details, so all that’s left for you to do is relax and make yourself at home.
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Welcome to our little slice of paradise on the West Coast! While sandflies and mosquitoes are notorious across the South Island, Hokitika’s beachfront is a rare exception - almost entirely free from them! 🌿✨
Venture inland to lakes or bush areas, and you may encounter a few, but here, you can soak up stunning sunsets without the nuisance. In 11 years of living here, I’ve barely seen one on the beach!
Enjoy the serenity - bug-free and beautiful! 🏖☀️
If you're heading to Hokitika Gorge, Lake Kaniere, Karamea, or South Westland, grab some Okarito Sandfly Repellent (available at most supermarkets or online on the link below) for extra comfort on your adventures.
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At Host’d, sustainability is woven into everything we do. From our ‘forever bottles’ - inspired by Thankyou - to our locally sourced, pH-balanced soaps and body washes, we strive to reduce waste while providing thoughtful comforts.
Our own forever bottles serve as a 2-in-1 hair & body wash and handwash, infused with refreshing cucumber and basil, pear and coconut.
Designed for endless refills, they benefit both you and our housekeeping team.
Our cleaning products are sourced from a local West Coast company, reducing transport impact and supporting our community.
We kindly ask you to leave the forever bottles behind so they can continue their journey towards a waste-free, more sustainable future.
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If you’re travelling with an electric car, you're very welcome to charge it here at the property during your stay. Please bring your own charging cable - a longer one can be helpful, as plug access is usually inside the house.
There’s also a public charging station nearby at New World Hokitika in case that’s more convenient.
Whichever option works best, we hope it helps keep your travels smooth and easy.
Drifting Sands
HOST’DWhere the sea
meets the sky.
Your considered guide to settling in, slowing down and making the most of life on the beachfront.
Your place
by the sea.
Welcome to Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat. We hope you settle in, breathe in the salt air and feel completely at home.
Mindful choices
In line with our sustainability goals, we don’t provide milk on arrival. With so many preferences available, please pick up your favourite so your tea or coffee is just the way you like it.
Dining
Restaurants in smaller New Zealand towns often close earlier, with ideal dinner reservations between 6:00 and 8:30pm. If you’re arriving after 8pm, consider dining beforehand or collecting supplies from New World, open until 9pm.
Your morning fix
We’ve left Coffee Supreme plunger coffee, roasted instant coffee and IL Caffè Vertuo capsules so your first morning begins well.
02 · ACCESS & ARRIVALFinding your way.
Hokitika 7810
Parking
Off-street parking is available in the driveway.
Your access
Your access code will be emailed the morning before your arrival. Please return the key to the lockbox whenever you leave and scramble the code.
Early check-in or late checkout may be possible. Please message us closer to your stay and we’ll always do our best.
03 · THE HOUSEMake yourself
at home.
Heating & cosy extras +
A large Toshiba floor-mounted heat pump keeps Drifting Sands warm. Each suite also has its own Goldair oil heater.
Electric blankets have simple on/off controls and adjustable settings. They are removed from December through March when the weather is warmer. Additional blankets are available in each wardrobe.
Outdoor lighting +
Lamps and bedside lighting create a lovely ambience. The switch for the garden festoon lights is straight ahead as you walk into the garage from the garden.
Laundry facilities +
The guest laundry is in the garage, through the door to the right of the Sunset Studio. You’ll find one washing machine, two dryers, drying racks and concentrated laundry liquid.
The large black machines are commercial machines reserved for our hotel linens.
Love our houseplants? +
Please admire rather than water or adjust our plants. They’re lovingly cared for on a special schedule. We also ask that small children are kept away from fragile or sensitive leaves.
Kitchen & appliances
Tap an appliance for clear instructions. The photographs help you recognise exactly what you’re looking for.
BEKO · KITCHENStove & ovenView instructions
Switch on the wall controls beside the stovetop. Press power, choose a cooking zone and adjust with + or −. For the larger ring, select the zone then press the dual-circle symbol.
The oven only heats when the middle timer knob is turned on. Wait for the cooktop to cool before cleaning with a soft cloth.
NESPRESSO VERTUOCoffee machineView instructions
The Nespresso Vertuo and Aeroccino are ready for your morning coffee. Vertuo capsules differ from original Nespresso pods.
Always secure the Aeroccino lid before starting to prevent spills.
ASKO · AFTER DINNERDishwasherView instructions
- Press power on the top edge of the door.
- Use the left dial to choose a programme.
- Press and hold START for five seconds.
- Close the door securely so the cycle can begin.
LG · QUICK MEALSMicrowaveView instructions
The main controls and cooking modes are just inside the door. For quick heating, use the +30 seconds button on the front panel.
SUNBEAM · BREAKFASTToasterFind it
The toaster is in the bottom-left drawer beside the oven.
EACH SUITEHairdryersFind them
A hairdryer is hanging behind the door in each suite, inside a flax-woven bag.
GARAGE · GUEST LAUNDRYWasher & dryersView instructions
The white washer and two white dryers are for guest use. Concentrated laundry liquid and drying racks are provided. Please leave the larger black commercial machines for our housekeeping team.
PANTRY · EXTRA EQUIPMENTKitchen extrasSee what’s here
The pantry includes a Bodum kettle, Panasonic bread maker, Kenwood food processor, Nutribullet, Breville Juice Fountain, Kenwood cake mixer and Beko fridge/freezer.
Firelighters for the outdoor firepit are in a Tupperware container with a red lid on the top pantry shelf.
Soak up
the sunset.
A few thoughtful steps keep the beachfront jacuzzi safe, warm and ready for everyone.
Unlocking the spa
The spa key is in a lockbox mounted on the wooden post beside the spa. The code is 1975.
Opening and closing the cover
Fold the cover from left to right like a sandwich, then swing the bar to the right. To close, pull it back to the left and secure every corner and flap so the spa retains its heat.
- 01Keep the water clear
No bath oils, salts, sunscreen, bubbles, food, beverages or smoking around the spa.
- 02Spa towels
Red and white spa towels are provided in a jute basket.
- 03Listen to your body
Take a break if you feel overheated or lightheaded.
Returning to Standard mode
If the display shows EC after using the lights, press the Power button and then the Light button. This cycles through EC, Standard and Sleep. Stop when Standard appears.
For longer stays
Add two tablespoons per person of chlorine or bromine after use, and check the pH with the provided strips when needed.
05 · HOUSE RULESA few kind notes.
We’ve poured a great deal of heart into Drifting Sands. Please enjoy it fully and treat the home with the same care you would your own.
- 01Family-friendly
Keep plants and delicate items out of reach of little ones.
- 02Visitors
Unregistered guests are welcome by invitation. Please let us know in advance.
- 03Key safety
Return keys to the lockbox whenever you leave.
- 04Dishes
Wash dishes or load the dishwasher before checkout.
- 05TV accounts
Sign out of personal streaming accounts before leaving.
- 06Smoke and candle free
No smoking indoors, and please don’t use candles.
Rubbish, glass & recycling
Collections run fortnightly, so please avoid overfilling bins with travel, car or event waste. Extra rubbish and glass can be taken to the Hau Hau Road Recycling Centre.
The yellow bin accepts cans, paper and plastic without lids. No food, glass or polystyrene. Glass belongs in the blue bin.
Bins go out on Monday nights on Revell Street. If you’re home, you may see one of our team pop in to take them to the curb.
06 · PET-FRIENDLY STAYSSandy paws
are welcome.
We’re delighted to welcome well-behaved, friendly pets to Drifting Sands.
- 01Furniture stays fur-free
Please bring your pet’s own bed or blanket and keep pets off the furniture.
- 02Clean paws
After the beach or garden, give paws a quick wipe before coming inside.
- 03Leads in town
Pets may enjoy the beach and property off lead, but please use a lead through the township.
- 04Pick up after them
Help us keep the outdoor spaces fresh and clean.
- 05Quiet time
Keep noise to a minimum, especially during evenings and early mornings.
Care for this
beautiful place.
Tiaki means to care for people and place, now and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.
Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa, welcome to New Zealand.
Travel well.
- Respect private land and farm gates.
- Stay on marked tracks.
- Leave beaches and forests as you found them.
- Support local businesses where you can.
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Drive carefully and allow extra time on West Coast roads.
Follow the coast.
Discover the places we love and the local experiences we’re always happy to recommend.
Good questions.
What heating is available? +
There is a large Toshiba floor-mounted heat pump, Goldair oil heaters in each suite, electric blankets outside the warmer December-to-March season, and spare blankets in each wardrobe.
Can we hire a barbecue? +
Yes. Barbecue packages can be arranged in advance and are designed to arrive ready for an easy cook-up. View barbecue hire.
Is the tap water safe to drink? +
Yes. You can safely enjoy fresh, clean water directly from the tap.
Can friends or family visit? +
Visitors are welcome by invitation. Please let us know in advance. The reservation holder remains responsible for the home and visitors.
Enjoy a good cuppa tea? +
All kettles are electric, so never place them on the stovetop. We don’t provide hob-top appliances such as moka pots, stovetop kettles or percolators.
Lost something? +
Message us through your booking platform, ideally with a photo. A service fee applies for retrieving, storing, packaging and posting found items.
What linens are provided? +
Your reservation includes fresh linens and plush towels, thoughtfully prepared so you can simply unwind.
Is the beachfront buggy? +
Hokitika’s beachfront is remarkably free from sandflies and mosquitoes. If heading inland to lakes, bush areas or South Westland, consider taking repellent.
How do the sustainable products work? +
Our locally sourced, pH-balanced products are provided in refillable forever bottles. Please leave the bottles at the property so they can continue their low-waste journey.
Travelling with an electric vehicle? +
You’re welcome to charge at the property. Bring your own cable; a public charging station is also available at New World Hokitika.
Until next time.
Our housekeepers are the heartbeat of Host’d. Leaving by 10am gives them time to prepare the house beautifully.
- Turn off lights and heating; close windows and doors.
- Return keys to the lockbox and scramble the code.
- Secure the spa cover and return its key to the spa lockbox.
- Wash and put away dishes or finish the dishwasher cycle.
- Handwash frying pans and non-stick cookware.
- Leave used towels in the bathroom, not in the washing machine.
- Log out of personal television accounts.
- Dispose of waste following the recycling guide.
- Empty dryer water reservoirs and lint filters if used.
- Check for belongings and return moved furniture.
- Message us about any accidental damage.
Thank you for staying with us.Warmly,
Claire, Sandy & the Host’d team
Here when
you need us.
A first-aid kit is located in a kitchen drawer.
For anything relating to your stay, message Host’d through your booking platform so our team can respond and keep everything together.