Finlay Jack's Backpackers

Cute pod beds, easy fun block steps to go up upper pod, drape cover the entire front, nice privacy. Sweet n accommodating staff, big, well organized n convenient kitchen, many sinks, ovens, air fryer, fridges, nice lounge, outdoor hammocks, a fun place to hang out.

Quick stay

Need better basic supply in bathroom/Shower. No sand coffee/Tea supply.. cups,spoon etc

The Family room we booked was perfect. we just needed a place to rest and recharge for our family adventures, and this accommodation was close to everything we needed. Lovely staff Aswell.

The property was very close to downtown Taupo and it was great to come and go.

The room was quite small and we didn’t have a ton of room to even bring our bags in. Unfortunately there was a lot of noise despite signage asking for quiet after 10:30, and we couldn’t close the windows as there wasn’t any air flow otherwise. You get what you pay for, but the private rooms are so close to the entrance so it’s quite loud and busy on weekend nights.

Loved the bed units. Great to have space to keep stuff too. Curtains always a plus for me. Cute little garden area in the centre. Nice communal areas. Parking available outside on road.

Unsure if the locks worked on the patio style locking. Others girls in room hadn't been locking it so didn't persist with issue.

We had a double room, bed was great, we had a great shared balcony, kitchen and bathroom. Staff was very helpful. Highly recommended

Perfect location for Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge- just up from start/finish line. Close to shops, supermarket, etc. Very cosy, nice facilities and people. This is my 3rd or 4th time staying here.

Nothing- it's perfect for the type of accommodation

Excellent staff including the owner, most friendly and helpful! The place is so clean, kitchen is spotless! The staffwork so hard! It's amazing! The room is so spacious with extra large comfortable beds! The big bonus is the lovelygarden with tables and chairs! The place is more like a resort than a hostel! I stayed for 3 nights only! Wish I couldstay much longer! Thank you everyone for your hard work and friendship!! Excellent management!!!???

None!

The water pressure. I love how quickly their hot water comes on and the bathroom was very clean.

Near town. Bed is comfy

Cleanliness

I enjoyed the variety of entertainment options in the TV room/kitchen.

The bed was literally on the floor and it was uncomfortable to lay down and get up.

All the staff are amazing and friendly! Events put on with the hostel to encourage group activities to meet new people. In the kitchen there's amazing utilities and on the walls a bunch of solid recommendations on how to fill your time in Taupo across a variety of budgets.Truly a clean and comfortable hostel! I will be back!

Nothing to complain about!

I really loved the general vibe of the hostel, all the people I've met there amazing and super friendly. I think the set up of the common area and shared facilities was a huge contributor to that. Also, the bed provided a lot of privacy with the black out curtains, so I think it's also a great place for long term stay.

There wasn't that many shared showers so I think if the hostel was fully booked, it would be quite busy. But there are rooms with connected shower so I don't think it's such a big issue.

It was good for a backpackers, the beds were ok, the bathroom was ok and it was nice to have one, the kitchen was big, the tv room was good even though it wasn't a quiet area.

it would've been nice if there was room in the fridges, luckily all we had was a bottle of milk, also a bit more attention to the stairs with more railing to hold on to and non slip mats.

Good vibes, great places to hang out and it really feels like the owners care about the place.

Only one bathroom by bunks, others are a bit far.

Receptionist (Canadian female from Fergus, ON) was very friendly and helpful. Private bunks with blackout curtains, electrical outlets and nightlights.

Communal showers smelled of mould and mildew. Kitchen was poorly organized and lounge was ill-utilized.

Got to enjoy a packed movie night, everyone was so welcoming! Really enjoyed the amenities of my cozy pod. Cute and lovely kitchen. Pretty walkable location.

I missed the sheet with my name and instructions, so I just went off the message I got for late check in and found the keys but didn’t know which room was mine until I asked around. Little confusing but all sorted.

Very clean place and comfy beds, helpful staff.

Some of the people who stayed / tourist groups were Human trafficking groups staying in hostel, not blaming the staff at all, but watch out for young women who act child like, who have odd tattoos on arms, bruises, scars on them, high on drugs, very pet like, dresses and jewelry on them run around the place or act odd, trafficking victims. Always keep on the look out if you see that, then write or call to FBI and Interpol.

Location was goodStaff was amazing and polite

Room had no soap Carpets were old and had marks on themBathroom was a bit stinky

Close to supermarket. While not particularly close to other places it is kind of central between the bars, restaurants, bus stop, lake or walk to Huka Falls. Staff were nice though usually seemed to be only single one on at time and with other duties so often away from reception and had to be buzzed back.

The layout of dorms around a central courtyard means people being noisy there affects everyone. Theoretically people are supposed to move inside to kitchen/lounge after 10:30pm but that doesn't happen, they really need a staff member to have a word with people. One group sitting at picnic table drinking since 6pm were still there after midnight, and only moved on at 1am after I spoke to them twice. Shared bathrooms are reached via going outside, and Taupo can get very cold outside summer.