Driftwood Kiwi
Driftwood Kiwi, Findlay Street, Waimarino 3948, New Zealand- Public Art
English
Hotels in National Park7.8Very Good(2,121 reviews) 
82% match
80% match
80% match
National Park Backpackers
Similar hotels nearby
Compare nearby stays with similar location, guest experience, amenities, and class.
82% matchTongariro Crossing Lodge
National Park, NZ
0-star9.2/10 guest score446 reviews
0.43 km (0.27 mi) away
LocationGuest Experience
80% matchPlateau Lodge
National Park, NZ
0-star8.5/10 guest score2,365 reviews
0.36 km (0.23 mi) away
LocationGuest Experience
80% matchAlpine Chalets
National Park, NZ
0-star8.3/10 guest score601 reviews
0.07 km (0.04 mi) away
LocationGuest Experience
About this hotel
Charming Backpackers Retreat in National Park
Convenient Amenities: National Park Backpackers offers a shared kitchen, luggage storage, and cozy shared lounge for guests to relax in after a day of exploring.
Outdoor Delights: Situated just 15 km from Mount Ruapehu, guests can easily access hiking, skiing, and cycling activities in the picturesque surroundings of National Park.
Ideal Location: With Taranaki Falls and Whakapapa nearby, and Taupo Airport within reach, our backpackers is the perfect base for your adventures in the area.
Book your stay at National Park Backpackers now for a memorable and comfortable getaway!
Nearby Attractions
Legion of Frontiersmen Memorial
Legion of Frontiersmen Memorial, Waimarino Tokaanu Road, Waimarino 3948, New Zealand- Memorial
Taranaki Lookout
Taranaki Lookout, Tupapakurua Falls Track, Waimarino 3948, New Zealand- Viewpoint
Tupapakurua Falls Lookout
Tupapakurua Falls Lookout, Tupapakurua Falls Track, Waimarino 3948, New Zealand- Viewpoint
Second Tupapakurua Falls Lookout
Second Tupapakurua Falls Lookout, Tupapakurua Falls Track, Waimarino 3948, New Zealand- Viewpoint
Important Information
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.
Stay Details
Check-in from
02:00 PM
Check-out by
10:00 AM
Parking
FREE
Children
Allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Amenities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Heating
Family rooms
Garden
Hiking
BBQ facilities
Laundry
Luggage storage
Cycling
Fax/photocopying
Skiing
Ski storage
Mini golf
Non-smoking throughout
Private parking
Daily housekeeping
Designated smoking area
Shared lounge/TV area
Board games/puzzles
Shuttle service (additional charge)
Minimarket on site
Shared kitchen
Public transport tickets
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shuttle service
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
Cashless payment available
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
Smoke alarms
Guest room sealed after cleaning
Physical distancing in dining areas
CCTV in common areas
Bike tours
Room Types
Quadruple Room with Private Bathroom
Up to 4 guests19 sqm2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
This quadruple room has a private bathroom, a carpeted floor and garden views. The unit has 3 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
19 sqm
Garden View
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenToilet paperTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Double Room with Private Bathroom
Up to 2 guests13 sqmDouble bed (131-150 cm wide)
The double room provides a carpeted floor and heating, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
13 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenToilet paperTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Quadruple Room with Mountain View
Up to 4 guests19 sqmTwin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide), Bunk bed (Variable Size)
The quadruple room features a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The quadruple room has mountain views. The unit has 3 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide), Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
19 sqm
Mountain View
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenToilet paperTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Triple Room with Private Bathroom
Up to 4 guests19 sqm2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
The triple room provides a carpeted floor and heating, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
19 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenToilet paperTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Double Room with Shared Bathroom
Up to 2 guests10 sqmDouble bed (131-150 cm wide)
The double room provides a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
10 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletHeatingLinenTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
Up to 1 guests19 sqmBunk bed (Variable Size)
Please note that children under 18 years of age cannot be accommodated in this room type.
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
19 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenToilet paperTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room
Up to 1 guests16 sqmBunk bed (Variable Size)
Rooms are 16 square yards.
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
16 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerToiletHeatingLinenTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
Up to 3 guests10 sqmTwin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
The twin room provides a carpeted floor and heating, as well as a shared bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 2 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
10 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletHeatingLinenTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Large Twin Room
Up to 3 guests19 sqmTwin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
This twin room features a private bathroom, a carpeted floor and garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 2 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
19 sqm
Garden View
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenToilet paperTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
5 Bed Room with Ensuite
Up to 5 guests19 sqmDouble bed (131-150 cm wide), 2 Bunk bed (Variable Size)
The quadruple room offers a carpeted floor and heating, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 5 guests
4 adults · 4 children
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide), 2 Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
19 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenToilet paperTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
Up to 1 guests19 sqmBunk bed (Variable Size)
Please note that children under 18 years of age cannot be accommodated in this room type.
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
19 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletHeatingLinenTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Twin Room with Private Bathroom
Up to 3 guests16 sqmTwin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
The twin room offers a carpeted floor and heating, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 2 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
16 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerDeskToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenToilet paperTrash cansSmoke alarmKey access
Ask about this hotel
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Guest reviews(2,121 total)
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
9/10
Reviewed Sep 18, 2026It was very comfortable
10/10
Reviewed Sep 16, 2026Everything was extremely clean. Good kitchen facilities. Great location with ample car parking. Warm room with good hot water for shower. Easy checkin.
Bit of roll together on the bed but everything else was great.
8/10
Reviewed Sep 11, 2026The location and price are great. The beds are comfortable.
The room had a smell. It would be better if it had better ventilation
10/10
Reviewed Sep 11, 2026The location is fantastic! You're in the heart of Waimarino and all the shuttles to Tongariro leave from its parking lot. The hostel has a climbing wall and great communal spaces.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 7, 2026Common toilets are very clean and kitchen facility are also good.
Parking in night to search is little bit difficult.
7/10
Reviewed Sep 6, 2026Spacious room that was nice and warm. Conveniently located next to the pub and close to shops.
Would have liked more pillows, however the bed was comfy.
7/10
Reviewed Sep 3, 2026Great location with easy access to the climbing gym and close proximity to Whakapapa. Very convenient for both climbing and exploring the area.
A couple of minor things could be improved: the toilet had a small leak during our stay, and the separate hot and cold taps at the sink were a little less convenient than a mixer tap.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 2, 2026Very friendly staff and room description was exactly as mentioned.
Nothing
9/10
Reviewed Aug 30, 2026Room is good, and the staff is so pleasant
Insufficent car parks
8/10
Reviewed Aug 27, 2026Great place and location Beautiful
8/10
Reviewed Aug 27, 2026Location is good, close to grocery store and the route to Whakapapa. Facilities are a bit old and but worth the price
8/10
Reviewed Aug 24, 2026Good location, Neatly maintained rooms
Facilities- it is mentioned that coffee tea available for guest at anytime , but it was not available.
8/10
Reviewed Aug 24, 2026Location and facilities were great and comfortable beds. good water pressure in shower.
Room was freezing when we arrived as central heating was broken in the room and the small oil heater hadn’t been turned on. Took a while to heat but once heated was good. Noise from upstairs guests could be heard through the ceiling a lot.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 23, 2026Clean and comfortable
10/10
Reviewed Aug 22, 2026I like this place . Its very good for everyone. And family .and very near to national park . Its my 2nd time to stay here . I like this place very much always .
Good location
10/10
Reviewed Aug 17, 2026Emplacement proche des départs de randos au Tongariro. Chambre quadruple avec sdb correcte. Locaux sympas et accueillants.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 16, 2026The staff is accomodating and facility is clean.
Maybe just put a bin inside the room aside from the toilet bin.
6/10
Reviewed Aug 15, 2026Near to where we want to go
Paint smells in the bathroom
8/10
Reviewed Aug 14, 2026Location, atmosphere, value
Bedding seemed tired and did not look very clean, could be helped if bedding was a lighter colour
9/10
Reviewed Aug 8, 2026Warm, brought extra heater in for us, great service, cool atmosphere
8/10
Reviewed Aug 8, 2026staff helped me out with left items
6/10
Reviewed Aug 8, 2026It was close by to the mountains. Warm and comfy.
Could do with some upgrade of the frying pans - they were all rusty and stick to the pan.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 7, 2026Convenient and accessible
None
9/10
Reviewed Aug 7, 2026The staff was very friendly and helpful. The room was a bit chilly when we arrived and we got an extra heater. The kitchen was well equipped and very clean. We could actually go climbing straight from our bedroom, which was a cool experience! We went for a hike when the winds were too strong to ski and went skiing the next day. Great location/distance to both activities
9/10
Reviewed Aug 7, 2026Staff friendly, lovely communal area, family room spacious and comfortable. The kitchen is well organized and large, the location is really good both for skiing and hiking. The restaurant nearby serves good food and drinks and again the staff were very friendly!
The kitchens smell was a bit pervasive at one point, but nothing to make our stay any less the incredible.
1/10
Reviewed Aug 4, 2026Very close to the snow mountain
Heater wasn't working. They replaced it after requesting 2-3 times but 2nd one also stop working mid night and it was freezing
7/10
Reviewed Jul 25, 2026Enjoyed the close location to the schnapps bar for great food. Enjoyed the breakfast area with communal cooking eating.
Room was a little cold . Would recommend taking an electric heater. Radiator was very warm but a little small for the room. However we were only there for 1 night
9/10
Reviewed Jul 25, 2026Warm
Not much
7/10
Reviewed Jul 19, 2026Good location and fair price
10/10
Reviewed Jul 19, 2026Room was warm, have coat hangers, heater, bed sheets, pillows and blankets. We had the room with private shower, water was hot with good pressure.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 19, 2026Kitchen was big, and dining area have many tables, very user friendly and plenty of space for users. Fridge has plenty of space for storage too. Room was warm, we went in winter during ski season, good comfy rooms and warm.
At times a little noisy in room due to people talking next door, foot traffic. But it settles after 10pm mostly.
9/10
Reviewed Jul 18, 2026Property was clean and spacious enough for a family of 4. Family was very happy staying at the place.
Nothing really. Maybe not that fancy but the most important thing is, it's a safe and comfortable place to stay.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 17, 2026everything
nothing
8/10
Reviewed Jul 17, 2026Location. Very cozy in winter. Staff always there. No problem at all. Huge kitchen.
The price. And I would say the vibes. Not many backpackers. When I was there was many families. Nice but not in my mood because I am a backpacker.
7/10
Reviewed Jul 15, 2026Le chauffage n'été pas assez fort, les chambres étés assez froides.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 8, 2026Great location, warm and clean
Nothing
Guest Feedback
Feedback themes are sourced from guest reviews provided by our data provider.
What guests love
- •Friendly staff
- •Great location
- •Clean rooms
- •Good value
Areas to consider
- •Uncomfortable beds
- •Lack of charging points
- •Security concerns
Cleanliness
6.99/10Cleanliness mentioned as a concern in some reviews, with cleanliness being affected by guests' behavior.
Service
8.46/10Staff were noted to be friendly and helpful, providing good service.
Location
8.5/10Great location for access to local attractions, particularly the Tongariro Crossing.
Room Quality
7.45/10Positive comments on the comfort of beds, but also mentions of discomfort with specific units.
Amenities
7.48/10Some amenities were criticized for not being up to standard, such as insufficient charging points.
Value for Money
7.74/10Considered good value for the services and location provided.
Food and Beverage
7.79/10Not explicitly mentioned, but considered adequate based on the overall positive sentiment.
Overall Experience
7.96/10Generally positive experiences highlighted the enjoyment of the stay despite some issues.