Surf'n'Snow Backpackers in Auckland » staff1

FAQ

staff1 — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:13:34 +0000

What time is your check in and check out?

Our check in is 12PM and check out is 10AM.

I don’t have a credit card to reserve the bed…

Then can we ask what time you are due to arrive, your bed will be secured until 1 hour after your arrival time. If you think it will be later please let us know as soon as possible.

Do you have a car park?
No we don’t. There are several car parks nearby, as well as some residential areas where is free to park all day if you can find a space. When you arrive at the hostel and check-in we are happy to direct you to these.

Is linen provided?

Yes, all bed’s linen is provided at this hostel and you don’t need to bring it to reception when you check out.

What is check in process?

Each & every guest (both booker & guests) must need to present (for scanning) PHYSICAL PASSPORT for check in along with a VALID CREDIT CARD. PHYSICAL PASSPORT IS ONLY VALID FORM OF ID FOR CHECK IN.

Please inform Surf ‘N’ Snow Backpackers in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.”

If I need to cancel the booking, how far in advance do I need to let you know?

We need at least a 48 hour notice if you are canceling the reservation. Otherwise we will charge you the first nights stay on your credit card.

Do you have female only dorms as well?

Yes we do, would you prefer to stay there instead of mixed dorms? We have 4, 6, 8 and 10 bed dorms all female only.

I’m arriving late, can I still check in?

Of course, we are open 24 hours.

I’m arriving 6am, can I still check in?

Note: If guests arrive before 5am their booking will be booked under the night before. If guests arrive after 6am their bookings will be the following day.
You can, but check-in will not be until 12pm. You are welcome to leave your bags in our luggage room and use any of our facilities until we can check you in to your room.

Can two people stay in a single room?

I’m afraid a single room is for one person only; double or twin rooms are catered for two people.

Do you offer discount for staying a week or longer in a dorm room?

Yes, we have weekly as well as monthly rates to suit your needs of long term accommodation.

Do you offer discount for staying in a private room?

Weekly rates also apply to single as well as double and twin rooms. You can also get discounts if you are cardholder of BBH, YHA or VIP backpacker cards.

Do you offer any discount with a discount card?

Yes we do IF you have a VIP card its $2/night discount and YHA or BBH will get you a one dollar discount.
There are 5 of us wanting to stay in our own room. Is that possible?
We have a 5 bed dorm available for you and if it were booked for the nights you need it, we can also offer our 6-bed dorm but we’ll have to charge you for the extra one bed in your group.

How do you get there from the airport?

If you go out through gate 9 you can catch the Airbus Express; you want to get off by the Skycity stop. Our backpacker is situated just around the corner from Sky City with a big orange sign.
If you go through gate 8 you can catch the Super Shuttle which will drop you off right on our door step.

Do you serve breakfast?

No we don’t offer breakfast services. We do have a kitchen open 24 hours. Otherwise there are lots of nice cafés around where you can get great food and coffee.

I need to check out of the hostel at 5am, will there be someone at the reception that can give me the key deposit back?

Yes, our reception is open 24 hours.

Where is the nearest supermarket?

New World- Straight up Victoria street about 15 minutes on the same side of the road as the Sky Tower past the park and Market. Alternatively Foodtown is a fine supermarket down by the harbour past Britomart.

Where is the nearest post office?

Straight up Victoria Street on this side of the road

Where is the nearest pharmacy?

Go right on Queen Street and it’s about four doors past the Starbucks.

Is there any car parking around here?

Sky tower or 1st right or in Crowne Plaza Hotel

Where is the nearest ATM machine?

On Victoria Street just next to Starbucks there is an ATM. Or in the lobby of Sky city there are several ATM’s.

Where is the doctor/GP?

Go right out the door and it’s on the corner of Albert Street and Mills Lane (our side of the road)

happy new year!

staff1 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:51:14 +0000

Happy year of the Tiger to everyone!!!
With the arrival of the Chinese New Year all the good news arrive to Surf N Snow Backpackers in Auckland.

Our new web site is ready to go, full of interesting info about travelling and activities in Auckland and the surrounding areas.

We started the celebration of the Chinese New Year last weekend when our dear Taiwanese “chef” Emily Chang left us to do her own celebration with her friends in Hastings and made us long for last year’s celebration dinner… but she is back with us know, and right on time!!!

Yes!!! ‘Cos now we are getting closer to the culmination of the festivities with the classical Lantern Festival which will be held as usual in Albert Park.

Last year I had the opportunity of attending to the celebrations in the park and I had a blast!!!

All Symonds Street is closed up in the evenings during the 3 days that the party takes place.

It’s awesome, decorations all over the park, mouth-watering Asian food and the lanterns!!!

The lanterns are so beautiful; the park looks just gorgeous all cover in lights of different shapes and sizes, moving along with the breeze following the rhythm of the live music being played all evening.

Don’t miss out on the closing fireworks!!!

If you are in Auckland this weekend you have to hit the park after 5pm.

Anto

More info:

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/events/lantern/Default.asp

Working in NZ

staff1 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:52:16 +0000

We get many enquiries about how to combine work and holiday in New Zealand.. It’s a small country but there’s a lot to see, so it’s a good idea to stay for several months and work a little to cover your expenses.

When you arrive in New Zealand, stay at Surf ‘N’ Snow Backpackers in Auckland and take advantage of our special Working Holiday Packages including accommodation, and various assistance to help you get started on your working holiday life in New Zealand.

WH Starter Pack A $125

3 nights in 6-8 dorm
Free 15 min. e-mail check during your stay
Free mail (postal) storage
Assistance in obtaining IRD number
Assistance in opening a bank account
Special deal for travel bookings
Language school Free trial lesson

WH Starter Pack B $250

7 nights in 6-8 dorm
Free internet during your stay
Free mail (postal) storage
Assistance in obtaining IRD number
Assistance in opening a bank account
Special deal for travel bookings
Language school Free trial lesson

New Zealand Job search information

If you are on a tight budget and are interested in work exchange with Surf ‘N’ Snow Backpackers, please feel free to contact us at

job@surfandsnow.co.nz

Cape Reinga – 90 mile beach

staff1 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:51:15 +0000

90 mile beach

Located at the top of the North Island, 90 mile beach is the longest beach in New Zealand. It’s widely known for its enormous sand dunes and it’s resemblance to the Sahara Desert. This white sanded beach is a must see for those who adore the sand and sea.

If you are into surfing, you can stop at Tauroa Point and experience one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world. Or you could try Sand Boarding, fun for everyone.

You can also take one a guided Coach tour or rent a 4 Wheel Drive if you want to drive on Ninety Mile Beach. You can also enjoy are Quad Biking and Fishing.