This hostel accepts BBH and YHA cards which give you a discount for your stay here. It's one of a handful of hostels in NZ that accept both cards. If you don't have either of the cards you can purchase them here and apply the discount immediately.
I found the staff to be friendly and helpful. They had good advice on where to go and details about logistics. This is a good base for doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the staff can arrange for a shuttle pickup.
The hostel has everything you'll probably need including a couple of cool bonuses. There's a large kitchen with lots of refrigerator space for food (which you'll need to label). They have private rooms with or without bathrooms as well as dormitories for budget travelers.
The bonuses include an excellent climbing gym, rental gear in case you didn't come prepared for some of the outdoor adventures and a TV lounge (which is decent). I had two bikes with me and I was able to keep them in the garage during my stay. read more