Birdsong Backpackers

The Location

Birdsong Backpackers is located two kilometers north from Hokitika. Along the highway, it is very easy to locate if you are going by car, and it has a lot of space for free parking right outside the hostel. It is located in front of the ocean, so you will get some great views. And there is a glowworm cave really close to it that you can walk to -- but it is recommended that you ask the staff to lend you a flashlight, since it is quite dark.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are quite clean, but as in every hostel it might be upon your roommates. Rooms are cleaned everyday, and all of them have amazing views either to the ocean or to the gardens of the hostel. The bathrooms are next to the kitchen and there is only one to share on the first floor, so they can be a bit crowded.

Common Spaces

The place has a really nice kitchen and lounge, which are together with a great fireplace and amazing views to the ocean. You will find everything you need. The lounge has different table games that you can borrow at anytime, as well as a book exchange shelf. Right next to the kitchen there is a deck, where most of the people go out for a smoke. There are a few computers operated by coins that you can use at any time. The hostel it is quite small -- it can accommodate about twenty people, so it does not get overcrowded. There is a hot tub under the stars that the guests can use.

Summary

This hostel is a great place to stay as long as you have a car, since it is located two kilometers away from the city, but that is all compensated by the great views of the ocean that you have just across the highway. Also the staff are extremely helpful, and they have a great knowledge about the area and can recommend places to visit around that would be of great interest -- if you are not a local you might miss out on them. If you are arriving late let the staff know so they can leave the keys outside for you.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2008