Castaways Resort

Everyone from age 2 to 70 was well looked after, and the location, views, food and staff were all great. We celebrated eight milestone birthdays in our family at Castaways, with local and overseas guests and all sorts of accommodation, dietary, and check-in and check-out needs to coordinate. The events team handled all our requests really well, from our first enquiry right through to the event itself. They coordinated everything beautifully, and we’re very grateful. Celebrating here was incredible. Thank you, team!

The team at Castaways were so kind and welcoming, and the food was delicious. The rooms were tidy, and the view was unbeatable. We had a wonderful time when they hosted us for Miss Universe New Zealand 2026. Such a beautiful resort and a perfect coastal getaway!

The food was good, with a decent selection, but the rest of the experience was frustrating. At the restaurant, most of the staff seemed like junior employees with little enthusiasm or passion. Hans seemed nice, but didn’t appear to care. They ran out of their usual prosecco and had no champagne or alternatives. Hans also dropped my friend’s jumper on the floor and walked on it for a while. Please hire people who enjoy hospitality and know how to look after guests. Getting around was a mess. We had to park in a central area and ask reception to send someone in a golf cart to take us to the villa. They wouldn’t take us to the restaurant either, so good luck with that walk. Sometimes we asked for a cart and nobody came. The road should be paved so guests can drive to their accommodation. Our villa itself was nice, but it was over 40 degrees inside because they hadn’t left the air conditioning on. We had to carry our own luggage. Talking with staff was unpleasant too, with no smiles or warmth. When we arrived, reception was unattended and we waited for someone to show up. We were checked in without much explanation about how to get to the villa. This was all part of a chaotic stay during a three-week trip around New Zealand. I wouldn’t book here.

The villas were clean and nicely presented, and the staff were genuinely lovely. The clifftop spot at Karioitahi Beach is gorgeous and could be a great wedding venue. But I came away deeply disappointed after attending a wedding at Castaways Resort as a bridesmaid. The food was a letdown and fell well below what I’d expect at a wedding, especially given the premium price. More than that, the venue’s wedding coordination lacked leadership and organisation, adding stress to what should have been a smooth, special day. Supporting couples well is essential for a wedding venue, and Castaways didn’t deliver. I wouldn’t recommend it to couples considering a wedding here. It’s a shame given the beautiful location, but the execution fell well short.