The Dunollie Ranch Backpackers

yes, it's a bit of an old place, and perhaps needs redecoration. However it has character, and it makes a change from staying in pristine hostels which can be a bit austere. The kitchen facilities are a bit poor, but adequate for a small number of travelers. There's nothing seriously bad about this place and it's an ok place to spend a night or two. I enjoyed it -- they were friendly and helpful to me. As of three weeks ago, it's under new management and they may alter things. They offered me free rides in and out of town, which is valuable, and there's a little village shop next door where you can buy food. They also seem to have internet and a TV room.

If you like the smell of mildew and thrive on cold showers, this is the place for you! It is out in the middle of nowhere and there is no easy access to town...it is over a 30-minute walk. The beds were very hard and the furniture in general was very hard and old. To top it all off, this is the ONLY hostel that I have EVER stayed at in my eight months in the South Pacific that charged a booking fee on top of the actual price of the room, which they didn't mention to us until we went up to pay. You can do so much better than this hostel. The only thing the Ranch had going for it was its staff. They were quite nice and willing to help.