Rongo Backpackers & Gallery

Rongo Backpackers is placed in the wonderful setting of the Westcoast. Karamea can be reached from Westport by bus or car or by walking the Heaphy Track. Rongo Backpackers is basically run by volunteers and this adds to the atmosphere. It truly is a very special place and not only a backpacker but also an artist retreat. So there is a high chance to meet local or even international artists of all kinds.

The building used to be a maternal hospital and has been painted in the colours of the rainbow. A beautiful garden surrounds the building. A firebath is situated in the garden -- it can be used free of charge. Inside there are plenty of artworks, paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The common area is spacious and coy and invites travelers to meet fellow travelers. There is no television but they do have a large book selection, games, chess board, piano, broadband internet, and a card phone. The fees are donation-based.

The kitchen is very well equipped, including a bread-baking machine. Tea and coffee are provided. The building is partly run by solar panel energy. There are two showers and three toilets -- bathroom facilities are generally clean. Washing machine and dryer can be used. The hostel has one dorm with four bunk beds, one shared mixed dorm with twelve bunk beds, and three twin rooms. Pillows and bedsheets are provided but no duvets.

The hostel has its own community radio station and guests are welcome to do their own radio show. They offer off-street parking and pickup from the Heaphy Track. A supermarket and post office are only five hundred meters away.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2007