Mousetrap Backpackers has heaps of character and maybe the homeliest vibe of all the Paihia hostels. The house is full of all sorts of nautical bric-a-brac – shells and whalebones, old tools, coloured glass bottles, buoys, driftwood, etc. The house is tucked among a hilly garden, lush with figs, passion fruit, guavas, bananas, grapes, and more, along with vine-shaded sitting areas. The very friendly owners like to call it “the quiet hostel in the street” (there’s a quiet policy from 11pm onwards). There’s also a great balcony with a nice view. Rooms and facilities are nice, although one nine-bed dorm is a bit crowded. Guests have free uses of bikes and the tennis court across the road, and there’s even a pétanque piste in front of the house. In all, the Mousetrap has a good atmosphere.
Price Dorm bed $22-24 ($19-21 BBH) Double/twin room $60 ($52 BBH) Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Central location, relaxing hostel
Cons:
Kitchen facilities small
gizmo008
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(4)
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(2)
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(4)
This is a nice hostel but the kitchens are very small. We stayed here in January for 4 days. The location is central, on the same road as most of the other backpackers but also some of the bars so it can be a bit noisy at night. Staff were all very friendly and helpful and this is a nice place to stay if you don't want to party so much. Small hostel but very comfortable with small and large dorms - $25 for small dorms, there are laundry facilities and internet. Staff can book all activities for you with some discounts available. The gardens are small but very pretty.
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(Review ID: 11028)
Good stuff!, June 7, 2005
Reviewer:
Tim Skelton
( timothy.skelton@gmail.com)
from London, United Kingdom
Pros:
n/a
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Imported Review
saw things this way
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
I worked here for just under 3 weeks and it was brilliant, it's just been repainted but it hasn't lost any of it's character (some might say kitsch), my only regret is that I didn't get contact details from a few more of the people I was working/staying with!
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(Review ID: 11029)
my favourite, April 23, 2005
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Anonymous
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
I originally was only booked for a night (saltwater lodge full) and ended up staying 2 weeks. It rained almost every day but the hostel ,the people and the atmosphere were the best i experienced in all of N.Z. It has serious charm and character, not a stopover place for the bus tours
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(Review ID: 11030)
Place so nice- we visited twice!, February 5, 2005
Reviewer:
kiwi wannabe
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Maintenance
(5)
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(5)
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(5)
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(5)
The first time I discoverd this backpackers they had the only room left in town and I was pleasantly surprised. When I visited again with my Mother we stayed in the Mousetrap too! Very helpful when booking tours, clean, friendly and most of all...great atmosphere! Uniquely wonderful, would recommend to anyone!
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(Review ID: 11031)
Excellent!!, December 18, 2004
Reviewer:
Manuela and Chiara
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n/a
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Imported Review
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Maintenance
(5)
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(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
(5)
The Mousetrap was the best hostel we stayed in out of five in New Zealand. The owner, Jake, is a very nice guy, helpful when giving suggestions and he can give you discounts on most bookings.The rooms and toilets were clean and this was the ONLY place where we found a three kitchens, if not more, and you never had to queue or wait to get something to cook with. The balcony and general setting was lovely. It was close to the city centre but far enough so it wasn't noisy at night. The perfect place to stay, we can't find them any faults.
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(Review ID: 11032)
Friendly and clean with a great atmosphere, August 30, 2004
Reviewer:
Tom
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Maintenance
(4)
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(4)
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(4)
I stayed at the mousetrap for 3 nights and just chilled out on the big comfy sofas next to an open fire. There is good off street parking and Nikki and Jake (who own the Mousetrap) offer really good advice on all the local trips. I had breakfast each morning on the balcony as it has such a nice view of the bay. After 11 months traveling around NZ I am yet to stay at a nicer baclpackers.
