BUG review
Karibu Backpackers is a small, friendly hostel in a house a fifteen-minute walk from the centre of town. It’s got a common room with a TV, books and board games, and a chess set. There’s a decent kitchen. Outside is a nice backyard with a thatched hut, a barbecue, picnic table and a separate cottage with a dorm room. It’s all seen a bit of wear and tear but is reasonably tidy. Internet access is available, and there are free bikes and a free pick-up and drop-off at the bus stop in town.
About BUG's hostel reviews
This hostel was visited by one of BUG's team of hostel inspectors who write independent reviews and assess a star rating based on an objective assessment criteria.
We show up unannounced at hostels to write honest and unbiased hostel reviews. Many of BUG's reviews now feature videos and photo slideshows. BUG never receives payment for listing any establishment and BUG's researchers never accept free accommodation in exchange for favourable reviews.
Price Dorm bed $23 ($20 BBH) Double room $58 ($52 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
fantastic hostal, very friendly helpful owners, clean 5 May 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Yvonne, Ireland
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12261)
I stayed in this hostal for 3 months. it is agreat place to stay and explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty. nadine and Dave are the new owners. they are young, very helpful with booking white island tours and anything you want to do in Whakatane. the Hostal is spotless and there is a great TV area to relax, a huge garden with a Bar B que area, laundry service, great kitchen and real homely atmosphere. also the free bikes are great for getting around. free tea and coffee as well. great place i really enjoyed my time there and strongly recomend that you stay in Karibu when you go to Whakatane.
9 of
12 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
Tristan & Shane
(hempkiwistyle@hotmail.com)
from Far North, New Zealand
Far North, New Zealand
Funny owner, very clean, free bikes! 11 October 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Tristan & Shane
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12262)
We stayed in a double room... $42 (we were BBH members). Bruce, the owner, was a real laugh. Made our stay interesting. He keeps the place very clean, and it was a nice building with wooden floors. The double bed was good, made up with fresh sheets. Had a fantastic time riding around Whakatane in the sunshine on the free bikes! Definitely would recommend this hostel.
15 of
20 people found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you?
nulybuly_@hotmail.com
Dublin, Eire
Fun, chilled, clean, homely, friendly,home from home 19 November 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
nulybuly_@hotmail.com
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(4)
(Review ID: 12263)
I stayed in Karibu backpackers twice. The first time i stayed there i had great craic and everyone i met there was brilliant.I had only planned to stay a few days and ended up staying longer like everyone else seemed to. of course at the end of my stay in new zealand i had a few days to kill before flying outta wellington so i came back up to Whakatane and stayed in the hostel AGAIN!!!!!!!!! i love it so much, the atmosphere is great and it really is like home away from home. would highly recommend it. it is more like a home than a hostel, it has no spectacular facilities but the atmosphere is great.
