World's largest hostel database. Online booking price comparison. Real uncensored reviews. The only hostels website you'll ever need. 
EnglishFrançaisEspañolItalianoDeutsch日本語 (Japanese)

Lazy Cow Backpackers

Online booking is not offered for this Hostel. Contact them for availability and reservations (any contact info we have is listed below).
Please see Murchison for other available Murchison hostels and accommodations.
The Hostelz.com Review
Lazy Cow Backpackers is located on the way from Nelson to Greymouth (and vice versa). It's also the only BBH (Budget Backpackers Hostel) accommodation in Murchison. Prior to arrival, we've seen a few leaflets of Lazy Cow and wondered if there are really cows nearby the area.

The Location

It's easy to find because it's located just on the main road, near a petrol station. Signboard is easily visible and it's within walking distance from the supermarket. Free parking is available. It's also near to the bus station.

Rooms and Bathrooms

We stayed in a three-person shared room (no bunks). Beds are fully made up and each comes with an electronic blanket. There is no heater in the room. We had a look at other dorms -- they are more spacious (with double deckers). It's a house-like backpackers, so there is no lock for each room and no lockers. Double rooms are available too.

The shared bathroom is very clean and well-equipped. Hot shower is available -- we felt very nice after the hot shower session. The owner likes to bake muffins and share with visitors. You can get the first muffin free, but for the following you'd have to pay for it.

Common Spaces

There is a spacious common room fitted with cosy sofas. The kitchen is clean but could be crowded when there are more people. However it's clean and tidy. The toaster was the most decent one among all the backpackers we've ever stayed. If you are good at playing piano, you can have fun there. Internet is available but you'd have to pay for it.

We were lucky that the place was not too noisy though it was fully occupied by the end of the day. People went out for party and drinks. There is nice balcony in our room, but due to raining, we had no chance to enjoy it. The owners, as well as the travelers staying there, are very sociable. We had fun chatting sessions.

Summary

Overall, we have a good impression of this hostel. It's not too crowded yet feels like home. The girl in the same room said she had gone back to the place several times because she loves it very much.

Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2009

Their Description
Lazy Cow Backpackers Details
 
Number of Beds:17
Bedsheets:all beds are fully made-up
Towels:Yes, $1per towel
Parking:Yes, free on-site (off-street) parking
Airport/Train Pickup:no. The bus depot is directly opposite the hostel
Luggage Storage:no fee charged for luggage storage
Coed Dorm Available:YES
Bathroom in Room:No
Credit Cards Accepted:YES
Nonsmoking Rooms:No
Smoke-free Commons:YES
Pets Allowed:No
Service Animals OK:YES
Wheelchair Accessible:YES
Reservations Accepted:YES
Internet Computers:Pay
Wireless Internet:Pay
Age Range Allowed:no children under 12
Minimum Stay:no
Maximum Stay:5-7
Lockout:no
Curfew:no
Checkout:10.00am
Reception Hours:8.30am-9.00pm
Membership Required:no
Open Dates:from Sept 1st to 31st May open "24/7" thereafter please enquire
(To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Update Form.)
Map
Location/Contact
Address36 Waller Street (SH6), Murchison, New Zealand
Location
Websitewww.lazycow.co.nz
Telephone03 523 9451
How is Lazy Cow Backpackers rated on other websites?
Not listed.
Not listed.
Not listed.
Not listed.
Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
3  Nice place but poor service We stayed a night at Lazy Cow backpackers in March 2012. It is very clean and comfortable and homey but the level of service was disappointing. Their whiteboard offered the option of "Cow Pie" for dinner for $12 with dessert, to be served "6:30 ish". That sounded like a great option so we ordered it when we arrived around 4 pm. The lady went to tell the chef. We made sure we were back before 6:30. We waited and waited. At 8 pm we rang the reception bell to try and find out what was happening but no-one came so we gave up and made some toast. The cow pie never arrived. We were annoyed to have spent the whole evening waiting for something that was promised but never turned up. When we had offered to pay at the time of placing our order, the lady had declined to accept the money and advised us to pay when the meal arrived so at least we were not out of pocket. Nice place but don't rely on the meal offer or on getting a response to the service button at reception.
Response from the accommodation: Dear "Anonymous" We are distressed to discover your review, and would like to apologise unreservedly. We can only explain the error as being a complete breakdown in communication between the receptionist and the chef (i.e. no communication) Although of no consolation to you, we are sorry that you were the "victims" of the only error of this type that has occurred here in the 3 years we have been offering an evening meal option. We are sorry that you felt unable to raise the matter before leaving the hostel, but appreciate that you may have wished to avoid any embarrassment. Should you find yourselves travelling in our area at some time in the future, we would welcome the opportunity to "make amends" by offering you a free nights accommodation in an en-suite room, together with a evening meal, all free of charge. (please mention this "incident' when/if booking) sincerely Phil Smith (Proprietor)   , New Zealand ()
5  Very comfortable, exceptionally well run Very comfortable home-like setting and furniture. An ambiance and style of management that encouraged friendly chat between different visitors and cooperative behaviour in areas like the kitchen where many hostelers let things slip. Kitchen with better utensils than most backpackers (superb flat-bottomed non-stick frypan). Managers very helpful in advance (contacted me by mobile when I was slow in responding to their email) and during my stay.  , New Zealand ()

Have you visited this Hostel? Post your comments here.