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Sparky's Backpackers

271 Tay Street, Invercargill, New Zealand
Hotel amenities
Sparky's Backpackers
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16 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    5
    6
    2
    3
    0
Date Rating
Elsloo, The Netherlands
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

I had a great time staying at Sparky's Backpackers. The owner/manager does his utmost best running the place and taking care of his guests. The kitchen is too small when all guests (when fully booked) start cooking at the same time and it has only one table with four seats. Nevertheless ideal meet and chat with other travelers. I slept... More

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New Zealand
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 March 2013

Staying at Sparky's felt a little like living with your landlord. Sparky himself might be quite a character - and he has certainly tried to capture a quirky and appealing look to his small lodging facility, but in some regards he has not entirely succeeded. It is colourful and feels fun, but it is also very cluttered for a start... More

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Jasper, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 March 2013

We stayed at Sparky's for two nights. We were in the semi-detached shed-like room in the backyard. He calls it the "Burt Munro Love Shack". After a while we were relieved that our room was separate from the rest of the house. And when we checked in he said we could gain access through the gate to the backyard instead... More

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Sydney
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 February 2013

Running a backpacker's in its own house is not a bad idea, but Sparky does it all wrong. Despite the potential of the house deco (very alternative and interesting), Sparky forgot the base : hospitality ! Sparky, despite his cool Hippie look, is very stressed, very friendly and demonstrates many obsessive behaviours, in particular in regard to cutting the electricity... More

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Here
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
18 hotel reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2013

beds and clothes are clean and comfortable, sparky is a nice guy, price is reasonable. wifi works and bathrooms are ok, so 4 Stars, and a recommendation. but dont expect a hotel, its just a backpacker hostel for peaople on a budget

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2013 via mobile

Stayed in Sparkys for one night but wish it was more. Sparky (the owner) just went out of his way to make us feel welcome. Beds were comfortable, there was towels in the bathroom along with shampoo, toothpaste etc. But the best thing was the spa out the back and the adorable rabbits (in huts) in the back. This place... More

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Taiwan
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 January 2013

We were recommend by other traveler to stay in this place, even it's "backpackers", the whole atmosphere is more like a B & B, there is not only beds, you can find the kitchen is fully equipped, coffee, tea, cereal are all free. This place is cozy and chilled out. The TV room is very warm, not only they have... More

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london
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 January 2013 via mobile

Sparky does his best to make guests feel welcome and does well for a one man operation. He fires up the hot tub every night and all are welcome to join him in it (can't say I went in). Could be a bit tidier and the shower leaves something to be desired. I have to agree with the other review... More

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Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 November 2012

Sparky's Hostel in Invercargill is by far the best hostel I've stayed in while travelling around for one week in New Zealand. Sparky, the owner, is extremely accomodating. Right when we arrived, Sparky showed us the whole hostel (which is his house), his rabbits in the back, and our rooms. We stayed in the large dormitory (fits 7) and it... More

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Espoo, Finland
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2012

The place is kind a like a home that has few extra rooms to fit people to stay. Place has very nice atmosphere with a lot of funny details in decoration. We stayed in a small room right next to living room (only a glass door + curtains separating us) but that didn't bother us. We had heard about the... More

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Tower Lodge Motel
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5 of 5 stars 123 Reviews
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Additional Information about Sparky's Backpackers

Address: 271 Tay Street, Invercargill, New Zealand
Region: New Zealand > South Island > Invercargill
Hotel Style:
Ranked #5 of 8 Speciality lodging in Invercargill
Price Range:
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Sparky's Backpackers
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