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7.6

796 reviews

Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

27 Selwyn Road , Bay of Islands, 0200, New Zealand

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041

Choose dates to view prices

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Tour desk

Sun deck

Parking On Site

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

Welcome to Centabay Lodge and Backpackers, your cheerful retreat in the heart of Paihia, New Zealand! Nestled just 0.1mi from the city center, this 2-star haven boasts a fantastic location that makes it the perfect starting point for your adventures. Need some excitement? The stunning beach is just a hop, skip, and jump away! Plus, with comfortable accommodations starting at a super budget-friendly price, you'll have plenty of cash left over for all those delicious fish and chips.

At Centabay Lodge, we've engineered a delightful mix of amenities that will make your stay as relaxing or action-packed as you want! Enjoy complimentary wifi as you plan your next escapade, or take a breather in our sun deck or picnic area surrounded by lush gardens. Don't forget your golf clubs—the nearby golf course (at extra charges) beckons all enthusiasts! With 796 fantastic reviews, it's clear that our guests love the friendly atmosphere, private parking, and other perks like non-smoking rooms and a lovely terrace to soak up the sun.

The adventure awaits beyond our doors! Explore the stunning beaches and vibrant local culture, or seek guidance at our tour desk to discover hidden gems around Paihia. Whether you're lounging on your balcony or mingling with fellow travelers, Centabay Lodge and Backpackers is all about the good vibes and great experiences. So come join the fun and make memories that will last a lifetime!

At Centabay Lodge and Backpackers, your options are as diverse as the adventures that await you in Paihia! While we haven't delved into the specifics of our room types, rest assured that each space is designed with your comfort in mind. Whether you're bonding with new friends in a shared room or enjoying a little privacy, you're sure to find accommodations that fit your needs. Each room invites you to unwind after a day of excitement, providing a cozy spot to rest your head and recharge for the adventures to come.

When it’s time to fuel up for a day of exploring, you’re in luck! Our kitchen facilities are perfect for cooking up a breakfast worth waking up for. If dining out is more your style, you won’t have to go far; Paihia offers a plethora of cafés and restaurants where you can indulge in the local culinary scene. Don’t forget to try some fresh seafood – after all, you’re in New Zealand, a country famous for its bountiful ocean harvests!

After an exhilarating day, wind down by joining fellow travelers in our lively common areas. Share stories, swap travel tips, or just relax and soak in the friendly and inviting atmosphere of Centabay Lodge. With the glow of laughter and camaraderie around you, it’s easy to feel right at home. So grab your backpack and your good spirits, and discover the unforgettable journey that awaits you at Centabay Lodge – where every check-in brings new friendships and fantastic memories!

Closest airports

Kerikeri Airport

10.1mi

Whangarei Airport

37.1mi

Most popular amenities

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Tour desk

Sun deck

Parking On Site

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Picnic area

Garden

Balcony

Rooms

Guest reviews

7.6

796 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇬🇧

Jacob

10

March 2024

Centabay was my favourite hostel that I stayed at in New Zealand!!! I loved the vibrant atmosphere, the lovely backpacker-staff and the wonderful manager who was always a joy to chat with. The prices are incredibly reasonable for a place in the middle of Paihia, and you can tell the manager isn't in it for the profit - she genuinely wants to help travellers have the best experience possible. The hot tub worked well and was always great to use. The hammocks and tropical garden are another bonus. I could go on and on!

Word of warning: lots of young, loud people staying here and making loads of noise, especially in the kitchen! This will often be the case at most hostels of course, and it didn't ruin my experience in this place.

🇺🇸

Paul

8.2

April 2024

My sister and I spent 5 nights here. The location was excellent. For any of the local "tours" you can easily walk to the pickup point. Restaurants and smaller stores are within a block or two. There is a grocery store within walking distance, as well. Parking is available on site, but limited in the number of spaces. Most of the people staying here were very much younger than my sister and I, and I enjoyed talking to them. Staff was very helpful.

There wasn't anything in particular that I didn't like. I was expecting a basic room with an attached bath and that is what I got. No complaints at all.

🇫🇮

R

8.2

April 2024

Location is central, near the water front and close to the shops and bus station. My room was nice and clean. It was quite quiet there at night and I got to sleep ok. The town is really nice and there are good walks on the coast and in Russell. It was great having a fridge and an electric kettle in my room. And nice getting little things like soap bars, tea, coffee and milk, although I didn't need it all. The staff also responded to requests. And nice early check-in time at 12, and storing luggage after check-out time was possible.

The kitchen was not as clean and tidy as my room was. No lights outside when you left the room before sun rise.

🇿🇦

Hayley

10

October 2024

The location is really good, it's close to a lot of restaurants and the pier where you can take a ferry or a boat cruise from. The bed was very comfortable and there are a few bathrooms to use. The kitchen has a bunch of crockery etc and it is useful to have an upstairs and downstairs kitchen with fridges to keep your food in. The staff is very friendly too and I liked the hammocks.

There were some trucks and busses idling early in the mornings that were quite loud, but that is out of the lodges control.

🇮🇪

Attia

8.2

November 2023

Very central location, only a short walk to shops, cafes & takeaways. Staff were very nice and approachable, quick to sort out any issues or have a chat when they could. Kitchen seemed to be cleaned on a daily basis, good vibe to the property as everyone staying there seemed friendly & up for a chat. Wifi was pretty decent too, no issues. Overall pretty good experience, would stay again & recommend to others.

Walls are prettty thin so you could hear at night if someone was showering or using the bathroom. The courtyard can get pretty lively at night, but this is expected for a backpackers hostel.

🇦🇺

Frances

8.2

February 2024

The public areas are very nice, with a hot spa and hammocks. Great location within walking distance from the centre of Paihia, beach and short drive to Waitangi and Haruru Falls. Plenty of parking, either at the Lodge or on the street outside.

On one night, a staff member raised his voice at a group of guests for talking even though it was before the designated "quiet time". He was quite rude and made more noise than the guests he was telling off. Not enough bathroom facilities.

🇳🇿

Peter

8.2

January 2024

The best thing was location - close to everything, a few minutes walk to the shops, the wharf/ferry very central. Customer service was excellent as well, felt welcomed and catered for our little requests such as extra milk. Room was clean and bathroom and shower was excellent.

Finding car parking space was hard. Beds were ok but not so comfy, the wheels on the bed were annoying and pillows were flat. Could have done with more pantry space rather than cups etc on top of the fridge. Smell from rubbish etc in Kitchen and kitchen downstairs was often overcrowded.

🇳🇿

Topside

10

August 2023

The owner was available and fixed a utility plug and upgraded to new our electric water kettle very quickly for our suite. He upgraded our room to a cozy upstairs 2 bed with a private bathroom, large open window and view of the Fire department for a very reasonable price. We stayed several weeks and he also negotiated basically the best value for our money stay of our entire North and South Island 3 month tour, which finished up in Paihia. Their location was very convenient to all sights and restaurants, food supermarket which worked for us because we prefer simple cooked meals easily done in their huge kitchen downstairs. We were trying to find a home to purchase in Kerikeri which we actually accomplished while staying at this lodge, the owner was thrilled for us once he realized we had lived on a sailboat for the past 12 years as sustainable lifestylers ready for a serious change. We made it to our house location purchase from Centabay lodge I'm a short time enough to seal the deal from other bidders wanting this new home as well, Simon Hart with Barfoot & Thompson realty was thei vendors realtor who also helped us manage this purchase, highly recommended as well. A great stay for us here, much appreciated.

Nothing.

🇳🇿

Kristil

10

February 2024

The staff were thoughtful enough to leave the window & door open with a fan going on a hot summer’s day. The bathroom was a good size for a lodge room, there was a tea & coffee station & even milk in the fridge. The spa was also lovely. The staff were friendly & the lady was very helpful explaining local activities based on our interests.

The only bad thing I could say is that the tv was very small & old but we were not staying there to watch tv so it really wasn’t a problem!

🇬🇧

Sophie

8.2

March 2023

Amazing location just 2 mins from where the ferry goes from, countdown and the bus stop. A 30min walk to Waitangi Treaty grounds. Receptionist was so lovely, she was helpful and friendly. Stayed in a twin room which was small but clean with comfy beds. Nice outside seating, kitchen never got busy either.

There's only 3 toilets and 4 showers for all the shared bathroom rooms and dorms which isn't enough! There's a damp/strange smell in kitchen and shower rooms - this is just from the water rather than a damp issue. The water in Paihia is just like that - horrible to drink too but you'd have this issue anywhere in Paihia as we couldn't drink the tap water in cafes either. It's safe water - just apparently due to a mineral or something in Paihia water supply. So the bad smell in kitchen is just due to when people turn taps on so don't worry if you notice that! Due to large school group not many other backpackers around to socialize with but that was just bad luck of timing.

Points of Interest Around Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

Attractions

Pompallier Mission and Printery (Pompallier House)

2.1mi

Haruru Falls

2.2mi

Waitangi

2.2mi

Bay of Islands Cruise Port (Waitangi Wharf)

7.9mi

Stone Store

8.4mi

Kerikeri

8.8mi

Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock

16.1mi

Puketi Forest (Puketi Kauri Forest)

20.8mi

Whangaroa Harbour

24.7mi

Whangarei Falls

31.1mi

Amenities of Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Tour desk

Sun deck

Parking On Site

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Picnic area

Garden

Balcony

Stay rules - Centabay Lodge and Backpackers

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

From

$300

Call for great rates

+1-833-728-2041