Is parking available at the property?

Limited on-site parking is available for guests. It is free of charge, but reservations are not required.

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

Check-in is from 12:00 PM until 9:30 PM. Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request and could incur additional charges.

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

The property is located near the beach, within a 5-minute walk of Bay of Islands and Paihia Wharf. It is 0.2 km from Te Ti Bay and 0.4 km from Paihia Beach.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, and there is no minimum age specified for staying for free.

What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?

The property allows guests to request cribs or infant beds in advance, but additional charges may apply. Confirmation is required for these requests.

Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

What guests think

Across recent reviews, Centabay Lodge and Backpackers is praised for its friendly, helpful staff, central Paihia location, and generally clean spaces, while feedback also notes basic, budget-style accommodations with some noise and small or dated rooms.

Many appreciate the good value and useful extras like a spacious shared kitchen and a small spa pool. Common drawbacks include thin walls and nighttime noise, limited toilets in shared bathrooms, and occasional maintenance or crowding at peak times. Overall, expect a straightforward, budget-friendly base with a lively hostel vibe.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests like the spacious shared kitchen, and several mention a small spa pool; peak times can make the kitchen busy.

Related guest reviews

6

Philip

Dec 2, 2023

·

Would only recommend to people under 25 / hardly got any sleep as walls are paper thin - might as well of been a curtain, noisy people in other rooms till 1.30am Facilities were not maintained very well & had to wait at least an hour or so each night to cook or get a table - tip do that at 5pm. Stayed at a number of lodges & caravan parks while in NZ, none were like this one. Lucky it was our first stay on our trip & would rate it as our worst experience in over a months travelling.

8

Jonasi

Feb 8, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

First time staying in a backpackers motel. Although we got a room with an ensuite, the atmosphere being around other people was fun facilities were good and close to everything in the township. Only thing was the parking is limited based on a first come first serve basis which was ok with us.

10

Vivienne

Jun 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly helpful checkin/ good shared kitchen/ nice garden/ hot tub & games room a plus/ clean room

8

Richelle

May 5, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was pretty dated and small but had everything you needed. Lovely fluffy towels and soap supplied. No toilet paper in the communal bathroom. Kitchen area is really spacious and well stocked. Lots of fridge space and well set out.

8

Nikki

Jan 3, 2022

·

Stayed 4 nights

Thought there may have been housekeeping at least once during our stay, but for 52.50 per night can't complain. Friendly staff including flooffy doggy, enjoyed the hammocks (not to mention having to get helped and heaved out of it) Just found that with 2 people it got a bit cramped in the private room after four nights, but if you're travelling alone, or there for a shorter stay would recommend.

8

Lindsey

Jan 31, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Comfy beds. Quiet considering it is next to the fire department. Kitchen could use a little work or at least people could clean up after themselves (maybe this is just the old person in me). 😀. Bathrooms all in good shape and clean.

10

Darlene

Dec 28, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

the big T.V was everything 🙌 😍 Great stay

6

Colin

Dec 25, 2022

·

Stayed 19,351 nights

For the number of people staying there, it needed more toilets. The staff were great. Liked the spar pool.

10

Natalia

Dec 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The service was amazing, everyone was super kind and super helpful. The room was clean and the amenities were lovely.

10

Peter

Feb 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Studio room in a hostel. Lovely staff. Clean all round. Room of a decent size with newly fitted kitchen and cooker in good condition

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Many reviews note clean rooms and common areas, with bathrooms generally in good shape. A few mention issues in shared bathrooms, such as missing toilet paper.

Related guest reviews

8

Isaac

Sep 7, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The best service from a human I have experienced at a hostel. She was great. Only had 2 toilets and showers, which is not enough (one toilet was out of service.) room was only 5 beds which is very nice. Great location.

10

Johan

Feb 1, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice staff clean.

10

Sophie

Jun 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I loved staying there. The staff was really nice, she was very kind and helpful. Everybody else who was staying there was very welcoming and warm. The place was really clean.

6

Verena

Mar 28, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

room was alright and as on the photos, but noisy and busy/crowded around the clock, (mixed) bathroom was below expectations and disappointing. Probably good place to stay if you want to meet new people, but would not recommend if you want to relax.

10

Vivienne

Jun 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly helpful checkin/ good shared kitchen/ nice garden/ hot tub & games room a plus/ clean room

8

Richelle

May 5, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was pretty dated and small but had everything you needed. Lovely fluffy towels and soap supplied. No toilet paper in the communal bathroom. Kitchen area is really spacious and well stocked. Lots of fridge space and well set out.

10

Ofer

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent location. Good value. Clean and quiet. Basic hostel with great location.

8

Lindsey

Jan 31, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Comfy beds. Quiet considering it is next to the fire department. Kitchen could use a little work or at least people could clean up after themselves (maybe this is just the old person in me). 😀. Bathrooms all in good shape and clean.

10

Natalia

Dec 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The service was amazing, everyone was super kind and super helpful. The room was clean and the amenities were lovely.

8

Johan

Feb 2, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice hostel clean friendly staff.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms range from small or dated to larger studios with kitchens; several found studios a good size. Noise from thin walls is a recurring issue, and some reported heat without air conditioning.

Related guest reviews

6

Philip

Dec 2, 2023

·

Would only recommend to people under 25 / hardly got any sleep as walls are paper thin - might as well of been a curtain, noisy people in other rooms till 1.30am Facilities were not maintained very well & had to wait at least an hour or so each night to cook or get a table - tip do that at 5pm. Stayed at a number of lodges & caravan parks while in NZ, none were like this one. Lucky it was our first stay on our trip & would rate it as our worst experience in over a months travelling.

10

ed

Jan 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Studio was prefect size, plenty of room. Walkable to everything in Paihia. Really happy with our stay!

6

Verena

Mar 28, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

room was alright and as on the photos, but noisy and busy/crowded around the clock, (mixed) bathroom was below expectations and disappointing. Probably good place to stay if you want to meet new people, but would not recommend if you want to relax.

10

Gregory

Feb 13, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was very hot without ac but I knew that going in. Nice for the price

8

Richelle

May 5, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was pretty dated and small but had everything you needed. Lovely fluffy towels and soap supplied. No toilet paper in the communal bathroom. Kitchen area is really spacious and well stocked. Lots of fridge space and well set out.

10

Gael

Apr 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Veey handy to everything in central piahia. Had studio unit 3 singles perfect for what we needed. And reasonably priced.

8

Nikki

Jan 3, 2022

·

Stayed 4 nights

Thought there may have been housekeeping at least once during our stay, but for 52.50 per night can't complain. Friendly staff including flooffy doggy, enjoyed the hammocks (not to mention having to get helped and heaved out of it) Just found that with 2 people it got a bit cramped in the private room after four nights, but if you're travelling alone, or there for a shorter stay would recommend.

8

Lindsey

Jan 31, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Comfy beds. Quiet considering it is next to the fire department. Kitchen could use a little work or at least people could clean up after themselves (maybe this is just the old person in me). 😀. Bathrooms all in good shape and clean.

10

Natalia

Dec 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The service was amazing, everyone was super kind and super helpful. The room was clean and the amenities were lovely.

10

Peter

Feb 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Studio room in a hostel. Lovely staff. Clean all round. Room of a decent size with newly fitted kitchen and cooker in good condition

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are repeatedly praised as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, with easy, clear check-ins.

Related guest reviews

8

Isaac

Sep 7, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The best service from a human I have experienced at a hostel. She was great. Only had 2 toilets and showers, which is not enough (one toilet was out of service.) room was only 5 beds which is very nice. Great location.

10

Johan

Feb 1, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice staff clean.

10

Sophie

Jun 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I loved staying there. The staff was really nice, she was very kind and helpful. Everybody else who was staying there was very welcoming and warm. The place was really clean.

10

Michael

Nov 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff helpful. All fine

10

Leen

Nov 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Jack was extremelywelcoming

10

Robert

Jul 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Was handy to the town centre and easy to find . Staff were friendly 😀

10

Natalia

Dec 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The service was amazing, everyone was super kind and super helpful. The room was clean and the amenities were lovely.

8

Johan

Feb 2, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice hostel clean friendly staff.

10

David

Nov 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Good central location & value for money. A little noisy at night time. Staff were excellent & very helpful thank you.

10

Carolyn

Nov 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was easy. Staff friendly and courteous. Gave clear instructions about property. Centabay Lodge so handy for the Banana boat ocean series swim between Paihia and Russell. Thank you for a good stay.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Consistently described as central and walkable to Paihia's attractions and waterfront.

Related guest reviews

8

Allen

Jun 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Quiet, comfortable location walking distance from the center of Paihia.

10

ed

Jan 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Studio was prefect size, plenty of room. Walkable to everything in Paihia. Really happy with our stay!

8

Jonasi

Feb 8, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

First time staying in a backpackers motel. Although we got a room with an ensuite, the atmosphere being around other people was fun facilities were good and close to everything in the township. Only thing was the parking is limited based on a first come first serve basis which was ok with us.

10

Dean

Mar 11, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location was perfect for our requirements.

10

Gael

Apr 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Veey handy to everything in central piahia. Had studio unit 3 singles perfect for what we needed. And reasonably priced.

10

Stephen

Oct 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Enjoyed very much. Will definitely stay again. Nice room, good position to waterfront, and friendly owner. Enjoyed our time immensely.

10

Ofer

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent location. Good value. Clean and quiet. Basic hostel with great location.

8

Kevin

Apr 22, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

It was good for a short stay. It is close to everything.

10

albin

Apr 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good price, gret location

10

David

Nov 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Good central location & value for money. A little noisy at night time. Staff were excellent & very helpful thank you.

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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	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21 $31	22	23 $34	24 $34
25 $34	26 $31	27 $31	28 $34	29 $31	30 $46	31 $31

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $31	2 $46	3 $31	4 $47	5 $46	6 $34	7 $47
8 $48	9 $47	10 $34	11 $46	12 $46	13 $47	14 $34
15 $47	16 $46	17 $46	18 $47	19 $46	20 $46	21 $53
22 $40	23 $56	24 $56	25 $88	26 $58	27 $40	28 $40
29 $40	30 $41

Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

About this property

Location

Room options

Double Or Twin Room, Ensuite

Basic Shared Dormitory (5 Or 6 Bed)

Studio

Double Or Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Guest reviews of Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

Prices for upcoming dates