HI - YHA Whitianga - On the Beach Backpackers - Coromandel Hostel is member of the YHA so don't forget your membership card. It is easy to find, and especially convenient if you are motorized -- being located right by the sea front. However, it is not a big place, so book ahead in summer. You'll have no problem finding a bed in winter though, and it will be cheaper off-season too.
The Location
This hostel is a good fifteen minutes' walk form town centre, but it's located right on the beach with great sea views from the first floor dorms or the ground floor self-contained units. The town centre has a little supermarket, bakeries, cafes, outdoor shops, as well as a large supermarket and petrol station by the entrance of town. The hostel has a few off-street parking spaces.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The On The Beach Hostel has dorm rooms with bunk beds and the usual shared bathrooms, but it can also rent you some very comfortable little apartments with TV, kitchenette, bathroom, and private bedrooms. Towels and soap provided too, as well as complimentary coffee tea, sugar, and milk! These are a very good deal, especially in the winter when the prices are lower but the weather is still mild in Whitianga.
Common Spaces
There is free table-tennis, free kayaks, and bikes for hire. Plenty of brochures and advice available from reception too. In front of the hostel, across the road, is a large lawn area, and then of course, there is also the beach!
Summary
This is really a superbly located hostel, with some very comfy self-contained apartments. The owner is very friendly and helpful.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
June 2008