The Cell Block

Whangarei · New Zealand

The Cell Block

HostelPunk Score
52% SHIT
Medium confidence 64 reviews

Tags

Facilities

🅿️ Free Parking 🅿️ Parking
Other facilities (4)
Free WiFi Bicycle Parking Linen Included Tea & Coffee Making Facilities

Prices

Dorms $24 / night
Privates $38 - $45 / night

HW prices from today

Recent reviews

Canada ALLFEMALEGROUP 18-24 Apr 8, 2026 Atm 40%

They did not warn there were cats on the premises and we walked in to cats on the bed and had extreme allergies and they did not do anything about it. Also we’re not friendly. However the facilities were nice, especially the bathrooms

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Germany FEMALE 18-24 Apr 5, 2026 Atm 100%

Super süßes Hostel!! Tolle Leute und 3 cute Katzen, man hat sich sehr wohl gefühlt.

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England FEMALE 18-24 Mar 30, 2026 Atm 80%

I loved my stay at the cell block! The staff were so friendly and a special shout out to Friday, he was the best! Kitchen super clean and the hostel in general a very chill vibe. Not that much to do in Whangārei but perfect for a few nights

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USA FEMALE 25-30 Mar 29, 2026 Atm 60%

I'll start by saying I I had liked the idea of staying in a renovated jailhouse - the bio and reviews had made it sound fun! Reader, it was not fun. I'll go through it all in detail in the hopes it helps anyone. When I first arrived, there was a keycode-locked entry door, pretty much the only actual security in the place. The confirmation email I received, as well as the sign on the door, provided a phone number to call to receive the key code. Why it wasn't in the confirmation email, I have no...

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Scotland COUPLE 25-30 Mar 3, 2026 Atm 100%

Very clean and tidy hostel, good facilities and lovely terrace.

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Germany FEMALE 18-24 Mar 3, 2026 Atm 60%

Hostel an sich in meinen Augen echt nicht gut aber liebes Personal und wenn man eine lockere und relaxste Atmosphäre will

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Wales MALE 25-30 Mar 2, 2026 Atm 100%

The Cell block is a comfortable hostel with a good laid back atmosphere. The facilities were good, clean and well maintained and the kitchen was good. The location is also good close to the bus stop, shops and you can walk to the falls from the hostel. Would certainly stay again!

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Netherlands MALE 18-24 Feb 22, 2026 Atm 100%

Cell block was echt top! Fijne sfeer, friday de host was zeer vriendelijk en was oprecht geïnteresseerd in je. Zeer sociaal hostel, wij hebben samen gekookt en samen gegeten met de andere gasten. De cellen/kamers zijn schoon en zien er strak uit. Ik zou zeker weer komen :)

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Australia FEMALE Feb 2, 2026 Atm 100%

this is a very interesting place to stay - right in the heart of Whangārei. It has a beautiful roof top garden for lounging, and a good shared kitchen/dining where people congregate to chat and mingle. Interesting because it used to be a cell block in reality, and so it has huge security doors on the rooms, and an internal cctv system, evidence of its former purpose of incarceration. Not much else reminds you of its previous life however. I found it a very pleasant place to stay.

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Denmark FEMALE 25-30 Jan 23, 2026 Atm 100%

By far the cosiest most charming hostel I’ve stayed at in nz! Very laid-back atmosphere, warm welcoming staff (and very cute cats) - I felt at home right away! 🧚‍♂️

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England MALE 18-24 Jan 23, 2026 Atm 80%

Great place and cool story behind it with good staff and a friendly feel to it.

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England MALE 18-24 Jan 23, 2026 Atm 100%

Had a great stay, place is very central, facilities are good and staff was an absolute highlight. Very accommodating and good fun. Would highly recommend

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Germany COUPLE 18-24 Jan 19, 2026 Atm 20%

es war eine strange atmosphäre und nicht sehr sauber.

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England FEMALE 18-24 Jan 13, 2026 Atm 100%

I absolutely love this place, it really is a home away from home- the staff know your name before you’ve even met them- everyone is very welcoming and the place it’s self is stunning, very cozy, it’s like living in a piece of art work. I’ll be back there again for sure.

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Canada FEMALE Jan 12, 2026 Atm 100%

Right in centre of town. Local attractions are close. The rooms are comfortable and well kept. A very friendly and helpful atmosphere from staff.

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Germany FEMALE 25-30 Jan 9, 2026 Atm 40%

I stayed here for one night and I’m happy it was not more than that. Staff is nice and there is everything you need. However, the whole hostel was just a bit run-down. It was really warm in the dorm room at night, the beds were squeaking loads. The long term guests made the place have a bit of an off vibe. Also there were cats walking around and it smelled like cat food in lots of places. Staying in an old prison is still a cool thing to have done though.

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Canada COUPLE 25-30 Jan 7, 2026 Atm 100%

The site is really cute, with lots of common spaces to explore. Friday is a total sweetheart who often bakes bread for the guests. Parking can fill up—but there are some spots with no signage next to the river on Albert st. The hostel contact left us on read a couple of times when we had questions about our stay, and there were some plumbing problems. There was also virtually no wifi—we relied on data the whole stay. Would still recommend as long as you’re not working or studying online.

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England FEMALE 25-30 Dec 31, 2025 Atm 100%

NYE at the Cell Block was perfect! the hostel itself had the best vibes, super colourful and all the old jail stuff gave it so much character. Friday, the guy in charge absolutely made the experience, bringing everyone together to enjoy New Year’s! Music, pool, drinks, good company and CATS!!! would 10/10 recommend to anyone wanting a social hostel with exquisite vibes!

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England FEMALE 25-30 Dec 23, 2025 Atm 100%

Absolutely loved our stay at the cell block! The three cats were adorable! Staff and guests were very friendly. Rooftop terrace was lovely. Rooms were comfortable. Kitchen had everything we needed

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New Zealand FEMALE Dec 8, 2025 Atm 100%

Lovely atmosphere at cellblock, very nice place to stay. The rooftop garden really cool. Kitchen well stocked with cooking utensils. Bed was comfortable and the pillows were perfect. Room was lovely and clean. Close to CBD . Thank you Friday for a very comfortable stay would definitely recommend. See you again.

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