BUG review
This excellent purpose-built hostel is hard to miss if you’re near the Turangi town centre. It’s a big aluminium-and-wood structure that’s supposed to resemble an oversized camping hut in a national park (not sure if we see it, though). Inside, everything is kept in top shape. There’s a nice TV room with a log fire and an interesting Maori carving on the wall, as well as a few bed-like seats purposely designed as an exile for snorers. Most rooms surround an outdoor courtyard that has a barbecue and hammocks. An internet café/restaurant is on site, and, for the vertically-inclined, there is a competition-rated climbing wall that is a wonder to behold.
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Price Dorm bed $23-25 ($20-22 BBH) Single room $46-56 ($40-50 BBH) Double/twin room $56-66 ($50-60 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Very friendly cosy place with excellent common areas 19 May 2006
Pros:
The common rooms were large and good; friendly manager
Cons:
Bedrooms were a little small for me; parking a bit cramped
dfrick
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 446)
We only stayed overnight as planned but were pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of a manager and the quality of the large kitchen, dinning room and livingroom. Wished we had time to check out the climbing wall.
2 of
4 people found this review helpful
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Melissa
UK
Another rave review! 27 May 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Melissa
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12581)
We had 2 great nights here and found it to be spot on in terms of rooms and facilities. The comfy lounge and roaring fire was well appreciated after having walked the Tongariro Crossing! I would definitely stay here again, an absolute bargain.
9 of
9 people found this review helpful
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dawnd789
Seattle, WA
#1 Hostel in New Zealand 19 January 2005
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
dawnd789
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12582)
We hit some bad weather in the National Park region and were unable to do the RTM trek that we had planned. We ended up at Extreme Backpackers in Turangi and it was awesome. Very clean; well stocked kitchen; great atmosphere and helpful and friendly staff. I would absolutely stay here again and it was by far the best hostel that we stayed in in our North and South Island travels. P.S. Great climbing wall.
11 of
13 people found this review helpful
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claire
portsmouth
Best place I stayed in!! 1 March 2004
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
claire
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12583)
this was my favourite hostel I stayed in NZ. The owners were friendly, helpful and knowledgable. The hostel itself was spotlessly clean, with a real cosy feel to it.Beautiful lounge, dining area and spaces to chill out in.
4 of
13 people found this review helpful
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Anonymous
California
Fabulous, clean and friendly! 5 March 2003
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12584)
All the facilities were brand-new. Beautiful courtyard, so comfortable. Staff was exceptionally helpful. It was one of our favorite places in New Zealand.
3 of
12 people found this review helpful
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lizziedooley@hotmail.com
Auckland, New Zealand
I felt like a welcomed guest in their home. 9 January 2002
Pros:
n/a
Cons:
n/a
lizziedooley@hotmail.com
saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
(Review ID: 12585)
The hosts were amazing. The night I arrived, people were arriving from all over the place without bookings and the hosts were taking them in, making them warm drinks and sorting our places for them to stay in the neighbourhood. Its a beautifully designed backpackers - quiet, well-furnished bedrooms away from any bathroom noise. Well-designed kitchen with lots of space to creat culinary masterpieces (which my fellow-guests were doing). internal courtyard/barbecue area. Comfortable lounge/tv room. I think all the furniture was crafted by Mr Cullen. I left an audio tape behind and they managed to get it back to me (I didn't even know I'd lost it - it was part of an audio book.) What more can I say? - Great memories.
