Perfect location and a decent stay (Surf 'n' Snow Backpackers (New Zealand))

Member Name: aylawarner

Product:	Surf 'n' Snow Backpackers (New Zealand)
Date:	17/02/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great location, good value

Disadvantages: Slightly cramped room

We only stayed at Surf 'n' Snow Backpackers in Auckland for one night on a stopover whilst travelling through the North Island. We were dropped off directly outside the hostel and immediately we thought what a great location it was in. It is in the very centre of the CBD (Central Business District) and one road along from the main high street which has a load of shops and restaurants and a short walk to the bus station. We'd already been in Auckland for a couple of nights beforehand and so we didn't want to do much - just wanted to have a wander round the shops but our previous hostel had been much further out of town and we would have been in a much better position if we'd have stayed at Surf 'n' Snow.

We were checked in easily and quickly and there was a lot of information in the reception/common room area if you hadn't been to the city before such as maps and leaflets about activities all over New Zealand. There was also a huge range of books that you could exchange for your own as well as internet access and telephones. The bathrooms were decent with plenty of showers and toilets that were kept nice and clean.

Our room was up a couple of flights of stairs and there was building work going on but this didn't get in the way or interrupt us at all. As we were only staying for the one night we went for the cheapest option of a 10 bed dorm which surprisingly was actually OK. I hardly got woken up at all when the other guests came in and we were the first ones to go to sleep! But I suppose that just depends on who you have in your dorm though. The dorm was a good size, vary basic, and had 5 sets of bunk beds - although I was in the bed by the door which made my stay a bit cramped as the door couldn't open fully. It was a bit of a struggle getting up and getting my huge backpack out of the door in the dark in the early hours of the morning to catch a bus! Reception is 24 hours which was great for our early check out.

Our room was about 24 NZD which worked out to be around £9 each per night which is a great price for such a great located hostel. If you have a VIP or YHA card you also get a $1 discount.

As we were only there for the one night we didn't use a lot of the facilities such as the kitchen so I can't advise on that. I definitely wouldn't stay in the 10 bed dorm if I was staying there for more than a night but I would recommend the hostel due to the location and good prices - it was a great stopover for us.

Summary: A decent hostel right in the centre of the CBD