BUG review
Raglan Backpackers is a friendly place right in the middle of town. Clean rooms (some with electric blankets) are arranged around a small courtyard with plenty of hammocks. Like everywhere in Raglan, surfing is the central activity and boards, wetsuits and lessons are all available. There are many free extras too, like the use of bikes, kayaks, fishing gear, golf clubs and an infrared sauna. A lounge with log fire is a nice place to relax and it offers lovely sea views. A kitchen, small TV room, and internet access on a couple of PCs round out the offerings. The vibe here is very relaxed and laid back.
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Price Dorm bed $22-23 ($19-20 BBH) Double/twin room $52-59 ($46-53 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
This place is incredible. Its right on the bay, the inside is like a home and Jeremy and Linda are so nice. Lying in hammocks, surfing, sunbathing - this place has everything except nightlife. Had an awesome week and met so many cool people. The idiot who gave 2 stars can shove it because this is the best hostel i've stayed in out of about 20. Surfing lessons are dead cheap as well.
13 of
13 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
New Zealand
Outstanding 30 August 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12533)
This place is a real find. Jeremy and Lynda obviously love their hostel and really enjoy being hosts, and they keep the place immaculately clean. The hostel is warm and well located (has views of the estuary), and the cop shop is across the road, so it's pretty secure. The range of stuff you can borrow from the hostel is great, and Jeremy and Lynda are extremely helpful and friendly. I can't recommend this place highly enough. It's even cheap...
3 of
12 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
UK
not the greatest 9 January 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
Facilities
(2)
Atmosphere
(2)
(Review ID: 12534)
sorry to burst everyones bubble but i'll have to disagree with everyone below. Whilst far from the worst hostel i have ever stayed in it is by far the smallest, only one dorm room and the people in there were hardly chatty. The owner of the hostel has obviuously become a bit jaded, upon arrival i was treated to a 15 minute outbusrt of rules and regulations in the hostel which made me want to leave as soon as i got there. jeez i mean is it my problem if the managers had a few bad apples there in the past getting pissed, harrasing the girls and puking everywhere and i mean...... as if im going to go into town and bring locals back to the hostel who go through the rooms and walk off with backpacks.....not my problem i was only staying there for one night. Like i say not the greatest hostel i've stayed in but if you're looking for somewhere where nobody drinks, nobody does aything but read books and play board (bored!!) games and go to bed very early this is probably the place for you!
11 of
17 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
Southern California
Amazing, quiet oasis more like a retreat than a hostel 16 December 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12535)
This hostel is great. the best i've ever stayed at. jeremy, who runs it, is very cool and "runs a tight ship." if you want to party and be crazy, don't come here. if you want to surf, relax, meet cool travellers, and unwind-do!
3 of
13 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
Shipley, England
Excellent 31 December 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12536)
I stayed here in 1996 and remember it well as a very welcoming and friendly place. I remember playing board games late into the night with a group of fellow backpackers - the owners watched over us like a couple of proud parents and were clearly satisfied that we were having a great time in their little hostel! They obviously enjoy running the place and it shows - its worth going to Raglan for the hostel alone, let alone the stunning scenary and the surfing.
13 of
15 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
Washington, DC
Amazing. Owners are extremely hospitable. 23 September 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12537)
Raglan Backpackers is by far the best in NZ and the best I found in my travels through Aussie and SE Asia. The setting is idyllic, the facilities are immaculate and the hosts are so kind. The surfing is incredible. Jeremy, one of the owners, teaches surfing lessons and he is a natural. Raglan attracts an awesome crowd. I guarantee you will want to stay longer than you anticipated. The owners have the utmost respect for backpackers and expect the same treatment back.
