I have a mild allergy to cats. I'm usually fine, unless there is nearby cat urine or a heard of longhairs. Within 30 minutes of being here I was sneezing, red eyed and popping antihistamines left and right. This completely ruined my stay but wasn't the only issue. Staff is hard to find, dorm facilities are rickety, the decoration is... More

Great place! I do not usually stay in backpackers but this one is great. We found it to be very clean, friendly host and good kitchen facilities. Very cozy inside and nice outside area. Perfect location, close to everything - beach, pubs, takeaways.

Anne was friendly and very helpful although we found that despite this and the cheap price we would not stay here again. The hostel is rather dirty. Someone had thrown up all over the dorm room and bathroom the night before we stayed. We mentioned this to Anne who promptly went to wipe down the part of the wall that... More

We stayed in the double room without ensuite. The owners were very friendly and helpful, and the room was small and basic but clean. The kitchen and dining space were OK; it was difficult to find any room in the fridge, but the pantry storage was spacious. Only three showers/toilets meant sometimes there was a wait. There were a couple... More

Amazing place, the most enjoyable hostel I stayed in, mostly because of the people there. Everyone is really friendly and mingles around. There is a nice TV area and lots of outdoor areas to eat and hang out. Toilets were a little scarce - 4 showers and 3 toilets for the whole hostel (I think about 3 dorm rooms and... More

Awesome place to stay, very laid back, clean rooms and friendly staff. Has a BBQ courtyard for drinking in the sun and only about 2mins walk to beach. Right on the main street, cant rate it high enough!

The hostel is right in the middle of the town centre and only 5 minutes from the beach. All the facilities and rooms are good, but everything is very cramped, especially the kitchen, which would be impossible to use if more than 5 people were using it. The owners are very friendly and provide quick, cheap internet, as well as... More

I didn't think it was bad, being my first visitied Hostel in NZ, but after staying at BASE and others, it was actually the worse one we stayed at. But, not sure where else you can stay in Whitianga? No room in fridge, uncomfy pillow.... too warm in the shared co-ed room. BUT.... VERY FRIENDLY helpful owner. So, can't really... More