Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers — Hotel in North Island

Pacific Coast Lodge is a backpacker who try to create a good atmosphere for everyone. Nevertheless the one night I stayed there was not a really good one... I came there bc I read their ad for jobs in the kiwi business at backpackerboard.co.nz. When I arrived they told me I can start work in three days. I became hopeful, but after I talked to some people at my dorm room my hope decreased. One guy told me he was waiting there for already eight days, another girl was waiting for six, although PCL told them they will start work three or four days after their arrival. Today I don't know how long they really waited before they start work, but I kept on traveling the next morning and found a kiwi bud thinning job three days later around Te Puke just through a paper on a door. Besides this job isn't in connection with a backpacker, so I can sleep in my car and the campsite I'm staying at the moment is more then three times cheaper then the PCL.

But now the PCL itselfs: First of all it is just a no-go, to sleep with another nine persons in one room without any window you can open! Really yukky! Nevertheless I have to mention, that the toilets and showers are really clean. Moreover the kitchen has everything and you can chill good at the outside area. I liked also all the photos and paintings on the walls, particularly the one of the pohutukawa tree. But all this positive things you have also in other backpackers, so in my opinion the Pacific Coast Lodge is not a good place to stay. I think the other way to explore New Zealand, to stay and sleep in your own car is the more exiting, more flexible, more backpacker-mood, and cheaper one (not if your car brake down). But this decision has to do...

The hostel itself is not bad at all. It has a couple of little things that could be improved (the main issues for me were a bit low bunks, so you can't sit up if you sleep in the bottom bunk and only one drain for 3 showers, so the water sometimes doesn't go down and you might step into someone's water) but in general I liked it. The kitchen is huge and even with loads of long-terms you will find space for your food. The rooms are quite big and there are huge lockers under the beds (I've had a large suitcase, my room-mates had hiking backpacks and they all fit in the lockers), there is a pingpong table and a lot of common areas. When I arrived, there were maybe 5 forks for the whole hostel but later there more which means that the staff members address to the problems. The location is also good. Not far from town but also quite close to a supermarket. However, I did not like how working and staying in the hostel is handled. It's not the hostel's fault how the contractor communicates (or more to the point doesn't communicate) and I fully understand that they have a policy to charge the card 3 days before your arrival. But if you are going to come to stay there for 3 months, some flexibility would be great. They should double check with the contractor when the job is supposed to start and let workers arrive later if the season is about to start later. We arrived early as this first payment is non refundable and taken automatically, had to wait for a very long time and finally most of us have found different jobs as it took way too long. In short, I would recommend the hostel itself but wouldn't recommend working with the contractor who has a partnership...

Hello everyone! I want to take a moment to thank you all for sharing your time and experiences with me during my stay at this lovely hostel. It has been a true pleasure to be here, surrounded by such a welcoming and warm atmosphere. From the moment I walked through the door, I felt at home.I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team that makes this place so special: Mai, Eimi, Roci, Tami, Meli, and everyone else who has contributed to making my stay unforgettable. Your kindness and dedication have made a difference to me.As I bid farewell to this beautiful sanctuary, I carry with me precious memories and new friendships that I will cherish. I know that life takes us on different paths, but I will always fondly remember the moments shared here.I wish you all the best in your future adventures and challenges. May you continue to light up this place with your warmth and hospitality, providing every traveler who arrives here with an unforgettable experience.Until we meet again, dear hostel! May our paths cross again...