Wanderlust NZ — Hotel in North Island

While the location is awesome and the price one of the lowest in the Tauranga area, any and all signs requesting to keep volume down (ie quiet hours) and to clean up dirty dishes et al in the communal kitchen were utterly disregarded, particularly by obviously long-term tenants, and never enforced by on-site staff. The kitchen was a complete mess and many dirty pots/pans were left on counter tops for the entirety of my 3-day stay, totally nullifying the "Anyone who leaves dirty dishes will be fined via CC TV!!!" sign that was posted in the kitchen. Staff were clearly not checking in on the behavior of their guests, both short-term and long-term. While staff cannot control the behavior of individuals, it is up to them - especially when renting to people long-term - to take more responsibility for how their tenants are treating their property, similar to a genuine landlord. Having long-term tenants mixed with short-stay people on holiday is not great. There was a blatant lack of respect from the long-term people who considered it "their space" and left their personal belongings everywhere with no regard for new, short term holidaymakers also needing to use communal facilities. Having any guest, long or short-term, leave random personal belongings - including things like filthy muddy shoes in the hallway as well as loads of trash on the dining surfaces - is not OK and it is on the staff to enforce that people pick up after themselves. The rooms were clean and modest, but lacked any and all soundproofing to the inner corridors, making it sound like anyone talking/walking in the halls was literally in the room with you. The word "private" simply means people can't see you in your room, but there is no peace or quiet, especially when the "quiet hours" rules and overly loud volumes are disregarded by guests and never acknowledged by staff. Maybe I just had a bad run of luck when I stayed, but it was definitely...

Had a fantastic stay! Came with 7 friends for a festival & stayed for 3 nights, we missed the check in cut off time but Wanderlust were kind enough to let us check in late. The hostel is tidy, inviting and everyone there was incredibly hospitable from the staff to the other guests. It overlooks the water and most of the common rooms are ocean views :) We stayed in 1x 4 bed dorm with ensuite and 2x 2 bed dorms with ensuite; the twin bed ensuite rooms came with blankets and towels, we paid a little extra for towels and blankets in the 4 bed dorm. All three rooms had a bathroom with toilet, sink, mirror and shower. The rooms were tidy, beds were super comfortable and each room had a fan which was a god send in this heat! You also have the choice to have your room serviced each day. The common areas were really nice, good kitchen, lots of seating, games/books available, TV room and large fridge/freezers for you to store food. Best location as well - right by the water, central to food, shops, pubs and an 8 minute walk to the Tauranga domain where our event was, couldn't ask for better really! Would definitely stay again, everyone was super friendly so making friends was super easy. Very chill atmosphere, thanks for an...

The stay was amazing! The loveliest crew took care of absolutely every wish and problem I had. The people staying there were ultra nice and easy to talk to and since many head to Taupo or Rotorua next, you're bound to find some conpanions if that's the wish. The kitchen is clean (though, renember to bring salt/spices), beds are comfy, bathrooms are pretty clean too and they were never full/I never had to wait. All in all an extremely cozy, homey and lovely stay with a spectacular view over the ocean right from the balcony.

Noteworthy:

I stayed in a mixed 4-bed-room and got very lucky with my people.

No parking on site but there's a pretty decent parking up the road that's free in the evening and on weekends. Got there Friday afternoon, left on Sunday and paid 4 bucks.

There are tons of coffee places, bars and restaurants nearby. Old, historic building, so it's not exactly sound proof, but for me personally that was never an issue. They do have a nightwarden who keeps an eye on things and earplugs at the ready.

Lastly: Every bed (even the upper bunk beds) has two own power outlets.

All in all, I couldn't have been happier!

As soon as I return to NZ, this will be my first stop. Thank you so much...