National Park Backpackers

Great location and price, and the kitchen is reasonably well set up, but either someone forgot to buy more dish detergent, or they routinely water it down so much that you may as well wash your dishes with just tap water. This is really unhygienic, considering everyone is sharing dishes and there is no steriliser. We had a family room with an ensuite. It was dated but fine; the beds were average, and the pillows were really thin, but acceptable considering the price. The rooms could really use some hooks to hang up towels, ski gear, and bags. I had booked for three nights but only stayed for two. Our toilet started leaking, and I found cockroaches in the bathroom. I had my six-year-old with me, and it was all a bit much after that, so we decided to leave and go somewhere else. I informed reception of the issues, and they told me I needed to speak to the manager. She was very short with me and tried to blame me for the cockroaches, saying I had taken food into the room, which I hadn’t. She said it must have been the people before me. Interesting, however, that the cockroaches were in the bathroom. I asked for a refund, and she refused, offering to move us to another room, which I declined. This place is probably fine if you’re backpacking and just need a bed for the night, but for families, it’s a dump, and I wouldn’t stay there again or recommend it to anyone.

I stayed in this friendly backpackers whilst walking the northern circuit . I got a twin bed with ensuite shower and a small forest outside my bedroom window for good measure. It was very close to the general store which was run by a kind fatherly Indian gentleman who new the area well and had walked some of the local tracks some of which had not been maintained. It was also right next door to the kiwi adventure tour company that offered a range of experiences not least of which was a cycle tour of the local converted tramway track and old coach road which is part of the mountains to sea cycle tour.

Come on guys. Charging for WiFi in 2023?? It is like charging for use of power outlet or tap water. In this days internet access on a hostel is one of the top 3 needs. YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT. Aside that, clean and quiet hostel. They provide a payed (50 NZD as for April 2023) bus service to the Tongariro Trek.

So we booked the night to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing the next day. This morning I found out that the Crossing Shuttle isn't working so we are unable to do the walk. I immediately contacted the Backpackers. I got a terse email back saying that because I cancelled on the day I would be charged for the booking and have been. Poor customer service. They must be aware that this happens regularly. I would have thought that credit for a future booking would be in order. Will never stay here and obviously tell anyone else not to stay here.

We stayed in a room for 3 with a private bathroom and the room was clean and its size appropriate. Simple but comfortable. The real perks are the location and ease with which you can do walks in National Park including the famous Tongariro Crossing (which is more than a walk!!!). Staff is really helpful and friendly - Anna made the crossing possible for us and it was one of the best experiences we have ever done. Will book again when back in National Park for skiing or tramping.