Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Rock Solid Backpackers
1140 Hinemoa Street Downtown Rotorua, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand
Full view
View all photos(69)69
Room & Suite (13)
Dining (10)
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
Avg. $109 /night, 9/20 - 9/21
$117
per night
$110
per night
$103
per night
Sept
Oct
20 Sept
Today
22 Sept
24 Sept
26 Sept
28 Sept
30 Sept
2 Oct
4 Oct
6 Oct
8 Oct
10 Oct
12 Oct
14 Oct
16 Oct
18 Oct
20 Oct
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.0
#2 of 19 hostels in RotoruaLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
BIG BOLD & BRIGHT! Kia ora - Welcome to Rock Solid Backpackers located in the heart of downtown Rotorua with dedicated local staff who really do care about their guest's comfort and enjoyment and love sharing their hostel and town with their international visitors. Based in a former office block, this large industrial-style building may not be a cosy cottage but if a funky inner city chill out zone at reasonable rates is what you are looking for - then this is the place! Guest lounge The large comfortable reception guest lounge is the hub of the hostel with FREE unlimited High Speed WiFi, FREE pool table, FREE Table Tennis and FREE XBox. FREE DVDs and FREE book exchange corner. They also have FREE luggage and bike storage room including a fridge to store your food while waiting to check in or depart. Also unique to Rock Solid is the 17m high rock climbing wall you can view through floor-to-ceiling windows from this guest lounge. Or if you feel like having a go, guests can climb for just $12 which includes, shoes, harness, chalk and climbing until you drop(not literally!) Or if you prefer a bit of arty culture you can check out what's on in the Basement Arts Cinema downstairs too! Kitchen & Dining Room A large well equipped guest kitchen and dining room for guests to prepare and cook their meals and snacks. This hostel also actively recycles packaging. Guest Laundry Coin operated washing machines, driers and laundry powder dispensers are also available. Tours & Activities Rotorua is the ultimate north island adventure and cultural destination, offering a huge range of activities to suit every taste, budget and thrill factor which hosts are happy to arrange for their guests. Parking There is both limited free public street parking and charge meter parking available in front of the hostel. From 5pm-9am (daily) this parking is FREE. It is also free from Saturday 12:00 noon to Monday 9:00am. More information is available on request.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Game room
Billiards
Adults only
Baggage storage
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Street parking
Wifi
Table tennis
Non-smoking hotel
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Qualmark.
HOTEL STYLE
Centrally Located
Budget
Languages Spoken
English
Location
1140 Hinemoa Street Downtown Rotorua, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
131 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
267Reviews2Q+A46Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
- 120
- 90
- 32
- 15
- 10
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
We stayed here as a family of 4 in a 4-bed dorm. The check in at reception was easy and the member of staff was extremely happy and helpful. The dorm was really clean, beds comfy, warm and enough room and storage for 4. We took advantage of the preferential rates for The Wall rock climbing which is located in the basement. Again, staff were super friendly and helpful. It was a great experience, The shower and toilet facilities were also very clean with hairdryers and straighteners available. We didn't use the kitchen facilities but it was also clean with plenty of utensils on hand. Overall, the Rock Solid Backpackers was great value for money.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
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.
We enjoyed our stay. Rock solid is central. Went to the Thursday night food market 1min walk. Rock climbing wall was a added bonus for the children, they have a movie small movie theater and cafe, $5.00 Heineken. Ensuite bedrooms were clean and good value for money. Smaller rooms were ok, fans provided as north facing rooms get hot. Internal kitchen with every thing you need. Shared bathrooms were clean dryers and straightener provided. Excellent front desk staff let us know the best value for money experiences. Parking is affordable plus they let you know where to park your car for free when your out on an adventure for the day. Canopy zip line tours will pick you up from here included in their pricing. Duck tours,for the lake experience are in walking distance. Highly recommend this place as it had internal activities for the whole family.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Positives - kitchen well stocked with equipment and utensils, lots of showers and toilets, friendly helpful staff on reception. Big lockers. Plenty of space to socialise and relax.
Negatives - curtains in dorm didnt cover the whole window, women's toilets were often a mess! A large part of that is down to how the guests treat the space but they need an additional clean really if that's how people treat them. The only soap dispenser in one of the toilets had run out of soap and two days later was still empty - every time I went to use it was out of hours for reception so couldn't mention at the time.
Negatives - curtains in dorm didnt cover the whole window, women's toilets were often a mess! A large part of that is down to how the guests treat the space but they need an additional clean really if that's how people treat them. The only soap dispenser in one of the toilets had run out of soap and two days later was still empty - every time I went to use it was out of hours for reception so couldn't mention at the time.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022Trip 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.
Fantastic to have own space. Facilities were brilliant - great to have spacious kitchen and dining area, and netflix was a winner. We also used the climbing wall as an evening activity which was great for a school group.
My only feedback is that reception was not open early enough for us to check a few things before we left - 8am would be more beneficial for us to see staff before a day out.
Loved having our own staffing rooms in the main build, but would be better suited to have private staff rooms in the group booking area (especially if I was with a younger group) as we were quite far away
My only feedback is that reception was not open early enough for us to check a few things before we left - 8am would be more beneficial for us to see staff before a day out.
Loved having our own staffing rooms in the main build, but would be better suited to have private staff rooms in the group booking area (especially if I was with a younger group) as we were quite far away
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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 Teresa Stout, General Manager at Rock Solid Backpackers
Responded 19 Nov 2020
Kia Ora Rebecca, Thanks for taking the time to leave such awesome feedback! I see you must of stayed in our new group facility we have here at Rock Solid and great to hear that our facilities suited your group :) We appreciate the feedback about our reception hours. Unfortunately due to covid, we did reduce our office hours this year but, hopefully this is just temporary and some time soon we can increase these hours back to our normal office hours. Nga Mihi Teresa Stout Hostel Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I enjoyed my stay here are would definitely stay again when in Rotorua. I stayed in a private room with ensuite which was spacious and clean. Great location in the centre of town although this might make parking more difficult during busy times. Parking is mainly street parking which is free 5pm until 9pm and then parking restrictions are enforced. So if parking in a P60 you should be able to stay until 10am which worked for me. I was there midweek while our borders were closed, so that explains why the place was so quiet. Comfy bed and well equiped kitchen. Large lounge areas. Friendly service desk.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
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.
Visited Rotorua and stayed here for 2 nights in a shared room. The rooms were small and some of the group had a room without windows which was not pleasant for them as it was very hot during our stay. We were fortunate to have windows which we kept open all day (with curtains pulled) but it was still very hot and we ended up having to keep the door open for the duration of the night. There was 1 plug in fan in the room which helped but this was shared amongst 6 people. The shared facilities were big and sufficient to make food and to lounge on the sofas. We had issues with the hot water tap on one occasion as it would not work.
We did not use the laundry facilities as they were expensive and the tumble driers didn’t work. We were also only provided with a car parking space which was not sufficient as we were in a mini bus which they were aware of ahead of the booking.
We did not use the laundry facilities as they were expensive and the tumble driers didn’t work. We were also only provided with a car parking space which was not sufficient as we were in a mini bus which they were aware of ahead of the booking.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
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 Rock Solid Backpackers, Guest Services / Front Office at Rock Solid Backpackers
Responded 10 May 2024
Kia Ora Georgia, Firstly thank you so much for the honest review, and I am sorry it had taken us a hot minute to reply to you. I can confirm based on your feedback we have made some much needed improvements! Even though we are unable to fix the window situation, we have now installed A/C in all our internal rooms, which will help with Air Flow and the heat new summer. We have also had the hot water boiler in our group section serviced so we hope to have resolved this issue. In relation to the car park, can I confirm which group you travelled with, as we do offer 2 Bus Car parking spaces - depending on availability. All the best on the rest of your travels, and we hope you enjoy everything NZ has to offer.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Well located in the Rotorua CBD my one night at RockSolid in a dormitory room was an easy one. The staff let me check in early and the facilities fit the bill.
One suggestion I'd have to RockSolid is that they look at their lighting: Some areas had filament bulbs fitted, others (like the after hours common room) very bright daylight white LEDs. More fitting for a prison ward than a living room, they wrecked the feeling of an otherwise good night time space. RockSolid, please consider replacing the cool/daylight white LEDs with warm white lighting of the appropriate wattage/brightness. You'll improve the feeling of your spaces and the moods of your guests.
One suggestion I'd have to RockSolid is that they look at their lighting: Some areas had filament bulbs fitted, others (like the after hours common room) very bright daylight white LEDs. More fitting for a prison ward than a living room, they wrecked the feeling of an otherwise good night time space. RockSolid, please consider replacing the cool/daylight white LEDs with warm white lighting of the appropriate wattage/brightness. You'll improve the feeling of your spaces and the moods of your guests.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: The dormitories fronting the main street get good sunlight and have windows that can open.
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.
The staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was great with plenty of room. Great value for cheap accommodation. The location is perfect as it’s in the middle of the city, you don’t need to go far everything’s within walking distance. Definitely will be visit again
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022Trip 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.
Really liked this backpackers. I stayed in a private room on the 3rd floor. Great size and had its own bathroom and the price was very reasonable. (Even better if you book direct or become a member of the NZ hostel network.) There's a kettle in the room, beds were comfortable. Location is about 2 blocks from the iSite office/bus stop. Room was clean, staff was lovely. Even has a small laundry room, and the staff can give you a drying rack if you need it.
Only downside was that the walls are quite thin so you can hear your neighbors. Fortunately, everyone seemed to quiet down by 10 or 11pm so sleep was no problem.
Only downside was that the walls are quite thin so you can hear your neighbors. Fortunately, everyone seemed to quiet down by 10 or 11pm so sleep was no problem.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
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 RockSolidNZ, Duty Manager at Rock Solid Backpackers
Responded 4 Jun 2020
Hi there, Thank you for leaving us a detailed review based on your recent stay with us. We are very happy to hear you had a pleasant stay with us here at Rock Solid. We will pass your praise along to all departments. They will appreciate your acknowledgement. We are happy to hear you didn't have problems sleeping even though the walls are thin. We do have staff available to manage all noise after hours. Their number is located behind every door and they are available between 10pm to 8am. Kind regards - Rock Solid Rotorua.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ok, I'm fussy. And I mean F.U.S.S.Y so I pretty much never stay in backpackers/hostels. But we were working a gig downstairs from Rock Solid so it made sense to be able to stumble back upstairs afterwards, so we booked a double room with ensuite.
Umm, this place is huge, the corridors, ramps, stairwells, common rooms, kitchens were all so spacious. Our room was large with plenty of surfaces for unpacking all my stuff on (even though we were only there one night, I had my whole life in there). The shower was powerful, the bed was comfy, the sheets were clean and so were the cups. Hell, even way higher-priced hotels still have tea stains in their cups... hopeless!
Here's the clincher, I live only half an hour away from Rotorua and have stayed in many places when we've been on a night out, but never here. Well, that is definitely going to change for CBD events. I'm going to tell everyone I know to do the same (after I've securely booked our new favourite room), because the price literally can't be beat! We stayed in a motel double this price the week before and it had no outstanding features over and above what we had at Rock Solid.
Well done guys, proud you're a Rotorua business kicking ass and taking names! I hope Covid hasn't affected you too terribly because we need businesses like yours to stick around. Thanks!
Umm, this place is huge, the corridors, ramps, stairwells, common rooms, kitchens were all so spacious. Our room was large with plenty of surfaces for unpacking all my stuff on (even though we were only there one night, I had my whole life in there). The shower was powerful, the bed was comfy, the sheets were clean and so were the cups. Hell, even way higher-priced hotels still have tea stains in their cups... hopeless!
Here's the clincher, I live only half an hour away from Rotorua and have stayed in many places when we've been on a night out, but never here. Well, that is definitely going to change for CBD events. I'm going to tell everyone I know to do the same (after I've securely booked our new favourite room), because the price literally can't be beat! We stayed in a motel double this price the week before and it had no outstanding features over and above what we had at Rock Solid.
Well done guys, proud you're a Rotorua business kicking ass and taking names! I hope Covid hasn't affected you too terribly because we need businesses like yours to stick around. Thanks!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Don't know, but the doubles with ensuites are sweet!
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 Teresa Stout, General Manager at Rock Solid Backpackers
Responded 19 Nov 2020
Kia Ora Globalkiwi, WOW... What a fabulous review to receive! Our team here are completely blown away by your review and kind words. It's great you enjoyed your stay with us and look to return. With the current global situation, it has had a huge impact on our industry with hostels being the next hit hard after aviation. When we receive such positive feedback from our guests, it makes what we do worth while and gives us the drive to keep on keeping on! We really look forward to seeing you again and once again, thanks for the awesome review you rock! Kindest regards, Teresa Stout Hostel Manager
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Yes we do please email our manager
Kia ora Guests can check out at any time. There is a Key Drop box for early check outs.
"Enjoy yourself this is an awesome backpacker a few minutes walk to information centre and a 5 minutes walk to the lake supermarkets"Read full review
"bring a padlock for the dresser (and don't lock the key for your lock inside the dresser like an idiot)"Read full review
"Try to keep the room’s door propped open a bit so you can get some airflow into the room. Doesn’t really work but it’s better than nothing. "Read full review
"the location is great, grocery store just blocks away and easy walking to all of down town"Read full review
"Complimentary coffee, tea and sugar on offer and hair dryers in bathrooms. Located central rotorua close to all common needs."Read full review
…
PRICE RANGE
$56 - $115 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandBay of Plenty RegionRotorua DistrictRotorua
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
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.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingROCK SOLID BACKPACKERS | UPDATED 2024 Hostel Reviews & Price Comparison (Rotorua, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Rock Solid Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Rock Solid Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Rotofobia (0.4 km), Fancy Meow Cat Cafe (0.4 km), and Rotorua Antiques & Collectables (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Rock Solid Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, laundry service, and self serve laundry.
Is parking available at Rock Solid Backpackers?
Yes, paid public parking nearby and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Rock Solid Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include EL Mexicano Zapata Cantina, El Mexicano Zapata Express, and Barrel & Co..
Is Rock Solid Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 km away from the centre of Rotorua.
Are any cleaning services offered at Rock Solid Backpackers?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to Rock Solid Backpackers?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village (2.6 km), Te Puia (2.8 km), and Government Gardens (0.7 km).
Is Rock Solid Backpackers accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.