Hey Fellow Travellers
I have just returned from overseas (a compulsive traveller) and sold my house blah blah and am looking to set-up/buy a backpackers in NZ. I am interested in what destinations are rated by travellers these days.
I spent time (years, in fact) in Canada/States/UK/Europe/South Africa (basically the world over, really)and have this thinking that surely people are interested in beaches more than mountains and Glaciers. This is purely because alot of countries have the scenery but not such beaut beaches with yummy white sand. Am I being delusional??
So whats your opinion??
Cheers
shetraveller
1
westwood
You're being delusional if you think people visit NZ because of its beaches. Why do you think so many people are recommended the South Island for holidays??
2
mainlander
Picton would have to be my choice, but hey, I am being biased. Small, friendly town and central to everything. A bit pricey however if your looking to buy real estate.
3
otari
One thing to think about is that many towns are already saturated with backpacker hostels - certainly a labour of love rather than a moneymaking prospect! Although the beachy areas of NZ get many visitors during summer, they really slow down over winter, when backpackers are coming for snowsports and to explore nearby areas.
Seems like the places that do best are either a) in exclusive, amazing locations, or b) on the year-round tourist circuit. The south island is far more popular with backpackers than the north island, so I'd say that it's definitely the best bet.
Falling in the a) category are hostels like Hopewell and Kinloch Lodge, which have become destination lodges by combining exclusive settings with very nice facilities. Often these places offer both backpacker and more up market lodge accommodation.
In the b) category, up and coming areas that are not already oversaturated with hostels include Punakaiki, Te Anau/Manapouri, Glenorchy (though property cost may be prohibitive here), Tekapo, and even Kaikoura (which has a number of hostels but none that stand out).
If you want to check out the competition, visit the BBH Hostel listings.
If you'd like to see what backpackers say are their favourite places to stay, try the Backpacker board favourite hostels thread.
Good luck.
4
anonymous
<blockquote>Quote
<hr>beaut beaches with yummy white sand.<hr></blockquote> Noo Ziland actually has these?
5
mainlander
Jugglers Rest is a good example of a unique, warm and friendly backpackers in Picton. The reason for their success is its quiet and secluded location and by providing an alternative experience offering free workshops in juggling skills. Things like this offer the traveller a memoriable experience and I think is the key to setting up and running a quality hostel regardless of its location.<blockquote>Quote
<hr>and even Kaikoura (which has a number of hostels but none that stand out).<hr></blockquote>
Exactly!
7
joolz2
If you're going to go for somewhere on the beach, you want to be as far north as possible. The South Island has beaches that are indeed beautiful, but are bloody freezing!
If you went for somewhere in the mountains on the other hand, I think you'd get a longer season because there are both summer and winter activities in the mountains.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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