Generally speaking, be careful of where you stay in NZ if you are traveling without a car.

This hostel is a good 2 miles to the train station and the center of town. However, the little hotel/restaurant that is about a 3 minute walk away is FANTASTIC and receives my highest recommendation. I had some of my best meals in all of NZ there, especially the seafood chowder. When you have no other means of getting food, that place is fantastic (but pricey).

The "single" room I paid for was nothing more than a very small room with a bunkbed and shared *mix-sex* bathrooms. I could have gotten a room at a hotel in town for the same price or slightly more. I think this place is probably quieter than some of the hostels in town -- because it is so far from the center of town.

Another problem -- don't rent the bikes here. They are rusty pieces of junk.

Dark, small and unappealing ensuite room. Overpriced unless you really want to use the kitchen and other YHA style facilities. Clean and well located with a nice view from the common area. Service was gruff.

We stayed one night in a (smallish) twin room. The beds were very comfortable and the hostel was quiet (at least when we were there). The lounge and dining room have fantastic views over the ocean and the kitchen is well equipped although small. It is not too far round the point to go to the Seafood BBQ which did an excellent barbecued dinner of crayfish, prawns, scallops etc. for an incredibly reasonable price (and you get to watch seals as you eat). Check in and check out were really efficient.

This place is perfectly located. I was initially going to stay at another hostel but was told by a friend I had to stay here, so I listened and am so glad I did! I was greeted by Fiona, the Duty Manager, on my arrival. Check in was smooth and we had a good chat which was nice.

I stayed in a 4 share female only dorm, which had fantastic views over the sea, the windows were big to ensure you had a great view. It was perfect waking up to the view on a beautiful sunny morning, incredible in fact. You get sea views from the lounge, the dining room, a lot of the bedrooms (I think) and can also just sit outside and watch the world go by!

The kitchen is a bit on the small side but they have all the essential utensils there. Showers weren't the most powerful and the bathrooms were mixed and not single sexed, but seriously this would not put me off from going there again. Bed was so comfortable I nearly didnt get out of bed for check out!

Make sure you speak to Fiona and ask her what to do in the area, she recommended a great walk and also a fantastic coffee shop :)

This hostel may be a little way from town but it is so worth it in my opinion as you get such great views. I saw where the other backpackers were located when I went to the coffee shop (near the big supermarket) and trust me, this is a much better location!