Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

4.0 star property
City-center hostel in Turangi

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

Front of property
Full-size fridge, microwave, stovetop, toaster
Lounge
Outdoor dining
Down comforters, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Reviews

8.8 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Ski facilities
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Non-smoking
  • Free parking
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free WiFi
Main amenities
  • Outdoor pool access
  • Ski storage
  • 35 meeting rooms
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Garden
  • Computer station
  • Lobby fireplace
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Conference space
  • Barbecue grills
Feel at home
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Separate dining area
  • Separate sitting area
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Laundry facilities

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

Deluxe Room, 2 Twin Beds, Non Smoking, Ensuite

Highlights

Yard
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Bed in 8 - Bed mix dorm Room 4

Highlights

Yard
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Bed in 4 - Bed Female Only Dorm Room 10

Highlights

Yard
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

Bed in 4 - Bed Mix dorm Room 5

Highlights

Yard
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Yard
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Premium Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Ensuite

Highlights

Yard
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Smart TV
Premium bedding
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Yard
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi, 3334

What's nearby

  • Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre - 4 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Tokaanu Thermal Pools - 5 min drive - 6.3 km
  • River Vineyard - 5 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Lake Taupo - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing - 18 min drive - 24.9 km

Getting around

  • Taupo (TUO) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Bakehouse Cafe and Roasts - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Hydro Eatery - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Licorice Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Thyme For Food - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Turangi Bakery & Coffee Shop - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel puts you within a 10-minute drive of Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo. Free self parking is an added perk, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Languages

English

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 17 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
  • Contactless check-in available
  • Express check-in/out available
  • Early check-in subject to availability
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Check-out time is 10 AM
  • Contactless check-out available
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions.

Special check-in instructions

  • The property charges 1.7 percent for credit card payments
  • Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
  • If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

  • Pets not allowed
  • Service animals welcome

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas

Parking

  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free uncovered onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site

Other information

  • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Barbecue grills
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Traveling with children

  • Children's games
  • Fireplace gate

What to do

  • Rock climbing
  • Bicycle tour information
  • Access to nearby outdoor pool
  • Access to nearby indoor pool
  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Golf lessons nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Downhill skiing nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Working away

  • 35 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference space (25 square feet)

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Bike storage
  • Golf caddy on site
  • Golf cart on site
  • Ski storage

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in common areas
  • Adjacent to a golf course
  • Bicycle parking
  • Lockers available

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • DVD player
  • 75-inch Smart TV
  • Digital TV channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Home comfort

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Down comforter
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Yard
  • Fireplace
  • Separate dining area
  • Separate sitting area

Freshen up

  • Shower only
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Free weekday newspapers
  • Electrical adapters/chargers

Food and drink

  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop
  • Rice cooker
  • Toaster oven
  • Cookware, dishes, and utensils
  • Blender

More

  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Local maps
  • Restaurant dining guide
  • Cleaning supplies

Special features

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 1.7 percent

Renovations and closures

This property is closed from January 14 2025 to January 25 2025 (dates subject to change).

Parking

  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
Long-term renters welcome.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Cashless transactions are available.
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.

Also known as

Extreme Backpackers Hostel Turangi
Extreme Backpackers Hostel
Extreme Backpackers Turangi
Extreme Backpackers
Tongariro River Retreat
Golden Fern Backpackers
Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel Turangi
Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Is Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel currently open?
This property is closed from January 14 2025 to January 25 2025 (dates subject to change).
Does Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-in and check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as rock climbing. Additional recreation nearby includes hot springs and hunting. Enjoy amenities like a garden and access to a nearby outdoor pool.
Does Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a yard.
What's the area around Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel like?
Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel puts you in the heart of Turangi. Popular attractions include Tongariro National Park, which is 6 minutes away by car.

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

I thoroughly enjoyed staying here. I saw a sign at the door to please call or text when you arrive. I arrived a little early so I didn’t know if a room would be ready. I texted and Ian responded very quickly letting me know that my room was ready and letting me know which room was mine. I paid for a simple bed sharing a room and was pleasantly surprised that I had been upgraded to a double bed and bunk beds in the same room with no one else sharing with me that evening. I asked what he recommended to do and was pleased with his suggestions. I found this place to be very relaxing and I met lots of friendly folks also traveling while enjoying a fire in living room watching movies for many hours feeling cozy. Other folks were playing games in the adjacent room and some folks were cooking in the shared kitchen. I felt welcomed and at home. I slept like a baby in the very comfortable double bed instead of the bunk bed that I paid for and planned on sleeping in. There’s a washer and dryer available for anyone who needs to use it. Ian also offered coffee or tea with the condiments. I’ve never had anyone offer this for the small price I paid to stay in a hostel. I played with Candy short for Candice the adorable dog and Jerry the cute kitty since I love animals. I definitely recommend staying here when in Turangi. You can’t beat the price for the hospitality that you receive. Thank you!
Suzanna, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Room was appropriate for the price, I would normally expect tea, coffee and milk but supplies were very low
Brett, 3-night business trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Well people was helpful and it was nice place to stay
Stephen, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

2/10 Poor

I used Expedia to book the advertised price. Sometime later I was contacted by Tongariro River Retreat to say that the advertised price was a mistake and was not available. I cancelled by booking
Chris, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Classic kiwi hostel, has everything you'd need. Friendly staff
David, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

お宿のおじさんはフレンドリーでとても親切でした。到着が遅れたのですが、心配しつつ待っていてくれました。部屋がおっさん臭かったです(笑)タオルもなく、共同シャワールームに置いてあったのですが、使っていいのか?誰かが使った後か?全くわからなかったです。安い宿と割り切って泊まるにはいいかと思います。
1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly and helpful host, nice and clean accommodation and a lot to do nearby
Lina Christina, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Parking is an issue other wise it’s a great place
Tony, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Was here few years ago and it's not what i remembered. Run down and cluttery.
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

The owner mananger person was friendly and keeping an eye on things daily
Nganeko, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great Hostel experience. Lots of food and shopping options available very close. Friendly staff and guests.
Jonathan, 1-night family trip
Verified Wotif guest review

6/10 Good

It was adequate but everything was old and tired. The doors to the bathroom and my dorm room would not stay closed unless it was locked.
Kelly, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

bit untidy and messy but staff were nice
paul, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very Good

Lisa, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The attendant is so good, I think his the owner,sorry I did not get his name,he is very accomodating and granted us with our request.
Nina Gia, 1-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review

6/10 Good

Hostel Manager was very friendly, would have picked us up if we would have been stuck at the Tongariro crossing (we were without a car) close to the intercity bus stop
Aylin, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Wotif guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Hanz, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

Donald, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

2/10 Poor

Frederik, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

2/10 Poor

Dirty beds, creepy owner, cobwebbed rooms.
Highly disturbing, unclean, uncomfortable and somewhat strange. The entrance is locked/not easily findable after dark. There was a man sitting in the shadows that saw us lost and advised us to use a back entrance to ‘get in’. The owner suggested he called us as we were late (expedia check in says until 10pm, we arrived at 9pm and didnt receive a call either). The kitchen was nothing like the pictures - it was cluttered and filthy with empty food cans all over the place when we arrived. Our room was even worse - it was cluttered with a folding bed, the sheets had body hairs all over them, we saw spider webs along the ceiling and the window looked like it hadn't been washed in its life - it was disgusting. The room had a stuffy undesirable stench to it too. There are no sockets near the beds to charge your devices either, just one on the opposite side (for our private room was the case anyway). The creepiest thing was, on our 2nd morning, the owner let himself into our private room whilst my female partner was in bed, without seeking permission or with any reason. She could have been changing or asleep, it was 8:30am and checkout wasn't until 10am. We decided to leave straight after this final straw, and having read other reviews by females, its happened to others to. Wish we’d spent whatever it cost to stay elsewhere as this was an eye opening disturbing few nights. No working heater in the cold room either.
Priten, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Verified Wotif guest review

6/10 Good

OK, but not great
It was OK, but not the best experience I have had with this type of backpackers-style accommodation. Manager is quite nice and helpful. But I agree with the review below pointing out that the photos are very misleading. They seem to have all been taken on a day when the place was empty and all tidied up. In reality, the common areas are very cluttered and cramped, and not terrifically clean. Kitchen is very well equipped, but kind of a mess most of the time, because quests are not all considerate about cleaning up after themselves. I saw people come in and just leave dirty dishes on the counter. One morning I found a stove burner on, apparently overnight. WiFi is OK. Parking lot is usually full, but the street parking is no problem. Great location close to shops, restuarants and some nice walks. My room was dark and somewhat bleak, but this is not a place to stay if you are going to hang out in your room.
3-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

This is a lodge not really a motel. There's a lovely welcoming atmosphere.
Ross, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

4/10 Fair

The photo’s on the backpackers website which are the same on wotif must have been taken in better times. Suggest they update their photo’s to be a truer representation of what to expect when booking nowadays. Sheets had hair ball in them, new towel was damp on arrival, room didn’t seem entirely clean. Host was the best part as he was nice, friendly, chatty and welcoming. I feel a bit bad complaining as the man was so nice. The office was locked the morn I left therefore couldn’t address these things at the time. I think some maintenance & removing of clutter would spruce it up a lot. Should throw away the trampoline that has no mat in it. I bet the bird would like its cage cleaned/scrubbed as the bottom was filthy and mustn’t have been done in a while.
Verified Wotif guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Adam, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review