Ariki Backpackers — Hotel in North Island

I recently stayed at this hostel and it was an excellent experience. The hostel is located about 70m from the Intercity bus stop on Ariki Street. Across the street is the I-Site with all local tourist information. ||The hostel was clean and tidy, if a little dated and well-worn. There was a large outdoor terrace area on the roof space which was nice in the sunshine. Dorm rooms were if a reasonable size with ensuite bathrooms. The TV lounge featured a sizeable collection of DVDs and videos. ||Whilst I was staying my dorm had an a/c unit fitted which improved it greatly as it got hot at night. Free towels are also provided. A laundry room was also available and cheap to use. ||One slight downside, although not the fault of the hostel, was the shared fire alarm system with the restaurants downstairs. Several times during my stay the alarm had everyone out on the street. I presume the kitchens activated them, thankfully not in the early hours of the morning!||Overall a great stay and...

Not the fanciest backpackers, but definitely recommend them. We like the cozy friendly vibes plus its convenience. Very strategic location, town center main shops just a street behind & facing front beach, less than a minute walk to intercity busy stop, the modern library & museum. Even the shuttle service to Mt Taranaki pick up right in front of the accommodation. All staff are friendly and reception takes time sharing local activities information, had a pleasant check-in experience and our 4nights stays. Liked that a shared dorm has an ensuite, laundry is free ($1 for powder $2 for dryer), facilities are clean, so real value for money. The downside is the late night noise from bars nearby (could be mainly due to festive holidays season). Another thing I wish for is a bulkier pillow or gives 2 if they were too flat. Anyway still happy to give a 5stars for overall enjoyable experience. Staff attitude and the enthusiasm at...

This hostel is by far one of the most friendly hostel I have stayed in and I'm traveller of 3 years so this is saying something. The building it old, but it make the experience authentic and cosy. My company booked us here for a 2 week work trip and with it bein central location it made it easy and convenient to everything we needed including being a 2 min walk to the Beach. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our stay was good as it could be and the Manager and did everything he could to accommodate our stay and make sure we was happy throughout our stay. We are a group of 13 in total and the staff have been very good to all of us where as most places take a instant disliking to big groups staying in hostels but here is different to that and Ariki backpacker welcomes everyone in a friendly mannor. 10 out of 10 for this place and thanks for having us we...