The Split Level Hostel – Okawa, New Zealand

Split Level Hostel

Located near the East end of the Catlins, this hostel was a great stopping point after spending the entire day sight seeing around the Catlins at the Southern point of New Zealand.  This is another BBH Hostel, so break out your discount card!  When we arrived we did not have reservations.  We were not sure how many days we had planned to stay or if we even were going to be ready to stop here for the night or keep on exploring.  When we pulled up to the hostel in the very quiet town of Okawa, there was not a car in the parking area.  As we approached the building we noticed a sign on the door and was about to assume they were closed.  The sign simply told travelers to walk on in, explore the living areas, kitchen, and rooms and if you liked it grab the room key from the door and change the sign on the door to reserved.     It was really a nice way to get to see the place first.

The Split Level has a nice range of accommodations from dorm rooms with 4 bunk beds to private double bed and 3 person ensuite rooms, which are all comfortable and warm.  Linens are provided which is not always the case in New Zealand.  Many places offer linen hire where you pay extra for linen and towels for your stay.

This was a great place for us because it was quiet and we were ready for a quiet night catching up on writing.  Only two other people ultimately showed up that night so we pretty much had the place and the facilities to ourselves.

Amenities include:

• Kitchen stocked with more than adequate supplies although there is only one stove/oven so if the place was fully occupied it might be a wait to get cooking.  In addition there was a microwave, toaster, and a large fridge for storing your groceries.
• Attached to the kitchen is a nice dining area with one large table that accommodates 8 diners at a time.
• Laundry facilities included a coin-operated washer and outside drying line.
• For non-ensuite rooms, the shared bathrooms and showers were very clean.
• Inside lounge area with games and books available to use.  Sky TV was provided as well.  The lounge area had ample seating including couches and even recliner chairs.

Great Kitchen Facilities

Our room was a double ensuite – one double bed with dual electric blanket controllers with an in room bathroom including shower.  There was also a microwave, small fridge, and kettle including coffee, tea, and sugar.  The cost per night was $76 NZD.

Clean, Spacious Bedrooms

For more information and details check out the BBH website.