See all properties

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

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

Down comforters, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

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

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

Bed in 8 - Bed mix dorm Room 4 | Down comforters, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

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

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

Down comforters, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

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

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

75-inch Smart TV with digital channels, TV, fireplace

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

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

Down comforters, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

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

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

Down comforters, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

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

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

Down comforters, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

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

Similar properties

BBQ/picnic area

Turangi Leisure Lodge

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 433 reviews
Turangi Leisure Lodge

About the neighborhood

Map
26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi, 3334

What's nearby

  • Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Tongariro National Trout Centre - 3 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Tokaanu Thermal Pools - 6 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • Lake Taupo - 6 min drive - 5.4 miles
  • River Vineyard - 9 min drive - 0.9 miles

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

Upscale eco-certified hostel near Tongariro National Park
Consider a stay at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel and take advantage of an adjacent golf course, a garden, and laundry facilities. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing and cycling at this hostel. Free WiFi in public areas is available to all guests, along with a fireplace in the lobby and conference space.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Outdoor pool access nearby
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, access to a nearby indoor pool, and express check-out
  • Express check-in, a TV in the lobby, and bicycle tour information
Room features
All guestrooms at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel include perks such as fireplaces and separate sitting areas, as well as amenities like separate dining areas and free weekday newspapers.
Extra amenities include:
  • Communal kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, and toaster ovens
  • 75-inch Smart TVs with Netflix, streaming services, and digital channels
  • Private yards, separate sitting areas, and separate dining areas

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.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 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 elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoke-free property

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
  • Microwave
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Rice cooker
  • Separate dining area
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop
  • 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 available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
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 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 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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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 onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize 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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
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

Does Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel have a pool?

Yes, this property has outdoor pool access. Pool access is from 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.

Is Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel?

Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel located?

Located in the heart of Turangi, this golf hostel is steps from Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre, and within 3 mi (5 km) of River Vineyard and Tongariro National Trout Centre. Tokaanu Thermal Pools and Lake Taupo are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

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

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

10/10 Excellent

Rocky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The owner of hostel was really nice guy. It helped me a lot with my big day for Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It went smoothly and enjoyed the whole experience. Thank you again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

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

8/10 Good

Tony

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

8/10 Good

Brett

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

8/10 Good

Nganeko

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

8/10 Good

Ross

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

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

6/10 Okay

Aylin

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

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

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

windy

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

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

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

4/10 Poor

Justine

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
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.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Maja Stilling

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Vi havde ikke den bedste oplevelse. Der var sort mug på gardinerne og helt vildt meget hundehår på den ene seng. Det tyder på at rengøring ikke bliver gjort grundigt nok. Ejeren er meget nærgående.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Takako

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Antti

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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