Haka Lodge Taupo

New Zealand , Central Plateau - Taupo
Taupo, 56 Kaimanawa Street, 56
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100 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

20 Mar 2026

andrea

Great beds, rooms are tiny, and the room we stayed only had narrow top window openings which in summer could make this stuffy.

Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2026

Suyuan

1. Plenty of parking spaces including the off-road parking.
2.Fan is provided.
3. Wifi connection is good.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 Feb 2026

Melissa

The room was really clean and the staff were always friendly and helpful. The walls were really thin, so if somebody was talking in another room you could hear them and could also hear the communal areas if people were in there.

Really convenient location!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2026

Robyn

Great location to the lake, and everything else you could need. Friendly staff. I found it quiet and would definitely stay again.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2026

Susan

convenient location

6/10

Pleasant

30 Dec 2025

MICHAEL

Great for location

Room walls are little thin, so could here naghboughs till early hours,

Other than that,
Just what was required,

Self

2/10

Poor

04 Dec 2025

Deborah

Did not disclose that even for a longer stay the booking was on refundable and refused to refund the remainder of nights past my first one, when I realized the property looked nothing like the photos and was not suitable for the length of time I was in Taupo.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 Nov 2025

Stefan

Everything was good except the cigarette smells

10/10

Exceptional

08 Nov 2025

Abel

overall, pretty good.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2025

Elizabeth

This was one of the best hostels we have stayed in around the world. Beautiful room, very clean, lovely decor, great kitchen with plenty of cooking surfaces and well equipped. Staff were very pleasant and location was great. We loved it.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2025

Ofer

Bathrooms and kitchens were immaculate. Room had great amenities and was comfortable. Highly recommended. This hostel has exceeded the very high bar of Kiwi hostels. 10/10

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

29 Sep 2025

Ines

Nice

Parking, clean room, close to everything, nice staff

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Barry

Yes

8/10

Excellent

31 Aug 2025

Rachael

Clean, basic hostel accommodation. Well equipped kitchen, friendly & organised welcome on arrival.
The only thing is the walls are thin, so I had next door's tv coming thru one wall and the other neighbour's snores through the other.
But, it was well priced and reasonably central. A good place to stay when you juat need somewhere to sleep.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Aug 2025

Kerrie

Safe place to stay. Walkable distance from central area.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2025

Rizza

It was very convenient that you can do the online pre-check in a day ahead your booked date/arrival. This step made the check in seamless. The staff was very accommodating.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2025

What

Overall great place, safe and friendly environment, affordable and convenient with all the facilities needed available🙂🙂

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2025

ramon

Great that they warmed the room up before I arrived :-) lounge area was great and warm

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2025

Chantelle

Excellent service. Great room. Clean and tidy. Good facilities. Unfortunately someone stole some of our food from the kitchen and some people didn't clean up after themselves in the kitchen which is stink for others. But otherwise it was awesome.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

27 Jun 2025

Nicola

Easy check in, good shared facilities including laundry and sofa area. Clean and tidy and good location.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2025

Emma

Central, clean and well equipped accommodation

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2025

Sébastien

La litterie est bonne, l’etablissement est propre et bien placé

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

16 Jan 2025

Isabelle

Minus: My room was just sufficient, but not practical. And at night I had to tape cardboard on the window pane to screen from the outside electrical light, and to darken the room enough for sleep.
Plus: good location, good atmosphere, good facilities.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jan 2025

Jack

Hostel review

Bed was comfy, bathroom was a bit grim. TV didn’t work, bit noisy at night but it is a hostel so to be expected. WiFi was good, kitchen was available but we didn’t use it though.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Dec 2024

Jérémie

The amenities and kitchen area are not enough for the number of people the hosting.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Dec 2024

Kaia

Quite occupied

8/10

Excellent

16 Dec 2024

Aarathi

It felt home away from home had a great time and made new friends

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2024

Awsome stay! well recommended

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2024

Noel

Haka house exceeded my expectations. I had a very plesant experience in a relaxed enviroment. Everything was on point , from the friendly staff , facilities, cleanliness and grounds . A of affordable accommodation.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Oct 2024

Julie

The hostel was clean and well presented. It was just that we didnt know we had booked into a Hostel. Must have pressed the wrong button when booking as we were in a hurry/

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2024

Shelby

I enjoyed my stay here. I stayed at two other Haka House properties and this one seemed like it needed some TLC and a bit of an update.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Sep 2024

David

My room very cost effective

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

31 Aug 2024

Abram

Review for Haka House Taupo:

We had 3 male staff and contractors knock and then very quickly proceed to open the door of the room we were in. This was surprising and uncomfortable as two women. They then proceeded to ask if a contractor could come on to look at the bathroom which was noted as ´being the worst by far’.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

06 Aug 2024

Zhenfeng

good

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2024

Karl

Good service, staff very helpful, awesum ppl, great vibe (very chill) would definitely stay there again 😀 👍

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2024

Simba Kevin

Allgood

8/10

Excellent

31 Mar 2024

Simba Kevin

Clean and quiet

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

28 Mar 2024

Cyree

Easy walk to town. Balcony view of the lake.

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

24 Mar 2024

Paula

Nothing at all very poor service

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2024

Anthony

Basic accommodation, but very clean, and staff relaxed and helpful.

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2024

Susan

Tired looking but a clean room

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2024

Kirsty

Perfect Night's Stay

I've not stayed in hostels much so I had a lot of questions that the staff were very happy to answer. They helped me with everything I needed and were very kind.

Hostel beds come with privacy curtains which kept things very cosy. I slept incredibly well and had a great shower. Everyone is friendly. Although the lower bunks are QUITE low, I bumped my head a lot. Great communal kitchen with all required free amenities, and great laundry services although be aware that you do need change.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jan 2024

Zef

Staff were welcoming and friendly. The beds provided a reasonably comfortable night's sleep. The main lounge offered a selection of enjoyable board games. However, the lack of air conditioning on a hot night was notable. The kitchen appliances were somewhat unreliable, and the extended wait for shower access due to one bathroom being out of order was inconvenient. A blocked shower outlet led to an overflow issue. Given these issues, personally, I don't plan on staying there again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2023

Callum A

Fantastic location, affordable rooms and very well located. Clean and comfortable room that perfectly suited our needs. Extremely recommend

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2023

Luc

Brilliant location and facilities. Really enjoyed the stay.

4/10

Poor

04 Aug 2023

WEI CHINN KEITH

Although I had prepaid my stay through Expedia, the accommodation charged my credit card after I had checked out. I had to contact Expedia to get a refund. However, through no fault of mine, I have been hit with a SGD9 (NZD11) loss due to credit card fees and exchange rate conversions for the wrongful deduction and subsequent refund.

Because of this, I cannot recommend this hostel.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2023

Cassie

Nice and tidy room, and easy to get to the center of taupo from

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2023

Robyn

How great to find a backpackers that is quiet! Great room, ensuite attached, comfy beds, fab kitchen.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2023

Kolovula

It’s good enough for pack packers. Quick response for my booking.

May in the ads should say it’s sharing bathroom. Sorry but I didn’t like noises people still walking around in the nighttime.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

29 Mar 2023

CHA MEE

Beware there are not enough car parks and the management should have allocated car park to the unit.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Mar 2023

Charles

All ok for our time there.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2023

Thomas S

Handy to town but quiet enough.
Plenty of indoor and outdoor spots to eat and loaf.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2022

Jeanette

Great location

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

25 Sep 2022

Jono

I waited at least 10mins for service as the staff member folded sheets nearby. He must’ve seen me!

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

07 Sep 2022

Verified traveler

Stay away!

Bed bugs!!

Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2022

Sandy

Liked the tidy clean property. only trouble was while on crutches the room was up two flights of stairs, however I hadn't mentioned that at time of booking and I wanted a self-contained with bathroom

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2022

Carlos

Had a very good stay, staff were very friendly and had good facilities. The only thing I’m gonna say is if you are in rooms 24-29 there is parking near the rooms but you got no access to the parking and would have to walk out of the property then walk around to get to the parking there. We used the main parking which is still a bit a of a walk. Also there is limited parking and when we came back from when we went out there were no parks available. Apart from that I did enjoy my stay with the Haka Lodge

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2022

Jon

The stay was excellent. Good Price

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

05 Jul 2022

Verified traveler

Not for sleeping.

To start with the positives, this place has two nice, warm common areas with plenty of space to hang out and cook a meal. The people who work there are very friendly, and made our check in easy.
However.
For a hostel that has plenty of signs up saying it is not a party hostel and there should be no noise after 10:30, they sure did let a whole football team stay the night. What's more, they were spread out across the hostel so they stomped back and forth from room to room shouting. To the credit of the staff, they did seem to get ushered out of the hostel around 10:30, unfortunately when they came back at 3am there was little done to get them to quiet down.
Even on a quiet night you can hear EVERYTHING in each room, so it's not a hostel for people who want a good night's sleep. We booked a private room, but half the football team was put in a dorm next to us so we were up all night. We could also hear the people on the other side of us snoring, and their text message alert, and their bathroom fan...you get the idea.
On top of that the security isn't that good. The first night there was a random guy on the upstairs patio screaming into his phone at midnight. Not sure if he was staying here, but I felt uncomfortable having no way of contacting a night porter or other security staff to deal with it.
Overall, I wouldn't stay here again. We had a similarly disappointing time at the other Haka Lodge, so I doubt we'd use them in the future.

Partner

2/10

Poor

14 Feb 2022

Thomas

Not worthy of the name “Haka”

Cleaning staff came in before checkout time both mornings of my stay. First morning they lifted the curtain to my bed, then turned off the fan that was going for air circulation due to very high humidity over the weekend. Didn’t clean bin, either. Second morning they abruptly turned about as I rushed to close my bed’s curtain as I was getting ready for leaving by checkout time.

On-site staff did not quiet down loud group smoking and carrying on until 1:45am on the Saturday night in the parking lot, echoing louder up into the deck towards rooms.

Stay in top bunk was incredibly unrestful, as your face is in the floorboards for the unit above and there is no underlay to quiet down the movements of the rooms above you.

Pillows incredibly hot and stuffy.

Old luggage & clothing left in under-bed storage bay, not cleared out. Broken curtain (thrown in corner of room) for lower bunk made it unusable to avoid noise from upstairs.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jan 2022

Charlie

Nice walk into the centre of taupo. Affordable and shared bathroom and showers we're very clean despite being a backpackers.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jan 2022

Marie

Great staff from reception and housekeeping. Wifi signal was weak from my room so I used my data the entire time. Bed was clean but the floors and storage floor should be vacuumed.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2021

Sally

Quiet, clean rooms

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Sep 2021

Terry

Half the price of a motel

Business Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

A couple having an argument at 3.20am outside my room!
Website had inaccurate description of the kitchen facilities, which were better than expected. Also that kitchen would not open until 8am - found that out when I arrived, didn't suit - but it was opened by 7.30, which was good.
Proprietor came quite soon after I locked myself out of my room, very kind of him.

Business Self

2/10

Poor

03 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

An awful night sleep due to paper thin walls not leaving a lot up to the imagination.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2021

Annalie

Perfect for our needs

Had a great stay in the Apartment at the Haka Lodge for the postponed Ironman 2021. There was plenty of room for all our Ironman gear so we didn't feel at all cramped. Huge spaces for the two of us. And the location is fantastic just a 5-10 minute walk to town so we mostly left the car behind.

There were a couple of minor repairs needed to the taps and shower but only minor gripes and didn't affect our stay. We reported them to reception when we checked out so hopefully they get sorted :)

We enjoyed it so much we've rebooked for next year already!

Partner

4/10

Poor

25 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

The hostel is comfortable, clean and has everything you need and in a great location.
I was enjoying the place until the 2nd night. I am an understanding person and can understand that with Covid, the hostel is trying to get as much business as possible. But we had to deal with a stag group that took up all the amenities of the hostel, had a brawl at 9pm, banging and screaming at 2 different occasions in the middle of the night and to add insult to injury, they also ate our leftovers and left the half eaten food for us to deal with.
I was going to over look the partying even though my husband and I are tired from our 18km walk, but just the general disrespect that the group was made the stay really unpleasant.
My only suggestion is that if the hostel wants to book groups as big as them, have them book the entire place as the group would be using all the amenities and disrupting other guests, leaving everyone else without the access to kitchen or outdoor space.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2021

Verified traveler

Clean and tidy premise, shared facilities and utensils.
Handy location to reach shops, activities or to the lake.
Quiet time respected by all after 10:30pm.
Easy check-in and check-out
Very pleased with my stay will definitely return, thanks

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2020

Bruce

Excellent stay. Facilities and location excellent.
Comfortable bed

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

20 Sep 2020

Verified traveler

Disappointing

Last stayed at the Lodge a few years ago so was looking forward to our return. Rather disappointed though. The budget rooms (all they had available) were tired and dowdy. The mattress was sagging in the middle, the bed linen was clean but grey and looked very unappealing. There are loads of other hostels in town with great reviews for comparable, or even cheaper prices. Haka Lodge needs to pull its socks up or it will get left behind.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Nice clean room. Didn't meet staff as I arrived late and left early.
Was disappointed with the lack of respect for the quiet time hours. Was very noisy most of the night.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

29 Feb 2020

Robert

Room 17, Robert

My room was more than adequate. A bit hot, Friday Feb 28..but no worries. The vEry noisy laundry machines were working late, but again no worries. Of greater concern was the clatter of shoes on the wooden decking. Unpredictable and loud. Would I stay again? YES! Definitely.

Self

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

The room we had was perfect for just my partner and I and we had bathrooms literally next door which was so handy. Location isn't too far from town which was handy. One thing that was a possible let down was not enough parking spaces but we managed to find a park on the grass which was fine

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

廚房的瓦斯爐部分壞掉，有點不方便
有停車場

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Feb 2020

Margaret

Great place! Good location! Kitchen small so often overcrowded but well equpped!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Jan 2020

Susan

Haka lodge Taupo

Accommodation lovely, apart from shower floors constantly wet and not as good as other Haka lodges. Rooms lovely and still love the power points and privacy curtains - staff not as friendly and off putting when they state only coming to sit with people as have to be seen to be seen !!! Otherwise location fantastic

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Dec 2019

Holly

Friendly check in. Room was clean/tidy/warm. Comfortable bed. Clean bathroom. Great location.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

08 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Overpriced for what it was. Paid only roughly $25 less for a room that basically just fit a bed than what a motel room would have cost.

On top of that, had the true pleasure of trying to sleepy through drunk people screaming all night.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Hostel. Have shared kitchen. Good for cooking. Near town.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

06 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Nice clean room and showers, was all we needed for the night.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Friendly check, happy to give advice on whats around andbthings to do

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

24 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

hot water in one bathroom was not working had to use cold 😖sad

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Though modern the separate studio room was less than basic. Required a walk across an open area to access the main kitchen and lounge facilities. Works best as a hostel room not at motel price.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Its a good play on lighting basic self sustained freindly staff and local convenience

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jun 2019

Bryan

My stay

Arrived late so no reception but details were good on getting in. Light directly outside room was on all night and curtains could not stop light bed comfortable and once heater warmed room it was good. Facilities were clean and tidy.

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Room was a little cramped for two people with luggage. However it was clean and comfortable.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2019

Verified traveler

Place was great. Only small complaint. In room 14 (my room) the plug in wall heater did not work and the side table leg was broken. Otherwise lovely place.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2019

Karen

Near Perfect

Travelling solo, it was great to have privacy with the curtain on the bunk bed. Also nice to have my own power point and light, this set up has been well thought out. Pillow and mattress were not as soft as I am used to but in all, a good stay. Friendly staff and cleanliness was excellent.

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2019

Jacob

Overall was good

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Friendly hostel with very helpful staff and in a peaceful setting.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2019

Kris

A good place for backpackers who want to drop their stuff and explore tge nature nearby. Apart from bunks you can get a cheap private room, which is a great value for money as for NZ. Well equipped kitchen if you are planning to cook or preparefood for hikes

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Loved the tv in the private room, super comfortable place, very clean!

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

10 Dec 2018

Carla

It was good unfortunately there was a group of people making noise at least until 3am.couldnt rest properly. Wifi is very bad where I was which was the apartment and there is no ac so the house was so hot and opening the windows was bringing so many mosquitos. But the apartment was amazing

10/10

Exceptional

21 Nov 2018

Chrissy

Nice stay and clean facilities. The heater in the room is warm enough and the blanket is clear. The bathroom and toilets are clean as well. However, it is hard to find a car park spot. We have to park outside.

8/10

Excellent

19 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

It was really good rooms super clean just a few things went missing after housekeeping was in there such as my towel and toothpaste. Front desk was able to help me out though:)

6/10

Pleasant

15 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Hostel is a little walk (5/10 mins) away from Taupo centre. Hostel staff are polite and the communal areas and the room was clean and well kept. However my room was very cold.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2018

Cecilia

Very handy and close from everywhere in Taupo. Free carparking with plenty of space

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Friendly staff, everything was clean. Rooms are comfortable and nice. Amazing view and big kitchen with everything what you need. Free tea and coffee. Had a great time.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Good for a couple of hours sleep I needed to continue my trip