Haere Mai and welcome to Wanderlust in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. We want our adventurers to have the best accommodation experience in New Zealand. We offer you a home from home with comfortable beds, a vibrant social atmosphere and our local knowledge of the best restaurants and bars We can book your local tours and offer exclusive 'Nature Escapes' for iconic walks that you won't find in your travel guide
The entire Wanderlust team cares about New Zealand and we ask that you also care about our land during your trip.
Please act as guardians to preserve this beautiful country for future travelers.
We would love for you to share your experience on review platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google or Facebook, and on Instagram with #wanderlustnz
Enjoy every moment and explore our beautiful land to the fullest!
A B O U T
A LITTLE HISTORY
H O T E L S A I N T A M A N D
The Commercial Hotel, located at 105 The Strand, was originally owned by Mr Joseph Ellis and was lit by hydrocarbon gas in 1900, the first gas installation in Tauranga In 1911, Constable Quirk took control of the hotel, but in 1916 a fire destroyed the building. A new hotel was built on the site and opened in 1918, being promoted as the most fire-proof building in Tauranga Over the years, several modifications were made, including the installation of an elevator and the addition of floors for more rooms
In 2004, Sarah Meadows purchased the building, converting it into Harborside City Backpackers, an iconic backpacker hostel After 15 years of success, Sarah and her husband Matt Young purchased the entire building in 2019, undertaking significant renovations and remodeling. In October 2020, it was reborn as Wanderlust NZ, maintaining its welcoming spirit and becoming a popular destination for young travelers
about your stay DETAILS
This cozy and authentic abode is part of a charming 20th century hotel In the heart of Tauranga, amenities and activities are within walking distance
Reception is available daily from 8 am to 9 pm If you need to check out before opening hours, we ask that you come to reception the day before to get your deposit back or we will proceed to refund the credit card provided. R
C H E C K O U T
Our check-out time is 10 am In case you plan to stay longer, please inform reception the night before or the same day before 10 am. Late checkouts will cost $10 per person
A $20 key deposit will be required upon arrival. This will be returned once the key is returned upon checkout. If the key is lost or damaged, we will keep your deposit K E Y S
We have a luggage storage available at reception if you would like to store your bags while waiting for a shuttle or bus
D A I L Y S E R V I C E
Please note that we have a 72 Hour Cancellation Policy
If you do not cancel 72 hours before your arrival, you will be charged for the first night of your reservation. C A N C E L L A T I O N S
Rooms are cleaned daily, vacuumed and trash removed. For longer stays, if you would like clean bed linen, please see reception weekly. Please hang towels in ensuite rooms if you do not need to change them and leave bath mats on the floor so we can change them for fresh ones
GENERAL INFORMATION
We care about our earth and that's why we recycle as much as we can Please place your waste in the correct containers provided. In this way, they help us maintain a cleaner New Zealand. For more information about recycling and what we do to keep New Zealand clean, read about it in the “Love for our land” section.
L A U N D R Y
Laundry facilities are on level 2. Machines operate with $2 coins; You will need 3 $2 coins per load for both washers and dryers Detergent is available for $1 per sachet You will find an ironing board in the laundry room, and irons can be picked up at reception. There are clotheslines at the rear of the building on level 1
Check out our free stuff rack on the top floor! Our guests often leave things for next travelers
Enjoy our TV room We have installed Chromecast so you can enjoy all your favorite movies and series streamed from your phone
Keep your family up to date with posts and emails via our high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the building, but don't forget to connect with other travelers.
We can print black and white pages for $0 50 per page or color for $1 per page
We have free coffee, tea and sugar available for all our guests You can find this in the kitchen areas A coffee station is available in the private ensuite rooms.
Network: Wanderlust
Password: THESTRAND105
GENERAL INFORMATION
U M B E R S O F I N T E R E S
07 577 4300
Accident and Health Care en la esquina de Devonport road and 2nd avenue
Open every day 8am to 9pm
Accident and Emergency Hospital open 24 hours
Cameron road between 17th and 20th
avenues 07 579 8000
53 Devonport road 07 578 3177
Tauranga and Mount Taxis 07 578 6086
some things to keep in mind OUR RULES
Q U I E T H O U R S
During your stay, we ask that you keep the noise level to a minimum after 10pm and to please clean up after using the kitchen Please respect this request to ensure that everyone ' s stay is pleasant.
N O S M O K I N G
Smoking is absolutely prohibited inside the hostel. Smoking or vaping is not permitted inside the building, including rooms and windows. The only place to smoke is on the second floor balcony If you are caught smoking on our premises, you will be charged a $50 fee. In the event of a repeat offense, they will be asked to leave and will forfeit their paid reservation
Z E R O D R U G T O L E R A N C E
Anyone caught using or possessing drugs will be asked to leave the shelter immediately
S E C U R I T Y
Each room has lockers – you will need a lock, ask our staff how it works. Please use your own lock or you can purchase one at reception for $12 We rent locks for $40, which will be returned once you return the lock at check-out. Keep your bedroom windows closed (they can be closed completely or partially if you want fresh air) Please do not leave valuables in your car overnight
K I T C H E N S
Our kitchens are fully equipped with everything you need to prepare a good meal. Please be sure to wash your dishes and put them away, tidy up and clean up after you are done so that other guests can also enjoy this common area We will charge a $20 cleaning fee for any dirty dishes left behind
E A R T H L O V E
Wanderlust is a sustainable tourism business that serves, engages and educates the conscious traveler Our commitment is to provide the maximum benefit of tourism to our local community.
We make sure people feel welcome no matter where they come from. It is a place where the strong desire to travel and explore is shared with other like-minded travelers while we care for the people and the place We are committed to creating incredible and memorable experiences for our guests, offering a safe and fun environment to set up base and striving to minimize harm to our planet in everything we do.
And this is how we do it...
K E E P N E W Z E A L A N D
B E A U T I F U L
By being part of and supporting ‘Keep NZ Beautiful’, we engage our guests in volunteer work to keep our land, beaches and ocean clean It is in our culture to give back by planting trees, picking up trash and cleaning beaches. We share this with our guests so they can become part of this culture and give back to New Zealand
B U Y A T R E E
What better way to give back to New Zealand than by buying/planting your own tree! If you stay with us for more than 90 days, we will plant a tree in your name! You will receive a certificate for the tree and online you will be able to find the location of where the tree was planted. A great way to support our beautiful flora here in New Zealand
S U P P O R T T O T H E O C E A N
Our surrounding waters are very important to us. Not only do they provide us with food, but they also play a very important role in New Zealand's ecosystem. For those who live and travel around the country, it is our responsibility to take care of them. Especially since our oceans are one of our least protected environments We support Sea Shepherd, a marine and wildlife conservation society, and sell our own Wanderlust brand keychains; $1 is donated for each one purchased
To continue our journey towards becoming an eco-friendly accommodation, we encourage environmental and cultural awareness and respect to our staff and guests to provide a positive experience for both visitors and hosts We want all travelers to become conscious travelers, doing good for the land and the people.
As we are aware that our guests could continue their car/van trips and camp for free, we want them to be aware of the damage they could cause to nature. Therefore, we only sell eco-friendly items such as bamboo toothbrushes, reusable cups for your hot and cold drinks during your travels, etc
As we look after New Zealand, it's important for us to show our commitment to the ocean, the land and its people We do this by following certain promises, supporting local and national causes, and making sure our guests are as involved as we are We want to continue and grow on the sustainable path to prevent negative impacts on the environment and our communities.
Following the Tiaki Promise, we want to be aware and make our guests aware of our impact on the land and its people. Tiaki means 'Caring for people and place'. We ask our guests to follow our example and do the same, as we believe that those who live and travel in the country have a responsibility to care for it
local attractions
WHAT TO DO?
A short guide to activities in Tauranga
In central Tauranga, you can enjoy endless activities on foot. Stroll through charming boutiques and craft shops, enjoy a coffee or a local delicacy at one of the many cafes and restaurants overlooking the harbour Don't miss the lively Waterfront Walkway, perfect for a scenic walk Discover the rich history at Elms Mission House and be amazed by the local art galleries For a touch of nature, relax in beautiful parks like Robbins Park, where coastal scenery and flower gardens make every step magical It's the perfect place to let go and explore!
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
The amazing and talented instructors at Hibiscus Surf School will teach you all the tips and tricks you need to know to ride the waves! From beginners to groups and private lessons, they have it all for you!
Aboard the Dolphin Seafaris, Bay Explorer and Orca Wild Adventure boats, you will enjoy a unique experience observing the Bay's marine life, such as dolphins, whales, sharks, and more Although dolphin appearances are not guaranteed, these tours have a 95% sighting rate. If you do not see dolphins, you will receive a voucher for another day
The Bay Hopper local bus arrives and departs from Willow Street at the corner of Wharf Street For bus schedules, please ask reception or download the Transit
Have you never seen fireflies? This is your chance! Waimarino Adventure Park offers you a nighttime kayaking adventure Enjoy wine, cheese, and crackers while watching the sunset over Lake McLaren, then explore firefly-lit canyons with expert guides. Do not miss it! Additionally, they will pick you up from the hostel.
our favorite places to EAT AND DRINK
C A F É S
Doca Café and Eatery
Oscar and Otto
Vitality Kitchen
Hashtag Café
Elizabeth Café and Larder R E S T A U R A N T S
messenger
CBK
Picnicka Bar and Grill
Abrakebabra
Ramen Chidori
Falafel Metro
Cornerstone
Crown and Badger
The Rising Tide (Mt. Maunganui)
Mount Social Club (Mt. Mount)
WORK TO TRAVEL AND EXPLORE
W E H E L P Y O U F I N D A J O B !
To ensure you have the best travel experience in New Zealand, we want to help you save a few dollars during your stay with us
We assist our guests in finding work in the area This can range from orchard work to construction and demolition work, factory work, or packaging work We have worked closely with local contractors, employment agencies and businesses for many years to ensure you work for the right people.
All you need is a work visa, IRD number, New Zealand bank account and the right attitude. Your own transportation will assist with the job search, however, for some jobs we can arrange transportation for you
Because we don't charge any fees or ask for payment in burgers or beers, we just want you to stay with us and enjoy Wanderlust as our guest! Please remember that although we are not your employer and cannot guarantee you a job, we do everything we can to help you find one quickly. With our connections and many years of experience, we will work to get you up and running as soon as possible. If you need to open a bank account, we can provide you with a residence letter for the bank. For more information about work, IRD number and bank accounts, ask the staff at reception.
for choosing us THANK YOU!
We appreciate your choice and are delighted to have you as our guest
