Base Auckland Central Backpackers (ACB)

As the name suggests, Auckland Central Backpackers, or 'ACB' as it's more commonly known, benefits from a great location in the heart of downtown Auckland. It's situated just behind Queen Street, which is the main shopping street in the city. There are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, a cinema complex and many more entertainment options located practically on the doorstep. Several dorms enjoy a view of the popular 'Skytower' attraction, which is situated just a few minutes walk away.

In terms of facilities, ACB has all you could need and a lot more. The dorms are spacious and the bedding is provided (including a duvet). Each dorm has its own fridge, which comes in handy as the storage space in the kitchen is inadequate given the size of the hostel. There are lockable drawers beneath the beds (use your own padlock or buy one at reception). Each floor has its own bathroom facilities which were immaculate.

Communal areas include two TV rooms, a large kitchen / dining room and a lounge area. The kitchen, although large, could really do with being bigger in respect of the fact that this is a 600+ bed hostel. Sadly, due to a lack of consideration from other backpackers, it was often left dirty and untidy although staff work hard to clean up several times a day.

Services offered by ACB include a reasonably-priced internet cafe (although there are cheaper places nearby if you can be bothered), a job-search centre and a travel-shop. To benefit from using the job-search centre, it is necessary to become a member though, for which they charge a ridiculous fee. Sign up with one of the many agencies in the city instead or visit another travellers' information centre offering free help in finding employment. The staff in the travel-shop are extremely helpful and can be of great use when planning travel around NZ, Australia or Fiji. There are also some great discounts available if you book tours / activities here.

ACB is home to the basement 'Globe' bar - probably Auckland's best travellers' entertainment venue and is also a popular choice with the locals. Each night has a different theme and ACB guests can enjoy free / discounted drinks on a regular basis. There are often events offering the opportunity to win prizes, such as 'Mr/Miss Backpacker' contests, pool competitions, and a weekly quiz night with free pizza.

From the airport, ACB is very easy to get to. Auckland's 'Airbus' will drop you off right outside - it leaves from both the international and domestic terminals every 20 minutes from first thing in the morning to late at night. There are also shuttle buses available. If arriving by bus, the bus station is located next to the Skytower, ACB is a 5 minute downhill walk. The train station is a 10-minute walk along Queen St, or if you're feeling lazy, buses run the length of Queen St virtually every minute. Catch any bus heading out of town along Queen St. or look out for the red 'City Circuit' bus - it's free!!

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