Loft 109 Backpackers Hostel

The CBD location is very good, and the staff and other guests were always friendly. I stayed at the Loft for a while during kiwi picking season. It was cleaned daily and the sheets were clean, so the place was well looked after. It's a good place with a very casual atmosphere, as long as you remember it's not a luxury hotel. When it's busy, fridge space can be limited, and some of the inventory could use a touch-up. Aside from that, I had a great stay and will definitely return.

There were occasional thefts, and my friend had something stolen here. The room was cramped and smelled bad, with a broken locker for valuables. The whole place seemed disorganized, and the common area was tiny. For this level of quality, I really can't believe they charge this much.

It had a strange atmosphere, and the guests seemed mostly to be seasonal workers who lived there. If you're a woman traveling alone and aren't comfortable in a place mainly occupied by men, or you're hoping to meet backpackers around your age in their early twenties, this probably isn't the hostel for you. It feels more like a working hostel. Staff seemed nice and the facilities were pretty clean, but reception was unattended from 9:30 to 10:10 in the morning. As a former receptionist, I found that inconvenient, especially since another guest had to help with my luggage when I needed to store it. The top bunks have no railing, so bear that in mind when booking.

I spent three months here during kiwifruit picking season. It was a great place to stay, and definitely the cheapest option in Tauranga. The facilities were clean, and the friendly, helpful staff helped me find work at a kiwifruit orchard.