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Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

4.0 star property
Eco-certified hostel in Turangi with free parking

Photo gallery for Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Kitchen
  • Parking included
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

Map
26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi, 3334
  • Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Tokaanu Thermal Pools
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • River Vineyard
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Taupo (TUO)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Ensuite

Down duvets, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 2 Single Beds, Non Smoking, Ensuite

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Bed in 8 - Bed mix dorm Room 4

Bed in 8 - Bed mix dorm Room 4

Bed in 8 - Bed mix dorm Room 4

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Bed in 4 - Bed Female Only Dorm Room 10

Down duvets, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Bed in 4 - Bed Female Only Dorm Room 10

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 4 - Bed Mix dorm Room 5

Down duvets, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Bed in 4 - Bed Mix dorm Room 5

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom

Down duvets, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

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

Highlights

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

View all photos for Premium Double Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Ensuite

Down duvets, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

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

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom

Down duvets, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Smart TV
Down duvet
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Double Bed

About the area

Turangi

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel places you in the heart of Turangi, steps from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and 3.2 km (2 mi) from River Vineyard. Highlights at this eco-friendly hostel include in-room fireplaces and Smart TVs. .Enjoy access to rock climbing and bike hire. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry facilities and ski storage. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 4-property class Turangi hostel include Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo.
View more Hostels in TurangiOpens in a new window

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

Eco-certified hostel in Turangi with free parking
As a guest of Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel, you'll find barbecue grills, ski storage, and tour/ticket assistance. Event space at this hostel measures 25 square feet (2 square metres) and includes conference space. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. The eco-certified Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel also features a garden, a fireplace in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Self parking is free. You'll have access to the indoor pool and outdoor pool at a partner property.

This 4-star Turangi hostel is smoke free.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • 25 sq ft of conference space
  • 2 sq. m of conference space
  • Ski equipment storage
  • Conference space
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Computer for guest use
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Locker space
Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel offers 17 accommodations with fireplaces and DVD players. This accommodation offers separate dining areas. Beds feature down duvets. Full-sized fridge/freezers, microwaves and rice cookers are provided.

Bathrooms include a shower. 75-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels and Netflix. Additionally, rooms include complimentary newspapers and shared/communal kitchens.

Awards and affiliations

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

Languages

English

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Judges Pool Motel

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 503 reviews
The price is AU$142
includes taxes & fees
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Judges Pool Motel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Ski shuttle nearby
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • 18-hole adjacent golf course
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Bicycle storage
  • Bicycle tours
  • Golf caddies
  • Golf carts
  • Indoor pool (guest access)
  • Outdoor pool (guest access)
  • Rock climbing
  • Ski storage
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Access to nearby indoor pool
  • Access to nearby outdoor pool
  • Children's games
  • DVD player
  • In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate in-room dining area

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 25 square feet of conference space
  • 35 meeting rooms
  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In a state park

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Down comforter

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • 75-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • DVD player
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Freezer
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Rice cooker
  • Separate dining area
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Toaster
  • Toaster oven

More

  • Electrical adapters
  • Fireplace
  • Free weekday newspapers
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 1.7 per cent 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 at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Access code, staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 1.7 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival. Long-term renters welcome.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

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

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is 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

What is the cancellation policy at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

Yep, Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

The closest beach to Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel is Kuratau Jetty (11 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

No, Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

There is a golf course next to Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel.

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 121 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 121 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 121 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 121 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 121 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Takako

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A brilliant place to stay in the charming little town of Turangi. Very peaceful and calm, with plenty of facilities. Lovely and well-equipped kitchen with a large dining area and plenty of space to relax including a great TV room. Plenty of toilets and showers too. Rooms are nice and beds comfy. The place is very clean and all the staff are lovely. The owner is a great guy and really nice to chat to. This place is a haven and easily the best place I have stayed in New Zealand. Thank you to all!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Brett

Business traveller
Room was appropriate for the price, I would normally expect tea, coffee and milk but supplies were very low
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well people was helpful and it was nice place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Chris

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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Classic kiwi hostel, has everything you'd need. Friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness
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。
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lina Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and helpful host, nice and clean accommodation and a lot to do nearby
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Tony

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Parking is an issue other wise it’s a great place
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

windy

Travelled with partner
Was here few years ago and it's not what i remembered. Run down and cluttery.

8/10 Good

Nganeko

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
The owner mananger person was friendly and keeping an eye on things daily
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Hostel experience. Lots of food and shopping options available very close. Friendly staff and guests.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

paul

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
bit untidy and messy but staff were nice
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nina Gia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Aylin

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hanz

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Donald

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Frederik

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

2/10 Terrible

Priten

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Ross, Paraparaumu

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is a lodge not really a motel. There's a lovely welcoming atmosphere.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022