Burkes Lodge & Backpackers

Burke's Backpackers is a quiet and laid back hostel comprised of two long buildings, one of which has two floors. Each of the rooms opens out into a common courtyard, which is a great grassy area for sunning or reading. There's a patio at one end of the building with a pay/card phone, a picnic table, and a small spa pool.

The rooms are of reasonable size, but drab looking due to lack of color: off-white cement walls and aluminum framed windows and doors. The bed and bunk frames are simple wooden boxes, but don't let their appearance fool you -- they are really comfortable, especially if you like firm mattresses. The only odd thing is that each bunk section has four beds in it. Be prepared to sleep toe-to-toe, or head-to-head, or head-to-toe with another. Kitchenettes in the dorm/share rooms are non-functional; everyone uses the main communal kitchen facilities.

There are wall-mounted room heaters that you turn on and off with a pull string. The only downside is that if you need the heater on to warm up in bed you'll have to get out of bed to turn it off (timer switches would be a blessing!). The rooms, with their sliding glass doors, don't hold heat well, so that could be a problem if you're there in the winter or are uncomfortable with cold.

A toilet, sink, and shower are shared between adjoining rooms. They're clean and in great shape, but sharing a single bathroom with eight to ten other people if the rooms are fully booked can be a drag. There's another toilet and sink located in the TV room which opens at 7:30 am if you're desperate!

The kitchen is big with room enough for three cooks at once if necessary. The eating area is cafeteria style seating with a bunch of small tables rather than the ranch style long table and benches that many backpacker hostels have. The TV room also has a billiard table, and there's a coin-operated washer and dryer out back.

The manager lives on the second floor above the reception office and keeps a tight watch over noise and rowdiness. If you're a party animal, be sure to take your party into town and keep it there until after you're partied out.

The hostel is very conveniently located near the bus terminal. Look for the red "Carpet Court" sign, which will put you pointed in the right direction. (Carpet Court is at the corner of Ruapehu and Spa Road.) Walk along Paori Hapi Street then hang left toward Spa Road. At the car dealership turn right and you'll see the sign for Burke's on the right, about a half block up, just past the AVIS car rental office. Spa Road goes up at an incline, so if you're carrying a lot you'll be happy to see the sign so nearby.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review