How can we pay?

We accept payments by cash, direct deposit or credit cards (Visa or Mastercard only). You are welcome to pay cash on arrival provided your arrival is before 6pm. Your card may be charged for the first night in advance the day before. Please ensure your card has sufficient funds to avoid issues.

What are your check-out and check-in times?

Check-out is before 10am. Guests not checking out before this time may be charged for another night.

What are your reception hours?

Our reception desk is open 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week. We can arrange late check-in outside of these times; just let us know in advance.

Can I check-in after hours?

Yes - we do allow guests to check-in after the office closes, by arrangement. We do need to charge your credit card with the first night of your stay and give you a code for the front door. It is necessary to contact us if you intend to check-in be after 6pm so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Can I store my bags?

Yes - you can leave your luggage free of charge before you check in and after you have checked out by arrangement. No long-term storage.

Do you have car parking?

Free street parking is available immediately outside the hostel in Graham St and most of High St. We have no private parking.

Do you require ID?

Yes – we require photo ID: Passport or NZ Driver’s Licence. For security and in case of emergency, it is important that we can confirm who is staying with us on any given night.

What bedding do you provide?

We provide all bedding, including sheets, duvets, blankets, and pillows; everything you need: We do not allow the use of sleeping bags. Towels are available for hire but we suggest you bring your own.

Do you have female-only share rooms?

We do not have female-only share rooms. We generally aim to reserve beds for women in rooms with other women when possible. Due to the small size of our hostel, this is not guaranteed.

Do you accept group bookings?

Please contact us first if you would like to book a large group (6 people or more) stay. Extended cancellation policies will apply for groups. Minimum stays will likely apply to group stays during periods of high demand.

Are children allowed to stay?

Yes – provided they are staying in a private room with a parent or guardian. Children are not permitted in shared rooms.

Can I bring my cat/dog/rabbit?

Sorry – NO pets are permitted.

Security

Security is of great importance to us: All of our outside doors are locked with a pin code. All guests must have photo ID. We also have 4 CCTV cameras in common areas in the hoste. All rooms have door keys issued on check-in.

How do I get to the airport?

The airport is half an hour’s drive from the city. Shuttle buses meet all flights at the airport and can deliver you to the door of the hostel. You can book a Super Shuttle www.supershuttle.co.nz (or phone 0800 SHUTTLE or 0800 748885). If you need assistance, ask at our reception.

Is there a bus to the Albatross Colony on Otago Peninsular?

There are regular buses to Portobello (but this is 14km from the Albatross Colony) and to Harrington Point twice a day (2km from the Albatross Colony).

Are there any beaches you can see sea lions and penguins for free?

Sandfly Bay will usually have sea lions on the beach. If you are patient and lucky you may spot a penguin late in the day around dusk. For guaranteed sightings of wildlife we suggest you book a tour which can take you to better viewing spots.

Do you sell tours?

Yes – come and talk to us – we can arrange tours with most companies and we can also provide personalised tours to suit you.

Is the building haunted?

We have hosted Paranormal NZ (formerly Haunted Auckland)'s investigation teams twice and... (unfortunately) no spirits have been detected (yet)!