Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
( 07-343 7904;
www.blarneysrock.com
; 1210 Tutanekai St; dm $20-27, d $50-60; )
You might expect
a backpackers above an Irish pub to be effervescing with drunken antics. Sorry to disap-
point: this one's quiet, clean and comfy, with live-in managers who ensure the party stays
downstairs. It's a small, homey affair, with a sunny deck, free wi-fi, free apple pie twice
weekly and hot water bottles in your bed on chilly nights.
Rotorua YHA
( 07-349 4088;
www.yha.co.nz
;
1278 Haupapa St; dm $26-35 d with/without bathroom $90/70; )
Bright
and sparkling clean, this classy, purpose-built hostel is great for those wanting to get out-
doors, with staff eager to assist with trip bookings, and storage for bikes and kayaks. Prici-
er rooms come with bathroom, and there's a barbecue area and deck for hanging out on
(though this ain't a party pad). Off-street parking a bonus.
HOSTEL
$
Crash Palace
MAP
HOSTEL
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 0800 892 727, 07-348 8842;
www.crashpalace.co.nz
;
1271 Hinemaru St; dm/s/d/f from $22/45/65/95; )
Crash occupies a big, mustard-coloured 1930s hotel near Government Gardens. The atmo-
sphere strikes a balance between party and pristine, without too much of either. The nicest
rooms have floorboards, and there's lots of art on the walls, a pool table and DJ console in
the lobby, and a beaut terrace out the back. Limited off-steet parking.
Astray
MAP
MOTEL, HOSTEL
$
(
0800 481 200, 07-348 1200;
www.astray.co.nz
;
1202 Pukuatua St; dm/s/d from $24/40/60, f $95-150;
)
Even if you are 6′3′′, Astray - a 'micro motel' that would probably be more at home in
Tokyo than Rotorua - is a decent bet. Clean, tidy, quiet, friendly and central: just don't ex-
pect acres of space. Free wi-fi a bonus.
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
MAP
HOLIDAY PARK
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-346 3140;
www.rotoruathermal.co.nz
;
463 Old Taupo Rd; sites from $32, d cabins/units from $51/98;
)
This super-friendly holiday park on the edge of town sits deep in the leisure groove,
with barbecues, a playground, campsites galore, a shop and a cafe. There's plenty of room
