Besides for its strategic location and affordable beds, I chose to stay at Nomads Auckland Backpackers for its awesome rooftop sundeck that offers an amazing view of Auckland’s city skyline, free spa and sauna (for real!) and other facilities as well. 🙂
To read Part 1 of my review, click here.
Amazing View of Auckland City’s Skyline & Harbour
Both the rooftop deck and communal kitchen of Nomads Auckland Backpackers are located on the 7th floor, the highest floor of the building. As a result of that, hostel guests are able to enjoy a panoramic 360 degrees view of Auckland city’s skyline and harbour during the day or night.
There are sufficient tables and chairs on the rooftop sundeck – providing a perfect spot to have our meals, have a coffee and read a book or simply to soak up the sun on a good day. There is a barbecue grill stove for organising barbecue parties too.
I often enjoy my cheap, but tasty takeaway meals on the rooftop deck, taking my own sweet time to live and enjoy the moment. 😀 The fairly spacious and clean communal kitchen is fully equipped with the essentials for preparing and cooking a good meal however, I only used it a couple of times to cook instant noodles and fry an egg or two.
Of Free Spa, Sauna, Cosy Guest Lounge & Laundry
Another attraction or facility provided by Nomads Auckland Backpackers is free spa and sauna where hostel guests are free to use the facility during specific times of the day. Many people were seen using the facility, soaking happily in the hot tub, chit-chatting while enjoying the view with a group of friends.
Initially, I wanted to soak in the hot tub and enjoy the sauna too, but the freezing cold weather and strong wind made me change my mind. 😛 Maybe I will visit the hostel again in summer and have a good soak and steam then.
On the first floor of the building, there is a cosy guest lounge where hostel guests can chill – watch Sky TV or movies, play pool, use the computers (for a small fee) or simply do their own thing. Several of my dormmates told me that they were able to connect to the free WiFi across the street in the lounge area. The laundry facility is also located on the same floor.
P/s: There is a shortcut entrance from the hostel to Fort Street Union Bar & Restaurant next door. Look out for it! 😉
Awesome New Friends & A Night Out to Remember at Fort Street Union
The best thing about staying in a dormitory is getting to meet new people almost on a daily basis. Throughout my 1-week stay at Nomads Auckland Backpackers, I forged friendships with people from Korea, Argentina, Germany, USA, Great Britain, France, and Chile to name a few.
I am happy to say that I had the best dormmates and awesome companion in room 411 that week! Despite having huge differences in our culture, language and even age group, we clicked almost instantly and had a great time together. My dormmates were warm, friendly, considerate and trustworthy people. We helped each other out in times of need and kept in touch with each other even to this day.
The best memory I had was when we hung out together on a Friday night over slices of delicious pizza and beer in Fort Street Union next door, competed in a game of pool which Max (the youngest among us) won $100 cash voucher and treated us to another round of free beer! Three cheers to a wonderful friendship and memories that will last a lifetime! 😀
Address: 16-20 Fort Street, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 300 9999
Email: info@nomadsauckland.com
Up next: A night’s stay in the King room (ensuite) at Nomads Auckland Backpackers