The hostel is in a great location, just a little way up a road that leads down to the lake and close to some restaurants and shops nearby. The staff were really friendly and welcoming on arrival, I felt their presence there definitely made me feel safer. The kitchen was really well equipped and managed by the staff in a very organised fashion - we made dinner and felt it had everything we needed to do so. There was also a vending machine in the kitchen which I noticed sold pretty much anything you might want for a quick bite to eat. The hostel's balcony with seating looked out over the mountains and the lake, even though it was winter we sat outside to enjoy the sunset because it was an amazing view (although we are British so pretty cold tolerant). There were laundry facilities although we didn't end up using them as we didn't stay long but you could buy washing powder from reception for only $2 so pretty handy if needed. The room was fairly small but what we expected, we had an ensuite room and the ensuite itself was great. The bed was really comfy and I loved the bedside lamp - kind of wish I had one to be honest. Also I really loved the soap they provided in the ensuite, it smelt amazing and I would love to know where they get it from. Overall, close to Lake Taupo and perfect location if you want to do any of the Tongariro park walks - I noticed in the summer they have these walks organised by the hostel for groups which would be great for solo travellers who wanted to do some more social hikes or even if you just wanted a lift over there.

Parking was fine when we visited as it was winter but I imagine it can be pretty busy in the summer when more people are staying so I would check with staff about parking elsewhere. There was only a plug socket on one side of the bed, not a big deal really but something to note.

I stayed in a double room with a shared bathroom, but it felt like I had the bathroom to myself, it was always clean, available, and conveniently located right next to my room. The bed was very comfy, the room had a wall heater, and both the bathroom and all common areas were consistently clean and tidy. Towels were provided, and there was plenty of car parking space. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. On my checkout day, I asked if I could stay a bit longer in the living room to work for about four hours, and they kindly said yes. My car was also still parked on the property without any issues. I visited during the low season.

No issues

Great staff, fixed a snafu from Booking.com who screwed up our reservation. Place was very clean and comfortable with a lot of relaxation communal space. Central to everything in Taupo with a great view of the lake and mountains. Close to the Sunday craft/food market. Nice spacious kitchen with almost everything you need. Easy parking too.

Would be nice to add more chairs to the dining room for bigger groups. Coffee and tea and coffee making apparatus would be a nice addition. Also, no salt and pepper or any communal spices.

The room was lovely for a small room. It was nice walking into a warm, clean room. The toilet and shower were always clean and the hot water in the shower was a happy suprise. The kitchen/dining area was fully functional and kept clean. We would book again.

The walkway between our room and the kitchen was slippy, (yes it did rain over night) so maybe look into that so guests do not slip over. Maybe include lighting on the steps so guests don't miss a step when walking from the top level to the bottom/car park area.

Didn't think I was going to stay in a backpacker lodge after my backpacking days but I'm glad I did. The room was clean and acceptable for a one night transit stay in Taupo. I booked a room with a private toilet so my experience may be slightly different from the other backpackers in the lodge but for the cost and the clean bed abd good night's rest, Haka Lodge is bang on the buck.

The only comment that I had was that the doors needed to be pulled shut and this made a bang. While this is not that important, the frequency of backpackers going in and coming out of their rooms can ve disturbing when I was trying to get some sleep. I did sleep very soundly when the door shutting stopped.

Spacious, comfy and clean 2-bed dorm. There is a well-equipped kitchen with a great balcony with views over the lake. Good location for exploring Taupo. Staff were super helpful and friendly.

Quite a lot of noise in the evenings, especailly as our room opened onto the main staircase/meeting area. The main toilets are mixed but the staff did point out a private cubicle tucked away by the washing line.

Great location. Facilities are well organised.

Someone took my drying T-shirt, I assume by mistake. This happened because I had to dry my clothes outside because the laundry room had to be locked at 8 pm. This was done to avoid affecting customers with noise late at night, which is fair. I think that the facilities should be upgraded for noise so that this can be kept open later and I don't get my shirts stolen.

Great location, Clo on reception was lovely and super helpful with planning our time in Taupo/Rotorua, we had the best time and enjoyed coming back to our cosy little room and cooking dinner in a well organised and clean kitchen area.

We stayed in winter so having to step out to use the bathroom and kitchen is a bit chilly but it’s only a very short walk along the sheltered walkways so not a huge deal but something to factor in if you hate the cold.

Well appointed double room with comfortable bed. Large communal kitchen with all relevant utensils and adequate dining area. In a quiet part of town but still close enough to walk to the bus stop, shops, restaurants and a large supermarket

The washer and dryer are both app operated. No tokens are coins used. Furniture in lounge/TV room is really looking tired.

Conveniently located in Taupo close to Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam. Good jumping off point for Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Room was big enough for 4 people and luggage. Very small bathroom. Hot, but small shower. Nice that towels and soap were provided. Bedroom and bathroom were clean. Bed, linens, and pillows were comfortable. Good WiFi. Huge kitchen with all the appliances and supplies required to cook a full meal. Surprisingly clean for the amount of use by guests. The staff is so friendly and full of helpful advice.