This property was in a really excellent location, about a 3 minute walk to the beach and a 5 minute walk to the town centre and ferry terminal. It was very well maintained with a large kitchen and lounge area that was thoroughly cleaned daily. I especially enjoyed the free tea, coffee and sugar sachets that were available to guests. I was in one of the private, economy/budget rooms that came with an en suite and it was very spacious and bright with a very comfortable bed. It had a private entrance. As a single, female, mature traveller this hostel was perfect for my needs and I felt really safe and comfortable. There was a social element with the communal kitchen and lounge if I wanted it which was a nice option. Josh, the on site manager was really helpful and I’m so glad he recommended the trip to Otehei Bay because it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. I’d planned to stay in this hostel for a few nights but I ended up staying 16 - says it all!!!

Loved it all!

2 minute walk to the beach, 10 minutes to town, Restaurants and shops within 5-10 minute walk. Comfy beds, free towels, plenty of space to sit in communal areas. Room was cleaned and hoovered every day. My room (4 bed) had a small deck and I loved it. Hairdryers and free earplugs available in the bathroom.

Not many plugs to charge your devices - quite irritating for the upper bunk beds. No staff after 5pm (except for the travellers working there, but they didn't seem to care), therefore no one to oversee the noise after 10pm, sometimes it was still loud after midnight.

Off season, we were only 2 in a 6-person dorm, that was really nice. The common space with the kitchen/sofas/big TV is good to watch movies and meet people. There is everything you need in the kitchen. A hairdryer was provided in the dorm, and earplugs in the common bathroom. Nice outside spaces. And most of all, the price! So good for what you get!! I recommend 100% to stay there.

My bed was grating quite a lot, and isolation could be better

The relaxed atmosphere, comfy beds, good shower. Kitchen to cook in. Proximity to the beach and some great activities. Great coffee shop across the road. Highly recommend the walk to Russell and ferry trip back (about a 20km walk, or a little further if detouring to the winery with great pizza).

Bathroom could have been a little cleaner, but I understand it was a very busy time for them. It was easily rectified and it didn't detract from an excellent stay overall.

There was a really nice atmosphere. I had the queen ensuite room which was beautifully decorated, really clean and light. The staff were really helpful and accommodating - when I pointed out a small problem with my window latch they fixed it straight away. The location is also great - really close to the beach and the bus stop / wharf for boat trips. The kitchen area was also lovely and clean and excellent recycling facilities in place outside.

The room could have done with a light switch by the exterior door as you come in.

the room and lodging was really clean and tidy. there was a large lounge kitchen area. I didn't use any of these facilities but it looked good. the room was very clean and although not a lot of room was adequate.

the bed was pretty hard so slept on top of the duvet to get a bit more comfort. the rooms weren't very soundproof and could hear the people next door talking. but was still a great peppery for the price.

Really nicely furnished place with a great atmosphere and friendly staff. Kitchen is well equipped and the common area is really cosy and inviting. I stayed in a private room which was super comfy and very clean. Fridge, good shower, towels with soap and shampoo, everything I needed! Laundrette about 30 seconds down the road and the beach is about 15 seconds further.

The walls in the private room part are very thin so if you have some inconsiderate guests in the room next door while you're staying, you can hear every word of their conversation at 6am... Obviously not the hostel's fault though!

Everything is very clean, especially the kitchen. The kitchen doesn't lack any utensils such as pots, pans etc., it's really good. For this price the conditions of the hostel are outstanding.

Don't use the coffee machine!!! It tastes really bad, but that doesn't make the hostel any worse. Maybe in summer season there won't be enough stoves, if the hostel is booked out, but in winter it was no problem at all.

The location in Paihia is perfect and ideal for walking around the city and even taking the passenger ferry to Russell. The place could use an update on the kitchen items (cutlery, glassess, cups) The spaces to eat are lovely either outside or in. Beds were comfy enough and shower and toilet decent. My friends and I do love to stay here as it is a great value for money stay. The staff are nice and helpful (we didnt interact much with them this time)

Some old things like the kitchen items could be renewed. Anti-slip carpets in the showers would be great.

basically everything!!! i loved that you entered every room from outside and the common area felt very outdoor oriented. it rained our whole stay but we spent so much time in the sheltered area outside the kitchen/lounge and it was really quite lovely to sit and watch the rain, drink a coffee or beer, read, journal, etc. with a cute lil view. it was cleaned so frequently which was amazing compared to some other hostels. a very social vibe going on, helped by the long term stayers who were very friendly, including a very cute and friendly cat. the couch in the 6 bed female dorm was a lovely bonus. once again i was VERY happy with the cleanliness and saw the kitchen being properly cleaned at least once a day. bathrooms cleanliness was also never an issue.

not hard to work around at all but these are the things to note if you care: 1 unisex bathroom w 4 toilets and 4 showers (both gendered, unisex, and disabled stalls👍) for all the dorms, however i never had an issue w waiting. very thin walls but again i never really had an issue w it i usually sleep w my headphones in in hostels anyway, headphones or earplugs should do the trick outlet was across the room from my bed so i wasn’t able to charge from my bed no personal lights smoking area is hard to avoid however i think all of these “negatives” are very easy to work around, and was never really bothered by any of it