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Rotorua Downtown Backpackers

2.0 star property
Discover Rotorua's rich Maori heritage from this central spot where staff assists with local tickets and outdoor barbecues make evenings memorable

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Rotorua Downtown Backpackers is ideal for exploring the city's culture, steps from Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre. Enjoy amenities like a library, on-site laundry, and a terrace. Multilingual staff offer local tips.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
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About the area

Located in Inner City, a neighbourhood in Rotorua, Rotorua Downtown Backpackers is near the airport and on a lake. Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and Tamaki Maori Village are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Rotorua Night Market. Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre is another place to visit that comes recommended. Visit our Rotorua travel guide
View more Hostels in Rotorua
Map
1193 Fenton Street, Rotorua, 3010

What's nearby

  • Tamaki Maori Village
    Tamaki Maori Village
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Eat Street
    Eat Street
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Polynesian Spa
    Polynesian Spa
    6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Rotorua Night Market
    3 min walk - 0.3 km

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    13 min drive

Restaurants

  • Poco.
    4 min walk
  • Aroma Cafe
    3 min walk
  • Pig & Whistle
    3 min walk
  • Starbucks Rotorua
    5 min walk
  • Fat Dog Cafe & Bar
    4 min walk

About this property

Rotorua Downtown Backpackers

Hostel near Tamaki Maori Village
Located close to Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre, Rotorua Downtown Backpackers provides a terrace, a library and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Self-parking (surcharge), a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and express check-out
  • Luggage storage, coffee/tea in reception and tour/ticket information
  • Multilingual staff, barbecues and a TV in reception
Room features
All guest rooms at Rotorua Downtown Backpackers offer amenities, such as free WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and ceiling fans
  • Shared bathrooms with showers
  • Communal kitchens, full-sized fridge/freezers and microwaves

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Parking on site (NZD 8 per day)
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Renovated entire property - April 2015
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Microwave
  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

This property is closed from 3 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 (dates subject to change).

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Self-parking fee: NZD 8 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

Property is also known as

Rotorua Downtown Backpackers Hostel
Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Rotorua Downtown Backpackers
Rotorua Downtown Backpackers Rotorua
Backpackers Hostel
Backpackers
Rotorua Backpackers Hostel
Rotorua Backpackers Rotorua
Rotorua Downtown Backpackers Rotorua
Rotorua Downtown Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Is Rotorua Downtown Backpackers pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Rotorua Downtown Backpackers?

Self-parking is available for NZD 8 per day. There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at Rotorua Downtown Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Rotorua Downtown Backpackers?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Does Rotorua Downtown Backpackers provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Where is Rotorua Downtown Backpackers located?

Located in Inner City, this hostel is steps away from Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre and Tamaki Maori Village. Rotorua Night Market is just steps away.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Rotorua Downtown Backpackers Reviews

7.4

Good

7.6

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

8.4

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 100 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 47 out of 100 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 100 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 100 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 100 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good hostel in town

Conveniently located opposite the I-site where the bus stops at. Friendly staff. Cheap dorm room. Youthful crowd with a few long termers. Wifi is only available in the lounge area. Wifi was spotty at times but worked well. Good fully stocked kitchen. Free coffee and tea. The bathroom is not lit very well and the door on the male bathrooms was broken off, but I'm sure it will be fixed soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good

Clean hostel and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ting Ting

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay

Nice and helpful staff Warm and clean room :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean place and friendly staff. Good location right in town.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Value

It was overall a very nice place for the money. I think the showers and bedding were clean and overall the place was maintained well, with little noise at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jacek

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Hotel na jedną noc

Hotel dobry na jedną noc w czasie podróży po Nowej Zelandii. Usytuowany w centrum Rotorua, niezbyt daleko od źródeł termalnych i gejzerów. Czysto i w miarę wygodnie. Wspólne sanitariaty. Dostępna kuchnia.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Ooosa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very kind, the room was changed by we need.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
더블룸에 묵었는데 매우 만족합니다. 타월과 샴푸, 비누 등도 놓여져 있었습니다. 다만, 벽에 옷을 걸 수 있는 공간과 거울이 없어 아쉬웠습니다.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very value for money, with clean sheets and a clean bathroom. Hostel was super popular but everyone was quiet and polite, even while using the shared kitchen, things were left clean and tidy.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kaybix Holdings

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Smack in the city
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were helpful and friendly,the room was comfortable and had a nice view and the location was convenient
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A Decent Hostel

Our stay was decent. Sevice was ok but tours needed to be booked with Peterpan Adventure Travel down the street instead of directly through the hostel.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
호스텔 자체는 위치도 좋고 나쁘지 않으나 8시 넘으면 짐보관이나 숙소에 있을려면 10달러를 내여한다고 해서 남에게 추천하지는 못할거 같다
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Alicia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
地點真的非常棒！尤其適合利用intercity 移動的旅客。員工很親切，廁所和廚房也都有整理，很乾淨。房間安靜且乾淨。但是床太軟了，翻身就會聽到聲音。
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

castillo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

O top !

Superbe auberge de jeunesse vivante mais avec un confort semi hôtelier. Bref o top !
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Anonymous

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
While the location is awesome and staff friendly this place was the worst hoatel we stayed at on our trip. Private room with bunk beds was sweltering hot with no AC or windows. Just a small fan that blew the hot air around. The wifi never worked for us. The room had no outlets to charge our phones. Bathrooms were filthy and the showers had no temperature control. Patchy and terrible signa of maintenance arouns the place like half patched holes in walls and moulding glue in showers. Fridge was so full with peoples food we had no room for our small cooler so didnt bother. The beds were so uncomfortable. Parking was free on the street from 5pm to 9am which worked out for us. Glad we only stayed one night.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location second to none. Price amazing easy to book activities from reception. Lively atmosphere of hostel coupled with central location easy social.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This hostel was very nice. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The room was a little warm with no aircon but not too bad. Overall it was a clean and convenient place. I would recommend it for anyone staying in Rotorua.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Karen at reception was wonderful and friendly. The place was clean and tidy, I was happy to stay there. Showers could use a small shelf or something to put soaps on when showering.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

wai king

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good hostel

Everything are good. Except the kitcken is too small !
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Cynthia

Liked: Staff & service

Should've shelled out more money for a better plac

Stayed in the 12 bed shared room ensuite. Shower needed some demolding. Also, a lock on the bathroom door would be nice. Or at least a sign hanging on the door that we can flip saying "occupied" because inevitably, somebody just opens the door without knocking. I was on a top bunk which was uncomfortable solely because it was rather close to the ceiling. An 11 year old couldn't sit up without hitting their head. Also, there aren't railings on one side so if you move a lot in your sleep, the probability of falling out is very real and would be very dangerous. Also got bit by something in the bed and it's still itchy a week later. Earplugs are a must. And an extra sweater or blanket if you are easily chilled. BUT, the people are nice. The staff are nice. The kitchen is convenient. And check in and check out is easy. It's also super close to the i-site which makes traveling via Intercity bus easy.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Bikky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Close to everything. Friendly atmosphere. Very clean, including kitchen area.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Okay for one night

Stayed here only one night. Bed uncomfortable, unpleasent smell in the room. Also no windows in the room (except small skylight), so we weren't able to to air the room. Fridge so small, barely room for our couple things. No lighting in men's toilet area.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great find. Comfy space, provided towels and toiletries. Quiet as well. Toilet had hairdryers. Well equipped space. Friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

wong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Comfy room

Overall is prefect. Nice room for 2. Good location near to night market
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018