Oamaru Backpackers — Hotel in South Island

Reviews aren't helpful if you're only asked what was good. So here's the rest. Turing up in the afternoon laden with luggage you are instructed to read a mammoth email, download some app you don't want, follow unclear further instruction on how to open the door for which you need both hands so don't be carrying anything! It was so stressful, and it's the only hostel I've been to where there was nobody on site to greet /check you in. And heaven forbid you stay one minute after 10am because you'll be charged! The whole experience smacked of "we'll take your money but you take care of yourself." It was clear the owners had other priorities, and they do - a local restaurant. It was weird though because it was the height of the season, and the place could accommodate about 30 people but there was only 4 of us? I slept terribly, as was woken at 4am by owners thumping around upstairs, followed at 5am by horrible smell of cooking oil (presumably their breakfast). In the communal kitchen you are ordered to keep place tidy (of course, but it was the way it was worded) yet there are no tea towels provided. Like most places they are kind enough to supply tea /coffee/cereal, but there's no milk. I just didn't feel like a looked after guest like I have everywhere else. And as yet nobody has mentioned the big processing plant out...

We came across the Oamaru backpackers on our way back from Arrowtown a couple of months ago. Having done many years of traveling myself and spent many years in the hospitality trade, i would rate this as one of the best backpackers i have stayed in both for its quality of rooms and bedding, its cleanliness and for the wonderful customer service we have received in the now 4 times we have stayed there in the last couple of months - i just love Oamaru and keep going back for more! Phil and Sally, the owners, are incredibly helpful, friendly, hospitable and genuine people that have really made us feel welcome every time, to the point where i now feel like it's home! Its location to town is fantastic and the views are amazing from the lounge, kitchen and some of the bedrooms. The place always looks immaculately tidy and clean which the owners certainly can pride themselves in. I would highly recommend this as a stop over, a long stay or a worthwhile...

I stayed in Oamaru for a day to see the blue penguins and had a room here. Especially considering the cheap price, I was pleasantly surprised with how positive of an experience it was. The family that owns and operates it is very kind, accommodating, and welcoming. The rooms have just been redesigned quite nicely - some of sweeping ocean views and private sinks (don't even have to leave the room to brush your teeth!)

The kitchen is very spacious, there's tons of condiments - most places i stayed at in NZ don't even have black pepper! The continental breakfast is a pretty nice bonus, but not as much as the garden in the back where you can pick fresh veggies to eat.

They recycle and compost and the common areas are clean and updated. Wifi connection is pretty good and it's a 4 minute walk from the brewery and center of town, even walking distance to the penguins.

I had a fantastic stay here and would recommend without hesitation to anyone...