Tongariro National Park · New Zealand
YHA National Park Backpackers & Climbing Wall
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Bedbug infestation in room 18. The room smelled of varnish and the beds were moved about 20cm off the walls on all sides on arrival. After being bitten numerous times I took a torch to the underside of the mattress and found a fully engorged adult bedbug which I killed. I was bitten again after this. When raised with the only staff member I could find she denied any knowledge of bedbugs at the hostel - I'm very sceptical about that as I remembered the strange smell and bed positionings.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
I reported 3/14 on your website that a member of my party was covered head to toe with bed bug bites. It a terrible case; painful, large burn-like red welts, headaches and many inconveniences dealing with our belongings so as to contain the situation. 5283052: bed bugs bookings 23723-576006605
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Unfortunately there were bed bugs in our room, and we quickly managed to find a different place to stay once we realised this as it was after reception hours. Thankfully the staff were understanding and apologetic and waived any room fee, and ensured us that the room would be closed until it was clean. I now notice a number of recent similar reviews.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Would not recommend staying here! There were bed bugs in our room. The 10 bed dorm has 2 beds with no ladders so you end up clambering over the person beneath you to reach your bed. There are also no plug sockets anywhere near the beds and not enough plug sockets in the room for everyone to charge their phones. You have to pay for the wifi and the lockers in the rooms are open cubby holes so there is no where to securely store stuff in the rooms. But the bus to tongariro stops outside the hostel
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Reports of bed bugs and cockroaches. Paper thin walls, I could hear every conversation and foot step around and above me. Most of the staff was very kind however one was borderline rude. Location is great for Tongariro NP however I’d recommend looking for other places in the town.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Solid hostel. Very spacious kitchen. Beds were a little small, I’m 6’2” and had to bend my knees to sleep. Very clean. Bathrooms were nice. Smelled great, like an old cedar cottage. I saw other reviews of bedbugs but looked extensively and couldn’t find any. You can tell the owners care a lot.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Sadly there were bed bugs in the room 12
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Possible Hostelworld
Manche Betten haben Bettwanzen. Ebenfalls WLAN nur sehr begrenzt verfügbar. Küche nur minimal eingerichtet. Duschen und Toiletten ebenfalls sehr knapp gehalten
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First-party field notes
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Vibe Analysis
The climbing wall is the standout here. It gives the hostel a more active feel and makes it more than a place to sleep before Tongariro Crossing. The location works well for park days, with shuttle access for the crossing and useful food stops nearby. The kitchen and shared spaces are a strong part of the stay. They are spacious and well equipped, with plenty of cookware, fridges, tables, and seating. Rooms are often clean and comfortable, and some private rooms have their own bathroom. At its best, the hostel feels warm, social, and practical for hikers and climbers. It is a straightforward base for a short stay around the national park.
Signals to check
- WiFi is not free and may cost extra.
- Noise can carry through the building, especially in rooms near the kitchen or upper floors.
- The building and some facilities feel dated or in need of upkeep.
- Some rooms have had bed bug problems.
- Beds, sockets, and storage can be awkward in some dorms.