Backpackers Beware!

Punga Cove - How was it? Horrible! Disastrous! The MOST appalling service I have ever received in my life, which was a terrible pity because Punga Cove Resort has such potential - it is beautiful, idyllic & it really took my breath away but this was all completely ruined by the terrible owners & staff of the resort (apart from the bar lady � who was very helpful)

We had planned our New Years Eve trip for a year and were very let down & disappointed by everything that happened in the 3 days we were there, water ran out completely on the second day - so NO showers, spa pool turned off to save power, and the boat boy who we christened "Lurch" refused to help us sort out our Kayaks which we had paid for, when asked - his reply "Nup".

The facilities of the Backpackers Lodge were ok, although the water pressure was terrible (when we actually had water that is). We were also told that we would be charged $50 for our rubbish to collected - my question is do the other guests of Punga get charged that to? I really thought it was part of the service. But no, the owners are out to make a quick buck and will do this anyway they can.

I would definitely recommend NOT travelling to Punga Cove but instead going to Furneax Lodge just around the bay -you will be treated like Kings even if you are staying in the Backpackers Lodge.

And to the owners of Punga Cove should you read this, we did not appreciate being called "Types" - what sort of "Types" were we supposed to be? - we are all professionals & were no trouble the whole time we were there. We were DISGUSTED at the treatment we received

I am a Kiwi living in China, and I'm fond of how special New Zealand is. I'm sorry to hear that Punga Cove treated you in such a manner. Actually, as a kiwi I'm embarrassed!

Service is just as important, if not more important than the product itself. Upon visiting my home country in 2005, I too was disappointed with the service in many places I visited.

Crikey, people can't even give you a half-decent smile these days. Hope the rest of your stay in NZ wasn't ruined because of Punga Cove.

Dave Jnr.