Funky Green Voyager

The Funky Green Voyager is a remarkable little hostel with a great social atmosphere but without a full-on party vibe.

The Location

It is a fifteen-minute walk from the main bus station and well worth the walk to stay here. An airport bus can drop you off at the doorstep on request.

Rooms and Bathrooms

With fewer than thirty beds, the hostel immediately gives off a warm and welcoming feel. The absence of locks on the doors gives it a home from home feel. If you are worried about your valuables, lockers are available. There are six beds to a dorm, which make the rooms quite small. No duvet covers are supplied on the beds, but the hostel will provide blankets or duvets on request. The showers and bathrooms are immaculate, supplied with soaps and hand towels. There are enough shower cubicles to avoid fighting for that morning shower.

Common Spaces

The hostel has an outstanding kitchen -- spotless with plenty of room. The owner cooks fresh scones each morning that sell for a small price -- these get snapped up in minutes. Recycling is encouraged, with plenty of bin space for everyone's plastics and beer bottles. There is a small area in the middle of the garden for smokers.

There is a big supermarket opposite to get all your groceries or it's a ten-minute walk into town. With honesty boxes throughout the hostel including the beer fridge, the hostel creates a great atmosphere for travelers to hang out in the garden in the evenings. If it's too cold to hang out in the garden, there is a gorgeous lounge with fire and a chill out conservatory area. There is no TV at the hostel -- the hostel creates its own atmosphere.

Summary

The hostel has a great travel information section, with leaflets and fliers for everything to do in and around Rotorua. The staff are extremely helpful too -- they will book tours and give out advice on what to do in the area. This is a tranquil but social gem, funky, green, and a perfect stay for your voyage.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review