The Best of a Hostel Environment

The Youth Hostel Assn. facilities in New Zealand are the best in the world, according to a YHA survey conducted last year of 9,000 travelers from 10 countries.

The 59 YHA New Zealand hostels offer members of affiliated hosteling associations beds for $6.30 to $13.30 per night. Nonmembers are welcome but are charged an additional $2.80 per night.

The hostels provide shared accommodations with some twin, double and family rooms available at most locations. Blankets, duvets, pillows and bed linens are provided. There are no duties or curfews, and guests have lounges, kitchens and 24-hour access.

You can get information about the hostels in the free 1997 edition of “The Good Bed Guide.” Copies of the leaflet are available by calling the New Zealand Government Tourist Office at (800) 388-5494.

The YHA New Zealand earned its top position after being rated on atmosphere, service and value for money.

Reservations can be made at YHA hostels through the International Booking Network (IBN) operated at affiliated hostels in major cities around the world. You can also contact the YHA National Reservations Centre at P.O. Box 68-149, Auckland, New Zealand, telephone 011-64-9-309-2802, fax 011-64-9-373-5083.

The YHA New Zealand Auckland City Hostel is staffed 24 hours to meet all international flights. A free phone, connected to the hostel, is available next to the information desk at the airport so you can check bed availability and make transportation arrangements. Special rates for members are available on the Super Shuttle door-to-door transport service that operates 24 hours from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports.

YHA New Zealand also has arranged discounts for guests at their hostels. Details on price reductions on tourist activities and tours are covered in a free booklet given to guests. Members of affiliated hosteling associations also are eligible for a 50% discount on Ansett New Zealand and Air New Zealand (special conditions apply), a 30% discount on InterCity Coaches, Mount Cook Landline, Newmans Coachlines and Tranz Rail, and a 5% reduction on two backpacker bus services--Kiwi Experience and Magic Bus.

For independent travelers who want flexibility but need help making basic arrangements, YHA New Zealand also offers packages that combine vouchers for youth hostel accommodations and land transportation.

Izon is a Toronto-based freelance writer. She can be reached at https://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/izon.