Tombstone Backpackers

The aptly named Tombstone Backpackers, situated next to Picton Cemetery on Gravesend Road, is the perfect home for your first or last resting place in South Island. It's away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre but only five minutes' walk to the shops and ten to fifteen minutes' walk from the Inter Islander ferry terminal and the nearest hostel to the Blue Bridge Ferry. The hostel has a free courtesy pick up from the Ferry terminals.

The accommodation ranges from a couple of eight-bed of dorm rooms to the luxury en-suite doubles. The dorm rooms, although quite small, have hangers, fluffy warm duvets, two pillows, and extra luxurious mattresses. The bunks are a far ghostly howl from those wobbly metal bunks seen far too often in hostels. The only real downside to the hostel is the size of the dorm rooms -- there is very little storage space and no lockers but being away from the main drag security isn't a problem. There were no sightings of ghosts during our stay either. The bathrooms are immaculate and spacious, with three toilets and showers per block -- an ample amount to cater for everyone. Small hand towels and soap are provided in the bathrooms.

To ensure the guests are not dead bored in the evenings, there is a pool table and exercise bike as well a comfortable lounge to book swap or read the latest trash magazine. In addition, a quaint TV room supports a big plasma screen with SKY channels, a great area for relaxing after a hard days' tramp. Tombstone also offers an outside BBQ area complete with the owner's chirpy little birds. It also offers coin-operated internet access. The dinning area is spacious with a small TV for those that want to watch whilst eating. The kitchen is extremely well equipped, with two fridges and free tea and coffee throughout the day. A free, help-yourself breakfast of cereal and toast is provided in the mornings. Party animals may find the hostel a little lifeless, but it is not aimed for the tour bus crowds. For the more mature traveler this place is dead good, winning first prize for the most imaginative entrance -- a coffin door.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review