Frequently Asked Questions about Queenstown & our accommodation

You can find a full list of all Terms & Conditions relevant to your reservation via this link.

We do not charge your card at any point (unless you ask us to) - we require credit card information to hold your reservation, then you are required to pay for your reservation up check-in. If you require us to charge you card in advance this will be subject to our third party "AbodePay" surcharge of 3.5%.

Upon check-in, we accept VISA, Mastercard and Union Pay credit cards, as well as contactless paywave payments, which all incur a 2.75% credit card surcharge fee.  There is no surcharge for NZ EFTPOS cards inserted or cash payments.

You can find a full list of all Terms & Conditions relevant to your reservation via this link.

If you have booked direct with us via:

• Our website (https://absoloot.co.nz)
• Phone
• Email
• Walk-in

...then you'll find a full list of the relevant Terms & Conditions here.

If you have made your reservations by any other 3rd party method – which includes (but is not limited to) booking.com, expedia.com, hostelworld.com, etc. – you will need to review the specific Cancellation, No Show & Booking Change policies applicable to your reservation via your reservation method.

Why are the Cancellation, No Show & Booking Change policies different for 3rd party reservations?

We endeavour to provide the best level of service to all guests during your stay with us, and all other Terms & Conditions apply to all guests.  Everyone's experience is important to us, regardless of how you have made your reservation!

However to guests that make their reservation direct with us, we reserve the right to provide:

• Cheaper nightly rates
• Weekly rate options
• Package options
• More flexibility with Cancellations & Booking Changes
• Full management of your reservation

This is because there is a cost associated with 3rd party reservations in the form of commissions, and as such we choose to provide benefits to guests that make their reservations directly.  We hope you understand, and please consider making your reservation direct with us to unlock all the benefits we just described!

We are closer to Lake Whakatipu than any other accommodation provider in Queenstown!  Trust us, we measured 🙂

We are located at 50 Beach Street in Queenstown, which is the street that runs parallel to Shotover Street (the main street in the CBD).  We are only a short stroll from the public bus stops on both Stanley Street and the Steamers Wharf/Crown Plaza bus stop. 

If you are arriving by car - and there is no special event taking place - you should be able to stop on Beach Street near our location to load and unload.  Please be aware that you have approximately 5min to do so.  Please see the How Do I Get There section below for more information!

If you are arriving by Intercity bus - you should be dropped at Athol Street.  From there it’s just a 200m walk down Beach Street and you’re there! 

If you are arriving by plane - the cheapest option is the Orbus which will cost $10.  You just get off at the Steamers Wharf/Crown Plaza stop, turn left off the bus and walk 100m with the lake on your right to our location on Beach Street.  You can also get off at the Stanley Street bus stop, and we're approximately 150m away.  

If you purchase the 'Bee' card from the driver (approx. $5), then all transfers around the Queenstown district are only $2 - it really is the best/cheapest way to get around, and means you don't have to find parking!

If you are arriving by car - vehicle access to Lower Beach Street is via Shotover Street then Rees Street*.  You can load/ unload anywhere on Lower Beach Street right outside our door (please make sure your car is stopped to the side to allow through traffic).  Please be aware that this is loading-only, and you have approximately 5 minutes in this area.  If you are unable to check-in within this time for any reason, we would advise you to drop your bags off with us and locate a parking space. 

*In the event that council close access to Rees Street due to a special event, access should be via Cow Lane*. 

*In the event that this laneway is also closed due to an event, please utilise the designated loading zones on Shotover Street to load/unload your luggage.  Please be aware that you have only approximately 5 minutes in these loading zones.  If you are unable to check-in within this time for any reason, we would advise you to drop your bags off with us and locate a parking space. 

If you are arriving by SuperShuttle or Taxi - SuperShuttle fairs vary in price depending on passenger numbers, and this service can be pre-arranged with them here -  this service will drop you close to our location.  A taxi will prove most convenient, but will likely cost the most.  Please be aware that deregulation of the taxi industry has meant there are some operators that less than trustworthy, so choose at your own discretion!  We recommend Queenstown Taxi's or Green Cabs only.

Unfortunately due to our amazing location in town, we do not have any private parking available at the hostel.

We recommend that guests with vehicles access our location via Rees Street or Cow Lane*.  You can stop for 5min to load/unload luggage anywhere on Lower Beach Street (please pull to the sides to maintain access), and we can advise you of parking options.  Please see/download the map below for all parking options close to our location.  Please be aware that you have only approximately 5 minutes in this area to load/unload.  If you are unable to check-in within this time for any reason, we would advise you to drop your bags off with us and locate a parking space. 

There is free 24hr on-street parking available in surrounding blocks nearby, highlighted on the map with a red line.  These obviously work on a “first come, first serve” basis. Do not park on yellow lines road markings or between parking signs or driveways.  Please see the map below. Parking places are highlighted with a red line.

At the time of writing, there is also a paid parking located quite close to our location (Man St. Parking Station) in which parking costs around $20 for 12hrs. See the map for other paid options highlighted with the 'P' symbol. Currently, the cheapest parking lot is in D3, on the corner of Isle and Hay Street. 

*Please be advised that if access into Lower Beach Street by vehicle is prevented because of a special event, we recommend to utilise the loading zones on Shotover Street.   Please be aware that you have only approximately 5 minutes in these loading zones.  If you are unable to check-in within this time for any reason, we would advise you to drop your bags off with us and locate a parking space. 

Absolootly!  However as we are a hostel environment we do have limitations.

If anyone is under the age of 18 they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Guests under the age of 18 also cannot stay in shared-room environments. 

Any guest under the age of 18 must stay in private configurations with their parents or guardian - check out our family rooms page for configurations that will suit!

This policy is strictly enforced as per our Terms & Conditions here.

Of course you can!  Our friendly reception team are here to help you get the most from your Queenstown experience.

We can help you organise almost everything you would want to do in Queenstown!  If you want to have things pre-organised before you arrive or just need some advice, all you need to do is contact us with some of your preferences and we can assist you.  

You can also book your own experiences at your leisure via our portal prior to your arrival right here.

If you’re keen on doing something - but not entirely sure what you want to do - we can advise you in the right direction once you’re here and have a better idea of your surroundings and what’s available.  We also recommend to have a look at our tours page to give you a better idea then get in contact with us!

Our current reception hours are 9am to 9pm / 7 days.  

If you believe you will arrive after 9pm, please get in touch with us prior to your stay to let us know so we can arrange a late check-in for you.

You can check-in from 3pm to 9pm on the day of your reservation.

Earlier check-in MAY be available on the day, however this is subject to housekeeping - because we definitely need to provide you with a clean room!

If you arrive early in the day before we can check you in, we can store your things and you can chill out in our TV/Games room, relax in our premier kitchen, or hang in our comfy reception area and talk to our team about your next adventure!

Are you arriving after 9pm?  Check out the Late Check-ins section in our Terms & Conditions.

Yes you can!  You just need to get in touch with us via phone or email - preferably before the day of your arrival so we can arrange a late check-in for you.

Please review the Late Check-ins section in our Terms & Conditions.

If you only realise you're going to be late on the day of your arrival, please get in touch with us specifically via phone - before 9pm - on +64 (0)3 442 9522.  Otherwise if you're letting us know in advance, please contact us here.

We have a late check-in process to provide to you, so it is important that you let us know as soon as you do.

We cannot assist if you get in touch with us after 9pm on the day you are due to check-in, and you will be considered a 'no show' for your reservation.

Yes you can!   

Please just inform us before the day of your departure so we can provide the early check-out process to you.

Yes you can, however this request is strictly subject to availability. 

Whether or not we can give you a bed you prefer depends on who checked out in the room type you have booked.  When we are busy we can only give you a bed that somebody has checked out of. 

Hopefully you can also appreciate that almost everyone generally wants a bottom bed, but we can only reasonably accomodate that to 50% of guests!

If you have specific physical needs that prevent you from occupying a top bed - and you have made a reservation in a room that is equipped with bunks - please get in touch with us as soon as possible to advise us of your needs, as due to demand we may not reasonably be able to accomodate your request.

Please note that the bed you chose to occupy when you check-in is the bed you must occupy for the duration of your stay in that room.  Anybody found to have moved beds without permission or that we were not made aware of will be charged for the extra bed they have occupied.  If you wish to relocate beds during your stay, please request to do so at reception between 9am and 11am, and we will confirm if we are able to meet your request!

Yes we do!  It's Free-Of-Charge on the day you check-in or check-out.  Please see below for specific details:

Short-Term Storage (Under 24 Hours)

Luggage can be stored on the day of check-in or check-out..

Bags must be securely packed—loose items are not permitted.

Guests checking out before 9am must store their luggage the night before. Otherwise, luggage may be left behind reception and will be moved to storage at 9am (at the guest’s own risk).

Long-Term Storage (Overnight or More)

We can store ONE Hand-luggage-sized bag, or 'carry on' size bag per person, free of charge, for multiple days, if arranged with reception in advance. Guests must have a return reservation for to utilise luggage storage for more than 24hrs.

Due to storage space available, larger bags cannot be stored for multiple days. Please see alternative storage options in Queenstown at the bottom of this section.

All luggage must be securely packed and labeled with the guest’s name and pick-up date before being stored.

Availability is limited and must be arranged in advance with reception.

Important Notes

Large items left behind for multiple days without prior arrangement will incur a relocation fee of $50 per bag, per night + labour costs, charged to the guest’s stored payment method.

Charges to stored credit card details will incur a 3.5% surcharge.

Any items left in our storage must be securely packed. No lose items / Shopping bags / Carrier Bags / Bin Bags permitted.

Please note that if you elect these options, we do not take responsibility for items while not stored securely.

Alternative Storage Options in Queenstown

If we are unable to store your luggage, the following services offer multi-day storage options in Queenstown:

• Queenstown Airport – Various storage options, charged in 12-hour increments.
• TrackNet – Multi-day luggage storage for hikers while on trails.
• Luggage Hero – Secure luggage storage at multiple locations in Queenstown.
• Info & Track – Local track information and transport service that also offers multi-day luggage storage.
• Ultimate Hikes – Luggage storage available for Ultimate Hikes customers for a fee (no booking required).

Yes there are!  All of our multi-bed rooms have large under bed personal lockers inside! 

There's enough space for your suitcase and anything else you want to put in there.  You just need your own padlock, or you can purchase one from our friendly reception team for $8 between 9am and 9pm.

Yes we do!  We have fully made comfy beds, and if you ask nicely enough we might even have a towel for you 😉

Please note that sleeping bags are not permitted in the rooms - these need to be left in our storage facility.

Yes we do (and even hair straighteners)!

These are available at reception between 9am - 9pm upon request for free, we just ask you to please ensure you return these as soon as you have used them.  We don't want to bother you in your room to request them back for somebody else to use!

From our location by car it should take approximately:

Coronet Peak:  30min-45min
The Remarkables:  45min-60min
Cardrona:  60-75min
Treblecone:  100-120min

All times provided are approximations only - we cannot reasonably predict the driving conditions you might experience on your day of travel, but the times provided are reasonable expectations.

If you do not have your own set of wheels, transport can be organised for you which will vary in cost depending on your preferred mountain.  All buses pick up within 100m from our front door, so it is an extremely convenient option!

Yes we do! 

We have a secure ski/board storage area in our fully equipped laundry on the premises.  It is accessed by your keycard, and is under 24hr surveillance – it’s also locked down during the evenings between 9pm and 6am, so if you need to get your gear out before 6am it’s best to let us know the night before.

That's a question we ask ourselves every day in Winter!

But don't worry!  We've taken the time to help you understand how to maximise your Winter experience by hopefully taking some of the guess-work out of it.

Just read through our Ultimate Guide for Winter in Queenstown + the Whole South Island - it provides an in-depth analysis of all the resorts in our immediate region, as well as the rest of the South Island in case you were interested in exploring.

If you're interested in Winter, consider taking advantage of our Winter Packages to save $$ on our Accommodation and experiences across the whole South Island!

We can also help you book all of your Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone products when you arrive - just talk to our friendly team 🙂

Excellent question!  Unfortunately there's no easy answer to this one.

But don't worry!  We've taken the time to go in-depth on all of your transport options - and things you might not have thought about - in our guide to Getting Around Queenstown.

Hopefully it will give you some insight as to which option you should choose, regardless of the season.

Yes we do! 

Our ski/board storage converts to a secure facility for bikes over the warmer months, and operates in the same fashion.  It's key-card accessible, under 24hr surveillance, and is locked down between 9pm and 6am.

Please note that bike storage is for bikes only and space is limited.  We are unable to store your bike box or bike bag in the same room.  Guests who leave bike boxes behind at our premises after checkout will incur a minimum fee of $200 for it to be collected by the recycling/ waste management company.

Yes we do! 

The Washatipu Laundromat next door is open from 9am to 9pm and is self service.  Wash and Dry are $6 each and laundry detergent is $2. 

Machines take coins only - we can change your notes if you have New Zealand dollars.  We do not currently have the ability to provide you coins from a card transaction, however there are multiple ATM's within 100m of our location.

Please be aware that we sometimes need to close the laundromat during busy laundry days from 10am to 2pm, so we would suggest to avoid that time if you can.