Sparky's Reviews

Please do not forward this comment to the backpackers. This just for hostelworld: We found it a bit strange, that the backpackers is in the managers flat. There is one kitchen with a small table with four chairs, but around 20 beds.

Homely kind of feel, only small no eftpos facilities. Kitchen, lounge area and washing facilities. Quiet but friendly Sparky always up for a chat.

I stayed here 2 different times and I really loved it. Lovely atmosphere, Sparky makes yourself at home, it's clean, beautiful surroundings, perfectly managed (try the delicious chococake and tell me). The location is great too, especially to get Stewart Island If u care. This is a great hostel indeed!! You can either really stay on your own, using the cooking facilities or enjoy the night with the Invercargill dishes. If 1 day I can back to N.Z. I'll back to Sparky's surely, no other worths!!!

We over paid by $10 (forgetting we had paid the 10% on Hostel World). Spoke to Sparky about it whose response was that he didn't get any money from HW so we still had to pay 100%. He didn't seem to understand that we don't pay 110% of the price. He did offer us $10 saying 'the customer is always right', not because he understood we were actually right. We didn't take it as we felt it would leave an uncomfortable atmosphere. Quite dirty, tiny kitchen but good security and comfy room.

That is such a nice play to stay ! you feel like home ! its a lot of fun and the decoration is wonderful ! there are toys everywhere and surprises all over ! and Sparky's chocolate cake !!! mmmmmm yummy !!! :D Is the best thing at Invercargill ! Go there !

I just stay a night at Sparky`s Hostel and I can just say it was amazing. I am travelling on my own and in this Hostel you feel not alone it is like joining a family. We had a lot of fun while making the worlds famous choclatcake:D I have stayed in verry mutch Hostels and Sparkys is unique. If you are in New Zealand you can`t miss this experience. I was a bit sad when I left because it is just a amazing atmosphere. I hope I can arrange another stay. Maybe the Spa pool is ready when I came back:D

It was my first night in New Zealand. Sparky himself is a very approachable and extremely helpful. The hostel has a strong homely feel thanks to being a converted house, creating a strong atmosphere and making it easy for the solo traveler to socialise and get to know others. Had a great night staying in the hostel simply chatting away to fellow guests, a good kitchen to cook dinner with plenty of kitchen appliances to assist. The bed's are comfrotable and the internet is fast and accessible.

Nice people but definitely requires a renovation. The spiders in the room really put me off this place!

room booked was a twin, but on arrival the only room available was a double. in order to get 2 beds we had to sleep in a dorm but were still charged for the double room. had no choice but to accept because everywhere else was already full. hostel was no more than a run down house with lots of extra beds put in

Bags of character. This is what hostels should be like. Quirky, laid back, a bit rough around the edges but makes you feel like you're at home. Excellent!

Sparky's is a quirky little place run by the safety-conscious Sparky. It's still partly under construction (hot tub, extra shower facilities) but is an easy walk to groceries, restaurants, etc. The "World famous chocolate cake" is as promised: an experience unto itself. It's part performance art, part audience participation, and part cooking show so be sure to come with a sense of humour.