Is parking available at the property?

Parking is available, but specific details regarding the type (private/public, on-site/off-site, covered/uncovered) and cost are not provided.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in time is at 16:00, and check-out time is at 10:00. Guests planning to arrive after 20:00 should contact the property in advance for check-in instructions.

What is the location of the property in relation to key landmarks?

The property is located in the heart of New Plymouth, steps from Richmond Cottage and Centre City Shopping Centre, approximately 0.1 mi from Real Tart Gallery and 0.2 mi from TSB Showplace.

Ariki Backpackers in New Plymouth

Average nightly price at Ariki Backpackers by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	US$34
February	US$33
March	US$33
April	US$38
May	US$45
June	US$42
July	US$39
August	US$38
September	US$42
October	US$34
November	US$32
December	US$34

What guests think

At Ariki Backpackers, guests consistently praise the central location near the Coastal Walkway and the friendly, welcoming staff, while noting comfortable rooms; recurring drawbacks include noise from the bar next door and limited or paid parking options.

Rooms and bathrooms are often clean, though the shared kitchen can be messy when other guests leave dishes. Some areas and decor feel dated, and there are isolated complaints about mattress quality and intermittent hot water. Expect a friendly, budget stay in a lively central spot.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Shared kitchen is available and described as well equipped and spacious. There is no dedicated on site parking, and nearby parking may require payment during the day.

Related guest reviews

10

Jo

17 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Have stayed there for 3 nights so far, 1 next week. Everyone has been great. Some of the mess is from the Backpackers being lazy and not doing their dishes and leaving pizza boxes for the staff to clean up. Very good for the price.

10

Barbara

19 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Enjoyed two nights in the family room. Excellent value with air conditioning, TV and own bathroom. All linen supplied. Excellent location right in the centre, next to mall, restaurants and costal walkway. Excellent staff service. I would have liked to rate cleanliness higher, but some guests did not always leave the kitchen clean or wash and dry their dishes.

8

Klaus

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Zu Beginn unserer Neuseelandreise waren wir für 2 Nächte dort. Ariki Backpackers liegt sehr zentral und sehr nah am Meer & dem Coastal Walkway. Das Management ist sehr herzlich und willkommend. Das Hostal hat eine gut ausgestattete Küche, der En Suite Room Queen Anne war geräumig, hatte ein eigenes Badezimmer, sehr sauber, das Bett super bequem! Wir können die Ariki Backpackers empfehlen und werden wieder dort übernachten.

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8

Ofer

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great staff. Not as clean as most hostels in New Zealand. Guests did not keep the kitchen as clean as in others as well. Good location.

6

T

30 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was excellent. Except the mattresses. The mattresses were so bad that one of our group said they would have preferred kicking a policeman in the nuts and spend the night in the cells. Even the noise of the bar directly under the backpackers was bearable. The mattresses - not so much. Staff were friendly, and helpful. The kitchen was large enough for several parties to be cooking at once and you can’t beat the location.

8

David

22 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The only thing I didn’t like was parking. I had a car and there was no parking facilities near the backpackers. Outside of this it more more than adequate! The attendant was friendly & helpful!

6

anna

11 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location was brillriant. Chris was super friendly, welcoming and helpful. Everything was great. Unfortunately, sleep was disturbed by the noise from the bar / party next door until the small hrs. Plus we had thought that the backpackers had a car park, which it didnt. Facilities were good though and we would stay there again.

10

Faye

21 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Property was very clean and tidy. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Very conveniently located for dining, shopping, broadwalk, bus terminal. Only issue is no parking which could be alleviated by putting a blurb about where you can park. One thing said there was parking and another said no parking??

10

Jo

10 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I meant to put 2 stars about property conditions. It is clean and beds you cannot fault. The building and some chattels could eg paint and carpets. Some Backpackers leave the kitchen messy too. Thry need

10

Jack

28 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great service and accommodation. The only thing I'd take issue with is the parking which you have to either pay for from 9am-5pm or not drive at all. Don't let this overshadow your stay though, as it's a lovely place.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Rooms and bathrooms are generally clean and tidy. However, shared kitchen cleanliness varies due to guest behavior, and one review noted intermittent hot water.

Related guest reviews

10

Jo

17 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Have stayed there for 3 nights so far, 1 next week. Everyone has been great. Some of the mess is from the Backpackers being lazy and not doing their dishes and leaving pizza boxes for the staff to clean up. Very good for the price.

10

Renee

1 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Such a cool place!! Clean and tidy and actual comfortable beds! Great location, will definitely look to stay here again

8

R

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean and comfortable. Location was convenient. Staff were great - really helpful.

8

Klaus

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Zu Beginn unserer Neuseelandreise waren wir für 2 Nächte dort. Ariki Backpackers liegt sehr zentral und sehr nah am Meer & dem Coastal Walkway. Das Management ist sehr herzlich und willkommend. Das Hostal hat eine gut ausgestattete Küche, der En Suite Room Queen Anne war geräumig, hatte ein eigenes Badezimmer, sehr sauber, das Bett super bequem! Wir können die Ariki Backpackers empfehlen und werden wieder dort übernachten.

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8

Ofer

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great staff. Not as clean as most hostels in New Zealand. Guests did not keep the kitchen as clean as in others as well. Good location.

6

David

29 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Only had one issue, but it was a frustrating one. Had a room with a shower. Went to take a shower around 9pm and there was NO hot water! Fortunately, I tried again around 11, and took a quick shower for fear of running out of hot water. Outside of this issue, the room was fine

10

Aurore

7 Jan 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really warm welcoming, explaining everything around the hostel but also what to do. The room was cozy not noisy with ac and with clean bathroom. Really close to the intercity bus stop.

10

Faye

21 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Property was very clean and tidy. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Very conveniently located for dining, shopping, broadwalk, bus terminal. Only issue is no parking which could be alleviated by putting a blurb about where you can park. One thing said there was parking and another said no parking??

10

Maria Eugenia

10 Jan 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed one night only at a private room. It was spacious and clean. Awesome location, nice staff.

10

Jo

10 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I meant to put 2 stars about property conditions. It is clean and beds you cannot fault. The building and some chattels could eg paint and carpets. Some Backpackers leave the kitchen messy too. Thry need

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Many guests found rooms comfortable and some private or family rooms are spacious, with a few featuring en suites and AC. A dated feel is mentioned, mattresses drew a strong complaint from one guest, and noise from the nearby bar can disrupt sleep.

Related guest reviews

8

Rebecca

20 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Safe, quiet, good vibes from staff and other backpackers. A bit outdated could use some upkeep. Overall good spot for solo travellers.

10

Renee

1 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Such a cool place!! Clean and tidy and actual comfortable beds! Great location, will definitely look to stay here again

10

Barbara

19 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Enjoyed two nights in the family room. Excellent value with air conditioning, TV and own bathroom. All linen supplied. Excellent location right in the centre, next to mall, restaurants and costal walkway. Excellent staff service. I would have liked to rate cleanliness higher, but some guests did not always leave the kitchen clean or wash and dry their dishes.

6

Beau

22 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Prima, erg goed en aardig personeel. Hele leuke bar direct ernaast. Dat maakt het wel iet wat luidruchtiger, maar niks geks. Hou wel rekening met een gedateerde inrichting.

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8

R

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean and comfortable. Location was convenient. Staff were great - really helpful.

8

Klaus

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Zu Beginn unserer Neuseelandreise waren wir für 2 Nächte dort. Ariki Backpackers liegt sehr zentral und sehr nah am Meer & dem Coastal Walkway. Das Management ist sehr herzlich und willkommend. Das Hostal hat eine gut ausgestattete Küche, der En Suite Room Queen Anne war geräumig, hatte ein eigenes Badezimmer, sehr sauber, das Bett super bequem! Wir können die Ariki Backpackers empfehlen und werden wieder dort übernachten.

Translate

6

T

30 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was excellent. Except the mattresses. The mattresses were so bad that one of our group said they would have preferred kicking a policeman in the nuts and spend the night in the cells. Even the noise of the bar directly under the backpackers was bearable. The mattresses - not so much. Staff were friendly, and helpful. The kitchen was large enough for several parties to be cooking at once and you can’t beat the location.

10

Aurore

7 Jan 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really warm welcoming, explaining everything around the hostel but also what to do. The room was cozy not noisy with ac and with clean bathroom. Really close to the intercity bus stop.

10

Maria Eugenia

10 Jan 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed one night only at a private room. It was spacious and clean. Awesome location, nice staff.

10

MARIO

24 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good price. The room was big enough for the 3 of us. The beds were very comfortable. Staff is nice and they were kind enough to let us check in after hours. Good location right in the city centre. The only bad thing is that the area looks a bit sketchy and unsafe but nothing happened

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff and management are consistently praised as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, with smooth check in support. Late arrivals were accommodated and hosts provide local tips.

Related guest reviews

10

Jacky

3 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staffs are very good and helpful

8

R

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean and comfortable. Location was convenient. Staff were great - really helpful.

8

Klaus

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Zu Beginn unserer Neuseelandreise waren wir für 2 Nächte dort. Ariki Backpackers liegt sehr zentral und sehr nah am Meer & dem Coastal Walkway. Das Management ist sehr herzlich und willkommend. Das Hostal hat eine gut ausgestattete Küche, der En Suite Room Queen Anne war geräumig, hatte ein eigenes Badezimmer, sehr sauber, das Bett super bequem! Wir können die Ariki Backpackers empfehlen und werden wieder dort übernachten.

Translate

8

Ofer

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great staff. Not as clean as most hostels in New Zealand. Guests did not keep the kitchen as clean as in others as well. Good location.

10

Donna

15 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Fantastic place. Great location for coastal walkway, right in town. Bars, restaurants all handy. Manager was so friendly and welcoming, also very efficient. Best hostel I've stayed in NZ.

6

anna

11 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location was brillriant. Chris was super friendly, welcoming and helpful. Everything was great. Unfortunately, sleep was disturbed by the noise from the bar / party next door until the small hrs. Plus we had thought that the backpackers had a car park, which it didnt. Facilities were good though and we would stay there again.

10

Dru

3 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really good place the manager was a cool dude was very welcoming definitely recommend this place

10

Aiden

20 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super friendly with a very homely vibe

10

christelle

15 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Personnel très sympa et réactif

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10

MARIO

24 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good price. The room was big enough for the 3 of us. The beds were very comfortable. Staff is nice and they were kind enough to let us check in after hours. Good location right in the city centre. The only bad thing is that the area looks a bit sketchy and unsafe but nothing happened

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Very central for the town centre, beach, bus services, and the Coastal Walkway, with restaurants and bars close by. One reviewer felt the immediate area looked a bit sketchy.

Related guest reviews

10

Renee

1 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Such a cool place!! Clean and tidy and actual comfortable beds! Great location, will definitely look to stay here again

10

Barbara

19 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Enjoyed two nights in the family room. Excellent value with air conditioning, TV and own bathroom. All linen supplied. Excellent location right in the centre, next to mall, restaurants and costal walkway. Excellent staff service. I would have liked to rate cleanliness higher, but some guests did not always leave the kitchen clean or wash and dry their dishes.

8

R

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean and comfortable. Location was convenient. Staff were great - really helpful.

8

Klaus

17 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Zu Beginn unserer Neuseelandreise waren wir für 2 Nächte dort. Ariki Backpackers liegt sehr zentral und sehr nah am Meer & dem Coastal Walkway. Das Management ist sehr herzlich und willkommend. Das Hostal hat eine gut ausgestattete Küche, der En Suite Room Queen Anne war geräumig, hatte ein eigenes Badezimmer, sehr sauber, das Bett super bequem! Wir können die Ariki Backpackers empfehlen und werden wieder dort übernachten.

Translate

8

Ofer

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great staff. Not as clean as most hostels in New Zealand. Guests did not keep the kitchen as clean as in others as well. Good location.

6

anna

11 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location was brillriant. Chris was super friendly, welcoming and helpful. Everything was great. Unfortunately, sleep was disturbed by the noise from the bar / party next door until the small hrs. Plus we had thought that the backpackers had a car park, which it didnt. Facilities were good though and we would stay there again.

10

Jennie

19 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely refuge and great spot to visit central attractions and sea walks.

10

Faye

21 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Property was very clean and tidy. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Very conveniently located for dining, shopping, broadwalk, bus terminal. Only issue is no parking which could be alleviated by putting a blurb about where you can park. One thing said there was parking and another said no parking??

10

MARIO

24 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good price. The room was big enough for the 3 of us. The beds were very comfortable. Staff is nice and they were kind enough to let us check in after hours. Good location right in the city centre. The only bad thing is that the area looks a bit sketchy and unsafe but nothing happened

8

Hamahona

12 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very warm feeling to the building along with the staff. Very convenient to town Centre, bus services and the beach. I recommend the Ariki back Packer's to anyone looking for accommodation in the New Plymouth area.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Not enough information in reviews.

Related guest reviews

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $36	2 $34	3 $39	4 $39	5 $43	6 $34	7 $43
8 $34	9 $34	10 $36	11 $34	12 $34	13 $45	14 $34
15 $45	16 $34	17 $34	18 $34	19 $39	20 $34	21 $34
22 $36	23 $36	24 $36	25 $36	26 $36	27 $36	28 $36
29 $36	30 $36

Ariki Backpackers

Prices for Ariki Backpackers

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Shared Dormitory (5 Person, Mixed)

Shared Dormitory (6 Person, Mixed)

Family Room, Ensuite

Queen Anne Suite with Ensuite

Shared Dormitory (10 Person, Mixed)

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Shared Dormitory (6 Person, Female Only)

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Ensuite

Guest reviews of Ariki Backpackers

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Ariki Backpackers

Prices for upcoming dates

Business details

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23 $35	24
25 $37	26 $36	27 $36	28 $41	29 $39	30 $39	31 $36