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Wanaka Bakpaka

Wanaka

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Address
117 Lakeside Road, Wanaka South Island, New Zealand   Map
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Location/Contact
Details
Wanaka Bakpaka Online Booking
Arrival Date:   Nights:  People: 
Their Description

Features

  • Kitchen
 
The Hostelz.com Review
This hostel has a fantastic location, with amazing views of the lake. Unfortunately, during our particular stay they had managed to double book our room (which was a double) even though we had booked in October and sent a confirmation email the day before. Not a good first impression.

The hostel has a strange layout, in that you have to walk through the kitchen and laundry to get to some of the bedrooms, but the facilities are all good. The kitchen is large and well-stocked. And the lounge areas are excellent, with loads of sitting and eating areas with amazing views. There is also one internet outlet.

The rooms, toilets, showers, and kitchen were all very clean. And here's a lot of outdoor seating space which is nice in the warm weather.

Overall, this is a more than adequate hostel, but the vibe is quite down-tempo, and it isn't overly social. Of course, this has to do with the guests more than the hostel though! It's a nice place to stay for a night or two, but if staying longer it may be worth checking out somewhere else.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2005


Ratings & Comments

3.9 Average from 7 Ratings

This is an open forum, and unlike other hostel guide websites we don't censor out the negative comments.
We can't validate the legitimacy of comments posted on this site—so take what you read here with a grain of salt.
Comment by Phil, NZ
September 2009
1 Told one thing, charged another
Would not recommend. Got charged for three nights despite being told two nights. They admitted fault and still wouldn't refund me! I stayed at this place in August. I had a four-night reservation for me and my girlfriend. We were held up on the Lindis pass with a near fatal traffic accident. We could not arrive the first night, as we were turned back by police. We arrived and stayed the second night. The girl at front desk when we arrived was very friendly and helpful. My family ended up organising other accommodation for the next two nights, so I discussed our options with the same friendly girl on duty. She agreed to charge us two nights. I thought this was great and was left feeling pretty happy. Later I noticed a third night had been charged on my credit card. It was snuck in about a week later -- with no phone call or anything. I called and queried it and spoke with the owners. They admitted the girl told me only two nights would be charged, but said she wasn't authorised to tell me that, and that their policy was different. After much debate, they admitted fault of the girl, but wouldn't refund the $56 for one nights stay despite openly admitting that one of their front desk staff members told me I would only be charged for two nights. It is not a lot of money, but left a very bad taste about this "Bakpakas" and I wouldn't recommend anyone who tells you one thing and charges another.
Comment by William, New Zealand
November 2007
5 Much improved
Been almost two years since we last visited Wanaka Bakpaka. The place has improved dramatically under new ownership. Rooms are nice and clean, view is one of the best around. Brand new kitchen was a huge plus and the best I've ever seen in any hostel. The location, facilities, Wanaka township, and the view are why we keep coming back year after year. Friendly staff help too.
Comment by Fap
February 2007
5 The rooms are really good and the kitchen and the common area are on average, but they have the nicest staff I have ever met. Absolutely helpful in things, they usually do not have to do -- like looking for a bed for you in the whole area, because whole Wanaka is booked out -- that is absolutely fantastic.
Comment by Nimo
October 2005
5 Excellent hotel with a great inner yard. Nice modern kitchen, great lounge and dining room, magnificent lake views and cozy rooms.
Comment by Lydia
December 2004
3 This was a good hostel, really nice and cozy, but I think I was just here at the wrong time (May 2004). I didn't meet any fun people; they were all couples or old or just weird. But that's okay. It's a lovely place and the rooms were nice and clean.
Comment by Jo and Steve
August 2004
3 Nice place, with a friendly atmosphere and nice communal areas. The kitchen was really busy and there was no room to put your food anywhere. The room was nice, but you have to pay extra for duvets, etc., which is a bit stingy in the middle of winter!
Comment by Anonymous
July 2004
5 Great homey feel in the large parlor. There was a warm fire and great views, nice people, a well-stocked kitchen, and hot showers. Very clean. All around, a good experience!
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