Howards Mountain Lodge

Close to Tongariro crossing and big share kitchen. But the bed is too soft

We had the worst experience at this place. The room for starters had a terrible Wi-Fi quality as well as the TV with a poor digital signal. The kitchen was a nightmare! Very tiny, everything very old especially the fidges with insufficient space for everyone. The manager (or whatever he is) while appearing friendly and helpful, he actually tried to impose rules and intimidate guests. I paid a lot of money to spend two horrible nights in this horrible place that should never exist. Definitely don't reccomend it.

Booked this place as I assumed it would be social / backpacker vibe given its listing as a hostel and the large common areas but this was not the case - barely saw another person. The owner was quite rude when I arrived, didn’t look up from his computer and then when he did kind of just stared at me and pointed at the room key on the desk to take. Didn’t speak until I asked for food recommendations. The room was small and dated, lumpy bed and pillows. I saw a few stains on the bed sheet too. Walls are wafer thin and so you can hear conversations, phone alarms etc. The building I was in (opposite main building) felt more basic than the others and this was evident in the kitchen which was significantly less nice than the main kitchen in the reception building. Big lounge though with pool / snooker table and TV. Showers and toilets were fine. Knowing this is not a social place I would spend my money on somewhere nicer in the park (of which there are plenty).

Very affordable and nice

Overall a good place to visit, clean and tidy. We had 4 adults and shared a room. Pretty comfortable. Lovely lounge rooms which would be cosy in winter. Few easily fixed issues. Kitchen is rather cluttered with stuff. One of the only three tables was covered in empty wine bottles and old floral arrangements. Ensure bathroom there was 4 of us but only really one usable hook. Also weird handle above sink that you hit your head on when brushing teeth. Lots of random pieces of firewood around and old floral and tree pieces. And kitchen was quite dark and cramped as visitors could only use one side But overall was perfectly fine for our 2 night stay.

We booked the family room. Got very little sleep as it’s right above the kitchen which was busy and noisy with inconsiderate people to god knows what time. The noise started up again at 5am. The room itself was fine, decent shower. Tv only had 3 channels when it worked properly. Parking was ok but pretty close together. We wouldn’t stay again.

Comfortable, warm rooms, with a communal drying room, and a good range of kitchen equipment. We also enjoyed making use of the pool table, and the DVD collection.

I had a great stay. Everything was clean, the bed was comfy and the staff were helpful.