Wilderness Backpackers

Wilderness Backpackers is nice but not memorable. Half of the building is a motel and the other half is a hostel, and the two share a computer room and a pay phone. The perks of this setup are that the hostel is very clean, and the bathrooms are quite nice, but the drawback is that the atmosphere is of a motel throughout. Wilderness Backpackers does not feel young or hip, nor does it feel like a cozy bed and breakfast. The owner is very friendly, but he is clearly running a business rather than welcoming visitors into his home.

That isn't to say that this hostel isn't a good place to spend your time. At the center of the backpacker part of the building there is a gorgeous game room, lined with wood and plants and framed by large windows, with various board games spread engagingly over several tables. The kitchen is small but extremely well-stocked, complete with an extensive collection of spices, salad, and cooking oil (a vital basic!) and all possible implements, including even wine glasses.

The rooms are nice with bright colored linens and a little more room than the average backpacker provides. Most dorm rooms have five beds, two bunks and a twin with a bit of welcome space between them. The mattresses are comfortable, although not amazing.

There are only two toilets and two showers, which can lead to hold-ups even in the slow winter season -- aim to shower at an off-peak time to avoid a wait. The bathrooms themselves are quite nice, but watch out for the timer-run lights in the shower -- the unwitting backpacker could panic when plunged into sudden darkness from the comfort of his steaming shower (the water pressure is excellent), but you will know that a quick press of the light switch remedies the situation.

Overall, the hostel is clean and comfortable, with nice facilities. Its failure to impress comes from a motel-tinted atmosphere and unfortunate location -- Haast isn't exactly a happening town. While it works for a stopover, be warned that Haast has no bank (and the hostel only accepts cash, so come prepared) and boasts only a small, extremely overpriced grocery with limited hours, and very few good dining options.

Bring food and plan to stay just long enough to get a good night's sleep (and maybe play a round of Chinese checkers) and this hostel will be just what you're looking for. If you're hoping for a little more fun or New Zealand authenticity, look elsewhere.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2006