The Grapevine Backpackers Blenheim

After over two months I had to say goodbye to the grapevine today. I honestly loved living here. The house is in a beautiful place and filled with even more beautiful people. Leaving today felt like leaving home. I had an overall great experience here. The house itself is cozy and beautiful right on the river and has a very communal vibe. The manager Elise was absolutely brilliant and went above and beyond to help me out when I arrived, having already organized work and transport before I even got to the Grape Vine. On top of that she was just generally super lovely, accommodating, and always checking in with everyone and organizing events for the house. She genuinely cares about the experience of everyone who stays here and it shows. Her and Seth do such an amazing job and my stay has been nothing short of spectacular. The Grapevine will always have a special place in my heart and I miss it already !!! <3

The grapevine is an awesome place to stay. I planned on staying for 4 weeks and ended up staying 3 months, because I didn't want to leave. The community in the hostel is great and I made some really good friends. I always enjoyed the group dinners, kayaking on the river and days on the beach. Harleigh the manager always made it easy for me to find a job as well. I would recommend staying there to everyone!

The Grapevine backpackers is the first hostel I can easily call home. I've spent about 6 months there, and could not have dreamt of a better place to stay. From the beautiful garden next to the river, the free kayaks and the amazing team running the place, I absolutely loved my time there. The manager helped me find work when I needed it. Not having to struggle to find work is a huge plus. I've met some amazing people there and would recommend this place to anyone looking for short or long term stay in blenheim!

The Grapevine was an excellent place to base myself at as i begun my working holiday in NZ. I have many great memories of the friends I made there, the meals we cooked, the social activities, the "kitchen raves" and all the laughter that we shared It is unfortunate the hostel is now permanently closed to backpackers the management has since changed hands and the property now only accommodates RSE workers. But the place was great for what it was: a home away from home

I stayed at The Grapevine for 2 and a half months and had a super time. Work was lined up for me as soon as I arrived by the very friendly and helpful staff. The rooms were clean and comfortable and the location of the hostel itself is gorgeous, right next to the river where you can swim and kayak. There is a real family atmosphere, I made friends with a bunch of people from all over the world. Would highly recommend to anyone to come and stay here.

The Grapevine Backpackers is one of my favourite places in New Zealand. Quietly situated along the Ōpaoa River, this hostel is full to the brim with love, joy, laughter and comradery. Upon my arrival, I was immediately welcomed into the Grapevine family, a group of some of the most loving, funny and talented young travellers I've ever met. Initially, I had only planned to stay in Blenheim for a few days but found myself having such a great time I didn't want to leave! The managers here are wonderful, they'll make sure you have a comfortable stay and will often organize fun events, including movie nights, quizzes and potluck dinners. With so many people staying here, you'll never find yourself bored in Blenheim. While the kitchen may be on the smaller side, cooking here quickly brings people together - everyone sharing stories, jokes, music and recipes. There is a beautiful backyard where you can enjoy your meal with a stunning view of the river. For your convenience, there are free bikes available to get you quickly across town - though make sure to take a lock with you or you may be walking back! I highly recommend making use of the free kayaks, on a hot day there is nothing better than cruising east down the river and hurling yourself into the water from the rope swing. In short, I had a marvellous time at the Grapevine and I'm sure you will as well.

Stayed in this hostel for a couple of months over winter and I absolutely loved it. Honestly the best place I've stayed at in New Zealand so far. The management is absolutely lovely and really helpful in organizing a job or literally anything else for you plus the working vibe in the hostel creates a really nice, family like atmosphere. The outside area with hammocks and kayaks is the perfect spot to spend one of the many sunny Blenheim days. Highly recommend for anyone looking for work or a family, looking forward to be back soon!

I spent the last two months at the Grapevine and absolutely loved it. Best location, very central and close to New world, best staff ever, very kind and helpful in any situation. The hostel is situated by the river and you can kayak , or you can get a bike a ride it along, all free of charge. They even promote many activities during the weekends. Highly recommended anytime and if I'll find myself again in Blenheim I'm sure already where to spend my nights.

We stayed at this hostel for three months over winter and in that time it became a place for us to call home, complete with an awesome international family! The staff are always willing to help you out however they can and do a great job of helping people find work. The atmosphere is relaxed, comfortable and inclusive. It didn't take us long at all to make some amazing friends! Highly recommend this hostel long term and will be back in a heartbeat if our travels take us that way again!

I spent the past few months living at the Grapevine and have made some life long friends. Spent many a weekends out in gorgeous outside/hammock area next to the river with free kayaks and beers! A hostel you can easily call home, the managers are gorgeous, friendly and are there for anyone in need and the owner will always go above and beyond to find you work and make sure you are comfortable and happy! Would recommend this hostel for all those backpackers looking for work and a cosey place to stay! Will miss this hostel and will definitely be back!!!