The Hostelz.com Review
Taupo Central Backpackers is located right in the middle of the city and is just a stone's throw away from the huge Lake Taupo. There are numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and other amenities close by.
The hostel itself is rather tatty and could seriously do with some redecorating. There are areas of corridor with no carpet - just bare concrete and the dorms are quite shabby too. All of the dorms have an ensuite bathroom. There is a lack of decent communal areas. The kitchen is tiny and there is no lounge area or TV room. There is however, a bar on the top floor and there are numerous other entertainment options nearby.
The reception area has relatively limited opening hours - if you are arriving later than late evening or leaving early in the morning, there may be problems checking in/out. Make arrangements to get your key deposit back the night before if you want to leave early. The front desk will help with booking local attractions, e.g skydiving (Taupo is the cheapest place to do it in NZ), or visits to nearby Tongariro National Park (where many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed). Because of its central location, the hostel is easy to get to. If arriving by coach, the coach stop is just a short walk away.
The hostel itself is rather tatty and could seriously do with some redecorating. There are areas of corridor with no carpet - just bare concrete and the dorms are quite shabby too. All of the dorms have an ensuite bathroom. There is a lack of decent communal areas. The kitchen is tiny and there is no lounge area or TV room. There is however, a bar on the top floor and there are numerous other entertainment options nearby.
The reception area has relatively limited opening hours - if you are arriving later than late evening or leaving early in the morning, there may be problems checking in/out. Make arrangements to get your key deposit back the night before if you want to leave early. The front desk will help with booking local attractions, e.g skydiving (Taupo is the cheapest place to do it in NZ), or visits to nearby Tongariro National Park (where many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed). Because of its central location, the hostel is easy to get to. If arriving by coach, the coach stop is just a short walk away.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2004
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Base Taupo Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Average this hostel isn't made to suit the elderly. it needs to be improved. — hotnotbutshort , london (2008-12-02) Clean, friendly, awesome bar when I arrived at Base Taupo, I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent service of the girl at reception, the hostel itself was very clean. My room was bigger than I expected and was even equipped with its own balcony! I had an amazing night at element bar and I couldn't even hear any music when I went to bed, which is a surprise. I will recommend this hostel to anyone and will be back soon. — Matt , English (2008-04-26) DUMP! The only positive is the location, right in the center of town. But this place is filthy, beds are some of the worst I've encountered (so bad that one girl in the dorm pulled her mattress off the squeaky, saggy bed and laid it on the floor), en-suite bathrooms seem like they haven't been cleaned since last century, and don't get me started on the rest of the facilities. Didn't help that one girl in the dorm showed up drunk with a random guy at 3:30am and started going at it on the bunk below me. Fun stuff. For heaven's sake, avoid! — Sarah (2006-07-09) This is be far the worst hostel we have seen in NZ. The rooms are dirty and antiquated. The kitchen is a joke and is directly attached to the bar. If you want a nice affordable room in a friendly hostel, head across the road to Go Global. — Clarkie (2006-01-01) This is the worst place I have ever stayed. I found it to be noisy and dirty. — Martin Brash (2005-11-15) We had the BEST time in this backpackers. Not only were the staff friendly but they welcomed us with open arms and made us even jump out of a plane!! When we came back from jumping, the manager bought us shots and even let us play our DVD on the big screen. The place has character and if you're looking for a place to rest your head and have good time at, then this is the PLACE!! You're living out of a suitcase... you can't be picky all the time. — Brewster and Anne (2005-10-23) This is the perfect place to be if you want a night on the town and just need somewhere to lay your head for a couple of hours. It's all you need, and the bar is awesome if you're with your mates. — Ryan (2005-08-15) Dirty and very worn out. My bed had many broken springs and I ended up sleeping on the floor. I was quite scared, too, when the manager got very drunk or drugged and punched another man and was taken away by the police. I chose this place because Lonely Planet said it is maybe good but it is a old book. Don't go there ever. — Jesper (2005-02-02) DUMP! This place should be closed by the health department. AVOID at ALL COST. — Kev (2005-01-10) This hostel isn't made to suit the elderly or people who don't want to have any fun while they are on holiday. It's aimed at people who want a fun time out and just want to get laid and have somewhere cheap to lay their head at the end of the night. If you're looking for luxury, get a five-star motel. Party on. — Anonymous (2004-12-23) This is by far the best hostel I have stayed in for the price. The staff were excellent and extremely helpful. All the rooms are clean and beds are already made, and are quite comfortable. Make sure you check out the bar!! It has the best views of Taupo!! — Anonymous (2004-11-09) This is the worst backpackers I have ever stayed at and I don't recommend it to anyone. I rate it like a "pa" [a New Zealand fortified settlement] and rate a "pa" like a dog kennel. — Anonymous (2004-10-14) This hostel is not good. The rooms are really shabby and not very comfortable. — Anonymous (2004-07-21)