Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rotorua has plenty of holiday parks and an ever-changing backpacker scene. Generic
motels crowd Fenton St: better and more interesting rooms are away from the main drag.
Funky Green Voyager
HOSTEL $
( 07-346 1754;
www.funkygreenvoyager.co.nz
;
4 Union St; dm from $25, d with/without bathroom
$68/59; )
Green on the outside and the inside − due to several cans of paint and
a dedicated environmental policy − the shoe-free Funky GV features laid-back tunes and
plenty of sociable chat among a spunky bunch of guests and worldly-wise owners, who
know what you want when you travel. The best doubles have bathrooms; dorms are
roomy with quality mattresses and solid timber beds.
Rotorua Central Backpackers
HOSTEL $
( 07-349 3285;
www.rotoruacentralbackpackers.co.nz
;
1076 Pukuatua St; dm from $25, tw & d
$62; )
This heritage hostel was built in 1936 and retains historic features including
dark-wood skirting boards and door frames, deep bath-tubs and geothermally powered
radiators. Dorms have no more than six beds (and no bunks), plus there's a spa pool and
barbecue. Perfect if you're not looking to party.
Waiteti Trout
Stream Holiday Park
HOLIDAY PARK $
OFFLINE MAP
( 0800 876 881, 07-357 5255;
www.waiteti.com
;
14 Okona Cres, Ngongotaha; campsites $36, dm
from $25, d cabin/motel from $58/110; )
This well-maintained park is a great option if
you don't mind the 8km drive into town. Set in two tidy garden acres abutting a trout-
filled stream, it's a cute classic with character-filled motel units, compact cabins, a tidy
backpackers lodge and beaut campsites by the stream. Free kayaks and dinghies; fly-fish-
ing lessons from $30. And no sulphur smell!
Blarney's Rock
HOSTEL $
OFFLINE 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 disappoint: 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 little sunny deck, free wi-fi,
free apple pie twice weekly and hot water bottles in your bed on chilly nights.
