base Wellington is a huge hostel in Courtney Place, which is the heart of Wellington's nightlife. For the solo female traveler, this means that there are two strip joints within a stone's throw. For the traveler who likes to sleep at night, this means that there is a karaoke bar that is open at least until 3am on weeknights (I wasn't there over a weekend). For someone who likes to talk to staff (for advice, etc), this means that they're harried and overworked and kind of rude (the exception being the manager / travel coordinator who was awesome).

I had a 4 bed sanctuary room (all girls floor). The ceiling was super high, which was good because bunk beds were the rule of the day. There was a big locker (bring your own lock) under the bunk beds -- big enough to fit your entire pack OR a standard-size airline roller. Most people who stay here are catching the ferry to the South Island and getting up at the crack of dawn, so you can expect to do so as well.

The kitchen was too small for the number of people trying to use it, and was never really clean, so guests had no incentive to keep it clean. They would occasionally send a staff member up to do the remainder of the dishes, but this wasn't enough to keep the dishes from piling up.

There was a bar in the basement and they give the girls coupons for free champagne from 8-9pm when you check in, and champagne is free every night for girls between 7-8pm. I'm not sure what this says about the scene they're trying to promote down there -- it kind of turned me off from hanging out down there. There was also the impossibly loud music that made talking impossible -- I'm not sure actually if it was a karaoke bar or the basement bar that was keeping me up until 3am.

I wouldn't stay here again. There are cheaper, quieter, and safer options in central Wellington, that are just as close to the "action", whatever action you want.

Stayed here for a few days before heading to the South Island. Great location and one of the nicer Base Backpackers have stayed at. It is a large hostel with slow elevators but if you don't mind stairs then it's cool.

They have a great little club downstairs as well but within a few minutes walk of many other clubs and places to eat.

Crappy internet but there are many other places around the corner and you will not be in need of a cash machine within a short walk if you stay here.