Surf 'N' Snow Backpackers - Hostel

Avoid at all costs. I stayed with my partner in a private room and when showering in the morning, he slipped (there was no mat) and fell and the glass door shattered. Luckily he only had some small cuts on his leg and hands and straight away told reception. A Few hours later, reception called telling us the cost of almost 800 dollars, which we replied saying that we had to discuss it with manager to split costs as we understand it is property damage but still accidental and could have been so much worse and serious injuries. We agreed to talk when we got back to the hostel since we were out at the moment. To our surprise, right after the call, they already charged the amount on his credit card. Didn’t wait they talked to us or anything, just charged 766,50 NZD. Bold move for a very low health and safety standards offered. We asked to contact the manager and had a talk and he insisted he could just charge it right away like that, mentioning the insurance. He told us it was the insurance excess which usually comes after the issue is solved and not beforehand, but no liability taken over the issue. No one slips in the bathroom and shatters a glass door 9 am in the morning for fun. It could have been a very serious accident but management does not care to even discuss it. Dirty and messy kitchen. Minimum cleaning standards for bathroom/showers. Cleaning lady in the afternoon very rude. From 2 showers on my floor, one of the door was falling apart and you couldn't even lock it. No option of opening window in the room and the ventilation small bit that could be open is being held by a plastic hanger. Very hot inside, the small fan in the room helps but it is still not pleasant. From 2 power outlets available in the room, only one is working. Small wardrobe in the room with both doors broken and barely hanging in place. Only positive, Jimmy from reception, very helpful and kind. Other than that, good location but surrounded by noisy construction sites e road works.

Do no book this place. It is in absolute shambles. One morning i slip in the shower because it has a slippery floor and the door breaks. The manager then proceeds to charge 766.50 from my card without discussing with me first and with no intention to refund the money whatsoever. They do not take responsibility for their lack of proper equipment and unsafe utilities at all. They do not live up to the health and safety standards that is a demand to operate any business in New Zealand. Avoid at all cost