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Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

Front of property
Full-size fridge, microwave, stovetop, toaster
Terrace/patio
Lounge
Full-size fridge, microwave, stovetop, toaster

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
$48
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19

Explore the area

View in a map
26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi, 3334
  • Place, Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Tongariro Alpine Crossing
  • Place, Lake Taupō
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Taupō Airport (TUO)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

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

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Bunk 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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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

Down comforters, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

Bed in 4 - Bed Mix dorm Room 5

  • 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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double 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

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About this property

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel

4-star Turangi hostel with in-room fireplaces
This smoke-free hostel features a microwave in a common area, a refrigerator in a common area, and conference space. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and a computer station are onsite.
Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel offers 17 accommodations with fireplaces and DVD players. Accommodations offer separate dining areas. Beds feature down comforters. Full-sized refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, and rice cookers are provided.

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

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel features barbecue grills, ski storage, and tour/ticket assistance. Event facilities measuring 25 square feet (2 square meters) include conference space. A computer station is located on site and wireless Internet access is complimentary. This hot springs hostel also offers a garden, a fireplace in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Complimentary uncovered self parking is available on site. Guests can use the indoor pool and outdoor pool at a partner property.

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel is a smoke-free property.

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.

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
  • Smoking not allowed

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

Tongariro River Retreat - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 130 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 130 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 130 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 130 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 130 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

8/10 Good

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect overnight stay, great host

Called ahead as we would miss the check-in times, the host was very kind and said he would still be there. When we arrived, he was waiting up and graciously showed us to our room (which he'd already started the heater). Room had a few bunks of varying firm-ness and we found ones that suited perfectly, settled down for a lovely night stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lucy

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liesel

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
A Lovely friendly place to stay. We were made to feel very welcome. Everyone was friendly and helpful. It has a really special feeling
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rocky

Traveled with partner
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

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 traveler
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

Traveled 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 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

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

Traveled 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

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

8/10 Good

Nganeko

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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