Flashpackers Ongarue – The Hub of the Timber Trail
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Flashpackers Ongarue – The Hub of the Timber Trail

50 Ongarue Village Road, Taumarunui 3997 New Zealand
Traveller (9)
Dining (4)
Room & Suite (4)

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About

#1 of 2 hostels in Taumarunui
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Specializing services to the Timbertrail including accommodation , meals , bike hire and transfers . Make Flashpackers your base while cycling the Timbertrail , no packing up in the morning and transferring your over night luggage to another hotel . Situated on the 84.5kms return cycle to your vehicle and base where a hot shower awaits you
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Property amenities
Free parking
Shuttle bus service
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English

Location

50 Ongarue Village Road, Taumarunui 3997 New Zealand
Getting there
Taupo Airport
69.5 km
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Auckland Intl Airport
194.5 km
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1 Attraction
within 10 kilometers

Reviews
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Traveller rating
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Detailed Reviews
stressbunny wrote a review Sept 2020
Auckland Central, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed one night prior to Timber Trail and were so impressed with the attention to detail throughout this beautiful property. The host clearly is a perfectionist. Everything was immaculate and clean, There were thoughtful offerings such as toothbrushes in case you forgot to bring. We chose to cook our own meal but were glad of a few condiments available for guest use as well as fresh milk for our coffee in the morning. Recommended
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Date of stay: September 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: we liked the modern room
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrispy wrote a review Apr 2021
New Plymouth, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our little room was well appointed and with nice character touches too. We thought the outdoor shower/bathroom setup was clever and unique and enjoyed the spa pool under the stars. Would recommend but suggest that it is definitely worth pre-booking dinner with Rem if you'd like to eat on site. Our room had no kitchenette which was clear on all bookings etc. We didn't mind running in to Taumarunui for yummy Thai.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoG wrote a review Mar 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We really enjoyed our overnight stay at Flashpackers before doing the Timber Trail. It was super clean and tidy, with everything needed for self catering. Rem has renovated the house and it has 3 rooms for guests and you basically share the house. Rem was a great host and even helped organise a shuttle up to Pureora to start the ride. Would make a great end of ride accomodation option as well before starting the next stage an adventure. We had the room with the outside shower which was really neat. Would highly recommend it.
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Date of stay: March 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoldiNZ wrote a review Oct 2020
Nelson, New Zealand
2.0 of 5 bubbles
The Modern Room looked nice but associated bathroom facilities described as an ensuite are outside the room in a courtyard with no door for shower or toilet. There are loose light curtains that provide limited privacy (communal spa pool 5m away) and protection from weather. We did not stay and found alternate budget accommodation in Taumaranui, also very handy to Timber Trail. Owner did mention doors were in the plan for future.
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Date of stay: September 2020
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Remi Rensen, Owner at Flashpackers Ongarue – The Hub of the Timber Trail
Responded 6 Nov 2020
this couple turned up expecting the use of the kitchen , this room is sold as "room only", however there was another kitchen on offer reserved for tour cyclists . This couple was described by another guest as anti-social (weirdos) , why cancel a booking for a wind flapping curtain that gave you privacy at the throne not to mention night time when one would require lighting to be seen visiting . The covid up-grades are now complete but the alfresco toilet even with the doors in-place is still drafty on a windy night and handy to the spa pool
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne W wrote a review Oct 2020
1.0 of 5 bubbles
The room provided was great, but not the host. Rem was highly critical of my level of preparedness to do the timber trail. He expressed this in a condescending and mocking manner, at length. The accommodation is very isolated and I was the only guest for the night. My room had an outside shower and toilet. The shower had a just a curtain, and the toilet had no door. I felt uncomfortable about this. I could not figure out how to get sound on the TV, His response was "Why? Can't you figure out how to do it yourself?" He then gave vague instructions and did not offer to help. He treated me as if I were an annoyance, and fairly stupid. I decided not to stay at the Flashpackers and found alternative accommodation. Nonetheless, Rem charged me for 2 nights accommodation.

Despite Rem's dire warnings, I was able to easily solve the problems with my lack of adequate preparation for the ride, and completed the trail with no problems.

I strongly recommend that if you are a woman travelling alone, you do not stay at Flashpackers.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Remi Rensen, Owner at Flashpackers Ongarue – The Hub of the Timber Trail
Responded 3 Nov 2020
Schizophrenic Drama Queen who took leave of her senses
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kate18nz wrote a review Nov 2020
Auckland Central, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We booked the main house with the two queen rooms. Very comfortable, clean and with character. Full kitchen and laundry and safe storage for bikes. Rem is a great host and very knowledgeable about the trail and best places to eat nearby. The spa was great at the end of a day of riding.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angelika527 wrote a review Jan 2021
Auckland, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My friend and I stayed in the Twin room for two nights whilst doing the Timber Trail. We also booked the use of the house for one night and had the most memorable time there. Rem is an extremely gifted and multitalented host, cook, artist, and story teller. He is also an expert when it comes to advice for or information on the Timber Trail. We felt truly cared for and supported and thoroughly enjoyed his company.
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Date of stay: December 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: The twin room is spacious, quiet, with beautiful views and a relaxing hammock outside.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yamahaman wrote a review Oct 2020
Wellington, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed at Rem's place last weekend. The place is great, super clean, and he's never far if any hassles, of which their were none. Realky close o the begining of the Timber Trail ride, so just book it and get into it. Great bathroom and kitchen facilities. There were no complaints - and we're a tough crowd. Well done Rem, from the Wellington team.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tullys wrote a review Jan 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fantastic stay at Remi's Flashpackers Ongarue.
Lovely accommadation.Vwry clean and tidy. Loved the Art Deco theme in the house. Wonderful breakfast and packed lunches to start off the day biking Timber trail.
Highly recommend staying there.
I'm pretty sure we will be back.
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thibault P wrote a review Mar 2020
Montreal, Canada
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Rym took care of my cousin and I after the timber trail like a champion.
We had such a great stay and we enjoyed his compagnie and is food.
Best place to rest after the timber trail or during the New Zealand cycle tour.
Thanks again
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angelika527 wrote a tip Jan 2021
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The twin room is spacious, quiet, with beautiful views and a relaxing hammock outside."
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stressbunny wrote a tip Sept 2020
Auckland Central, New Zealand260 contributions55 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"we liked the modern room"
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Julian W wrote a tip Jun 2016
Auckland5 contributions3 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"There are only three rooms two of which are double, the other twin. All are fine"
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kiwiantnz wrote a tip Feb 2016
13 contributions4 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Room near spa has aircon and direct access to spa"
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LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandManawatu-Wanganui RegionTaumarunui
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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FLASHPACKERS ONGARUE – THE HUB OF THE TIMBER TRAIL | Hostel Reviews (Taumarunui, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Flashpackers Ongarue – The Hub of the Timber Trail
Which popular attractions are close to Flashpackers Ongarue – The Hub of the Timber Trail?
Nearby attractions include Nevalea Alpacas (6.3 km).
Is parking available at Flashpackers Ongarue – The Hub of the Timber Trail?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
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