Location/ContactThe dorms are pretty large but all the beds are of solid wood construction which reduces creakiness, and are fine for a nights sleep. There is only one heater per dorm, which is pretty effective if there are a few bodies in the room to warm things up too. However, the heaters aren't the quietest in the world and light sleepers might end up having to choose between the noise or the cold.
Couples and groups might be better off considering one of the romantically named 'cabins' on the holiday park if you're looking for some privacy. These are basic wooden huts with 4 bunks or double / twin beds. The cabins are also heated, which is more than can be said for the communal areas, which are in separate blocks.
The kitchen / living block is about 300m from the bunk house. The kitchen is not well equipped by any standard. You might find a plate and, if you're very lucky, something to drink out of, but there are no pots, pans, cutlery or utensils provided. If you do manage to rustle up a meal on one of the gas hobs, there are plenty of tables, both inside and out, to enjoy it at.
Eating outdoors, surrounded by the dramatic mountains, is popular in summer, but in the colder season the kitchen / living room block is cold and draughty, especially after people have stopped cooking for the night. The three chairs in front of the 2-channel TV are comfy, but you need to be wrapped up warm to enjoy them in the cold. There are a mix of families and trampers to socialise with in the summer, but most nights the communal areas are pretty quiet by 9.30pm.
The bathrooms (200m from the bunkhouse) suffer the same fate heat-wise as the kitchen block and would benefit from some automatic closers on the doors to avoid cold blasts of air whilst you are showering. The larger toilet block, also housing the laundry, is pretty modern and clean, though the hotter showers are to be had in the smaller, older block.
Most of the buildings, including the bunks and the huts, are in need of a bit of TLC. However, at the time of writing there was a note in the kitchen from the new owners saying that they would be upgrading the facilities shortly.
To summarise - this hostel provides a roof over your head for the night at a cheap rate, but not much more.
To get to the hostel: As you head into Glenorchy from Queenstown, the holiday park is on your right. Reception for the holiday park, including the bunk house, is in the Glenorchy Store, which also provides basic provisions, internet access and an activity booking service.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
