Pacific Coast Lodge and Backpackers

There's been a surge in pricing at some NZ backpackers, spurred by a shortage of beds in Auckland this season post-covid lockdowns where many backpackers in the city shut down. In Auckland, this has resulted in an actual hostel shortage and a surge in pricing from $20-40 per night at most hostels to $60-70 per night. In Tauranga/Mount Maunganui, where there is no shortage of beds (certainly not at Pacific Coast which had a least one fully empty dorm on the night of my stay), this pricing has been matched. An 8 bed dorm in a windowless internal room cost me $65. I think the pricing is greedy. What to do? There are so many better coastal areas around the North Island (try Hawkes Bay, Gisborne or even Whakatane/Ohope), with ample access to the ocean and a truer representation of the best of the 'kiwi' way. Free of the wealthy pretensions and over-development of Mount Maunganui: bypass Tauranga, its horrendous traffic and concrete conglomerate shopping malls and go elsewhere for better value in a better environment. Case in point: the next night in another beautiful town in Hawkes Bay I stayed in a four bed dorm with a 1st level view of the ocean, just minutes walk from the town centre. The cost? $30. Back to Pacific Cost Backpackers itself: kitchen and bathroom facilities are good, with the opening up of the kitchen to the outdoors a nice touch. Outdoor seating in the paved carpark/washing line area at the rear is limited, a few more tables out there would be nice. There's a $30 key deposit that the hostel insists on taking in cash. This can be an inconvenience if one is leaving early prior to reception opening: in my case I didn't get a key for my room or the front door. The hostel should consider offering an option to hold the deposit on card such that the amount can be debited should keys not actually be returned, allowing people to depart outside of reception hours while still being able to come and go as they want to. Otherwise they can consider adding key-code entry for their front door at least.

Best place! ❤️ Met so many nice people here and it’s always a good atmosphere in the evenings. Felt like a little family. Close to the beach and bars/restaurants. Hanging out at the mount, good times 🤙

Ver nice and funny staff at the reception. The whole accommodation has a good vibe, great music in the common areas during the day. Many possibilities for spending free time, cooking, relaxing. The beds were very comfortable and everything was very clean. I definitely recommend and hope to come back here again! Thank you!

The hostel is wonderful! From the friendly staff to the inviting atmosphere, everything was such an amazing experience. The location near the beach and local attractions made my stay unforgettable !!!

My stay at Pacific Coast Lodge was absolutely wonderful. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere made me feel at home from the moment I arrived. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that I had a fantastic experience throughout my stay. Their exceptional service, friendliness, and attentiveness truly made a difference. Without a doubt, I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a peaceful and hospitable environment for their vacation. Thank you to the entire staff at Pacific Coast Lodge for making my stay unforgettable!

No rules kept...ridiculous noise and total disrespect to other people trying to sleep. People up til 2am. Noone to actually speak to about making a complaint. No kiwis. Run by foreigners making way for more separation of culture. Totally disappointing and not worth the money

Pacific Coast Lodge is one of the best hostel that I have ever stayed in. It has a big clean kitchen, a nice tv room with Netflix (which is especially nice in rainy days when everyone snuggle all together), the staff is so nice and the vibes are immaculate. If you wanna stay longterm and make loads of friends it’s the place to go.

Brilliant backpackers hostel. It has really big communal areas and a great patio area outside where you can chill out. I love that they play music in the kitchen during the day, it gives the place such a fun atmosphere. They also do FREE surfboard rentals which is super cool as the nearest beach in only 10 mins away on foot!