I stayed here for about a week in Queenstown and had a great time. From the moment I first got there the staff was really nice and helpful, suggesting a bunch of cool restaurants, bars, etc. They also seemed really knowledgeable about all sorts of activities, hikes, and roads in the area.

They let me put up my tent outside for a reduced rate which was really nice, and I still had the door code for access to all the facilities. The place is older but seems well maintained. Everything worked well, there were ample bathrooms, and the kitchen was well stocked. What I really liked about the place was the feel - everyone would stop and chat on their way in and people got to know each other. It attracted a really interesting and diverse crowd who never seemed to get too rowdy at the hostel.

It is up a big hill, but it's short and the place is only about a 2 minute walk from shotover street, the center of town. The hill becomes a huge advantage once you get up it though - it has an absolutely stunning view of the whole town, lake, and mountains. Definitely worth the hike up. I would totally stay here again if I go back to Queenstown.

Perfect! just five minutes walk away from the centre, with the best view of Queenstown! The staff are lovely & the people staying there are really friendly.
The only downside is the mount everest of a hill you have to climb before you get there, with a backpack its not an enjoyable walk! but coming back down is picture perfect :)
Well done Hippo!
xxxx

I was entirely pleased with the solo room I stayed in at hippo, especially considering the communal kitchen area and the large lounge with a nice view.

This hostel is very quite and clean, much more so than the centrally-located hostels much be. The only drawback of this place is that it is a good 15 minute walk into town, perched on a STEEP hillside. It's fine if you have a car (and there seems to be plenty of street parking) but if I were to go to Queenstown again without a car, I'd stay at the Novotel right on the water. Yeah, it's more expensive, but the most convenient joint in town.

If you aren't going to Queenstown to do all of the activities and are more than 20 years old and a big partier, you might prefer Wanaka.

Generally speaking, I would advise to be very careful where you stay in New Zealand if you travel around without a car -- you might find yourself in a difficult situation, especially if you have a heavy bag/suitcase!

To make it short: Never again. The single room I had had a strong moldy smell to it, but the sheets seemed clean. The kitchen was a mess and just filthy when I was there (red house). Actually the whole building stank. The staff was pretty indifferent upon check in. No explanation of the facilities as in other hostels. The location has its up and down sides. It´s up a very steep hill, parking is terrible if you come late, which is after 6. On the other hand you really do have a spectacular view from the lounge, which I didn´t really enjoy too much because of the filthy surroundings. By far the worst hostel in a 7 weeks stay in NZ.