Amazing little hostel. It was super clean and very comfortable. The kitchen + lounge room are perfect. You can cook everything you want and can use a wide range of utensils and pots in a very good nick. The outside deck is also amazing. Sandra, the manager, was super friendly and helpful. She was very attentive and really wanted us to have a great stay. We came to do the Tongariro Alpine crossing, but the weather was not on our side. She was keeping us updated and recommended alternatives that we were very happy with. I would definitely go back there or recommend this place to friends and family.

It was very homey, our host was absolutely sweet (she even brought zucchini from her own garden for us to use and looked up the proper forecast for my hike), and the kitchen was very well equipped. There's a cozy garden and a lovely community area where you eat. Several books on great hikes and a very clean bathroom area too. The hostel is very close to a gas station and a supermarket, which is perfect. Feels a lot like a youth hostel in it not being luxurious, but that being the entire charm of it. I absolutely loved my stay!

The solo room is pretty small. I booked it to get a good night's sleep before the Tongariro Crossing (as most do), but I'd go for a group room if I werd to book again. That is pretty much it.

"5 star hostel" is exactly how I would describe Riverstone. The checkin instructions were clear and we were well accommodated despite arriving in the evening. Sandra was absolutely lovely, taking an interest in every guest and their travel plans, and helping where possible with advice and timings of shuttles. This is an excellent place to stay for the Tongariro Crossing, as most guests were doing the same - we were able to discuss weather conditions and organise transport from the hostel. If you are planning to do the crossing, make sure you can rearrange some plans in case the conditions are bad - this is what I had to do. There are tonnes of other places within day-trip distance, so staying here for 3+ days would be very easy! There are maps and lots of other information at the hostel. The facilities were comfortable, with a lot of seating and cooking areas, meaning it wasn't cramped with the guests. You may have the pleasure of meeting Gingy the cat, or Jack or Missy the dogs, who were all lovely characters. I would definitely stay here again!

Of course, other guests define the hostel experience, so be prepared for socialising! Had a lovely chat with a couple of people there. Also if you're not easy-going, reach out in advance: we didn't get any info until the evening we were checking in (but this was fine for us).

The lodge was a cute and surprisingly spacious old house. Well insulated with heaters and fans in the bedroom. The beds were SUPER comfortable X it’s clear the owners care about the environment and their guests, providing ample ways to recycle etc. as well as ensuring there us tea and coffee and other little fridge items for use. There was even a basket with fresh homegrown produce. We only stayed for a night however we will definitely be back and enjoy the place again!

It was such a cute hostel, absolutely amazing. I was lucky enough staying with other guests that were baking cookies and scones for everybody and people were open and friendly. Room was clean and super nice - and the owner is very friendly too.

To me it was not clear that cats and dogs had access to the lodge too. For me it was no problem, yet my partner is allergic against their fur. The cats can be locked out quite easily so we had no problem at the end.

People make the difference in everything and our host, Sandra, wasnt the exception. She did her best so that we had a pleasant and comfy stay! When we arrived after a long day on the roads, she offered to upgrade us for a better sleep. Loved her! Her house? A small paradise for any hiker arriving at Turangi! Clean, spacious, easy for socializing, offering a variety of facilities and free parking! Definitely one of our best stays in whole new Zealand!

Nothing

Booking was a breeze. We arrived late and did not meet the owners or staff, but a self assured ginger cat was present and supervised us. The room had "ensuite" without any toilet, which I would have liked but this was clear at the time of booking. The clean and well appointed kitchen was great and opened on to comfortable outside deck with tables, chairs, outside furniture. The provision of tea and real ground coffee and plungers was superb.

We could not find a compost bin, but the recycling and rubbish was v well organised. We would have liked to know the name of the cat. The bed was very creaky - even just to get into - and could do with tightening up. More light on the combination lock at night was needed - it was hard to read the digits on it.

Great base for the Tongariro crossing--it's set up in such a way that makes it easy to meet other guests at the lodge and has an overall friendly vibe. The kitchen has multiple fridges/sinks/cooking areas so several people are able to use the space at once, and there is enough for everyone. There's an abundance of information and books about the national park and surrounding areas. Room and bed were comfortable. And there's a friendly cat :)

This was one of the most amazing hostel experiences I have ever had! It doesn’t really feel like a hostel but more as a vacation home! The hostel has a lage and homey feeling living room/ kitchen and an amazing outside deck. A huge bonus is the hostel cat that is very friendly and will come to you when it wants cuddles and attention. Sandra the hostel oner is an amazing person. She is very kind and helpful even when you have a little freak out because you misunderstood the intercity times 😂 The accommodations is nice and clean and you have everything you need. If you want to do the crossing she can help you with the shuttle bus and more information.

Close to the shops and food vendors. Very helpful friendly owners. Great facilities, very clean and homely. We felt very welcome. Best thing of all was Ginge the fabulous Orange and white cat. Ginger welcomed us, showed us our room, and checked on us regularly to make sure we were happy with everything, even stayed on our bed for a while each morning, we were enchanted with him. Sandra provides coffee tea and raw sugar, we felt very at home. Security was good too.

Need a slightly better light over the entry keypads for old people like us.