Haka Lodge Bay of Islands (Paihia)

Haka Lodge Bay of Islands (Paihia) - Hostel

New Zealand , Northland Region
PAIHIA, 76 Marsden Road
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75 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

22 Feb 2026

Hansie

there was some grime at the edge of the shower entrance. towels and sheets were nice

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Chris

This is a great place to stay. The amenities are very good and clean and tidy. Dorm rooms are comfortable but can get quite warm. Good location opposite the wharf and within 30 minutes walking treat grounds and other walking tracks. Staff are very good and informative and will provide you with plenty of help if needed.

8/10

Excellent

05 Feb 2026

Georg

Clean room. Staff unbelievable helpfull!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2025

Laura

Really nice hostel! The staff are lovely and willing to help with whatever questions you have! Stayed in the 4-bed female dorm and it was pretty good - the floor was quite creaky underneath the carpets in the room so it was hard to be quiet when I had to be up early some of the days (thankfully the other guests were not bothered by this!). The head space on the top bunk was a bit tight but I was comfortable enough for the stay. Bathrooms and shower rooms were clean and tidy. Kitchen and common areas were very spacey and you never felt like you were climbing on top of anyone while cooking. There wasn’t too many people during my stay but it was also early spring. The hostel is also not even 5 minutes walk from where the tours typically go from and where the intercity buses go. Would recommend this place for anyone staying in the area.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2025

Alan

Haka Lodge reflects its past as a YHA hostel with all the facilities and ambience of the youth hostel which encourages interaction with other guests.
We were impressed with the helpfulness and pleasantness of the staff in answer to our questions about Paihia and Russell.
The facilities are clean, well kept and presented.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2025

Kelly

Great value and location.

6/10

Pleasant

27 Apr 2025

Bruce

Great staff (thanks Martin) and a very comfortable bed.
BUT ... most main showers had no liquid soap, and all of the ventilation fan inlets above those showers were blocked solidly with lint.
The hand soap dispenser in our room was so high on the wall it was virtually impossible to use properly, plus the washhand basin is stupidly installed.
We do not recommend this accommodation.

4/10

Poor

05 Apr 2025

Henriette

Nice location but bad accomodation

It’s a worn down hostel, and since it is a part of the Haka Hostel chain, where I have stayed at other locations, I was surpriced at the low standard.
The staff is very serviceminded and friendly, but that doesn’t outwieght the small and badly ventilated rooms.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

05 Apr 2025

Taylor

The hostel is so central in Paihia it makes walking around to the many eating and shopping locations easy. We were in room 11 which was at the end of the hallway and did not get a lot of AC and the window didn't open. The small TV which is steictly facing one of the beds and cant rotate, also doesnt have cable or casting abilities. There was a DVD player so we grabbed a couole movies from the lounge just to find out the DVD player was broken so we ended up watching a movie on a laptop. I had messaged, emailed, and done the online check in to say I was going to be arriving late and still got a bit of sass from the staff when I called looking for check in instructions. The email with the info came through an hour after we checked in. Otherwise, it was average at best, but you get what you pay for!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2025

Cheryl

Very central location for activities, food, buses, wharf.
Some areas of the hostel are looking a bit tired.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

28 Mar 2025

Shawn

Beware! Bed Bugs!!

BEWARE! BEDBUGS!
More concerning lack of accountability! No accountability or support at all. Oh yes…No staff on premise or stationed on property after 9pm… so I had to spend the night in the common area lounge that night due to infestation nevertheless.
Seasoned traveler here (visited over 75 countries) and after reporting being bite by bedbugs in the room (with provided proof of photos of bites and stained blood sheets after killing on the bugs) managed refuses to accept any responsibility and claims they “were” mosquitoes bites! It was 15Degrees at night and I didn’t even open the bedroom windows?? And how to explain all the bites on the legs and areas of my body covered under the blankets… or would “mosquitoes “ get to me there too ?? Furthermore, we all well know and recognise bed bug biting patterns that was evident in the photos provided.
Stay stay clear away! Imagine. Did or will they even fumigate /look into this seriously??
Decide for yourself…
Worst experience ever!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2025

Kory

Didn’t want to leave…

Haka House is a fantastic hostel, I can’t imagine there’s a better option for a stay in Paihia, especially on a budget. Great location, spectacular views from dining and main area. Excellent service with terrific front desk support, Byron deserves a raise. I highly recommend this place, and will stay here again if the opportunity brings me back.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2025

Fay

Execellent location, view and staff!!!

One of the best hostel I’ve stayed. Beautiful view from kitchen/lounge. CLEAN and great staff from manager Pablo to Martin, Marika and unsure of name but a female staff from France. Friendly, professional and engaging.

Self

4/10

Poor

28 Dec 2024

Helene

It was way to hot in the rooms - No air-con or windows to open definetely the worst sleep ever. My other room-mates couldn’t handle it either.

Self

8/10

Excellent

20 Nov 2024

Lynette

Good for backpackers accommodation. Rooms with ensuite available which is good

Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2024

Shelby

Lovely private room with ensuite. Staff were eager to help

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Aug 2024

Wako

駐車場は離れていますが、施設はとても快適でした。最初入り方を見つけるのに苦労しましたが、お店が周りにたくさんあり楽しい場所です。
ベッドがかなり揺れます。また、他の方のアラーム？音楽？が夜も流れていて気になりました。

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2024

Anne-Marie

Pros: Mostly clean, very quiet (I was there during winter), friendly staff, good location, large lounge area, strong wifi.

Cons: Very loud cooling system in private room; bitten by insects/bugs overnight; clutter (unneeded fans) in private room; uncomfortable pillows; sheets feel old and stained; odd cleanup rules in kitchen (everything has to be hand dried and put away right away, so you're essentially using the same set of crockery/flatware as others throughout the day). I slept very badly and had to check out two nights early.

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2024

Elizabeth

Uptodate and secure facilities, in a modern building with lift access. Well stocked except for a clean towel which I would have appreciated.

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Mar 2024

Deann

Had a fantastic stay, nice private curtains in dorm but my one qualm was the bed was very hard and the room was hot, making for an uncomfortable sleep. Other than that I loved the hostel

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2024

Emma

Great place to stay. A calm and clean place. Only thing I can think to complain about is the shower pressure. One time it was fine, then the next time it was barely a dribble, despite no one else using the showers at the same time. Otherwise was a perfect stay.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2023

AMANDA

It was my first time in a very long time in a back packers sharing all common areas. I feel a cleaner should be on hand to clear the areas left messy by alot of people with low cleanliness standards. The kitchen shared equipment needs to be update ie fridges & cupboards. The room I shared was stuffy with no windows and a noisy air vent humming all night so this was uncomfortable. A lovely senior staff member helped with our non working room facilities. Air con should be in every room esp with 2 or more people sharing. The view and location was amazing. Linen clean and comfy beds. I would request a room with windows next time. As we were on a road trip parking was an issue when unpacking our personal effects. possibly obtaining a few spaces in the back of the complex would be convenient. all in all a pleasant 2 day stay.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 Oct 2023

Christine

Nice view

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2023

Jacqueline

It's all about location and staff here, particularly Gillian. (And, they answer their phone!) She was extremely helpful, professional, and kind. It's thanks to her and her knowledge of the North Island that I found some cool spots to hang out in.

The kitchen and common room have a beautiful (although somewhat obstructed) view of the ocean, and are spacious. There were enough showers to go around, although I think some additional common toilets could be added--two per gender weren't enough.

I stayed in a private room two nights and a dorm for one. Both were comfortable stays. When I moved to the dorm, I was worried about noise as it was right next to the common areas. But staff were good about closing the door at 10:30pm.

Some hooks or additional racks would be handy in the private room bathrooms.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this property.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

20 Apr 2023

Peter

Very clean and functional. Well suited to a young person/people. I did feel I get get better value for money by spending a little bit more and staying else where.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2023

Rebecca

Beautiful and Relaxing seaside hostel

The hostel was very friendly and safe. There was a fantastic lounge area that we used for cooking and leisure time. The view was beautiful and they let us leave our large bags in a locked room and use the bathroom and facilities after we checked out (while we waited for the bus).
It was very clean and the only negative is that the shower door didn't hang completely straight. I would definitely book again!

Partner

2/10

Poor

25 Jan 2023

Vaibhav

The uniqueness of property is its location bang opposite to shore. Staff is very helpful, resourceful and kind. Unfortunately, room allotted to me had no window or air duct. It was a bright shine warm day and temperatures were in early 30s. Inside room temp was hot & humid. I spent almost till 11:30 in dining area so that inside room temp is bearable and once you are so tired and sleepy you do not feel anything around. Same was complaint from other guests. Rooms have no air duct or window. Fans were also average at least coolers would have somehow helped. But other than this drawback everything else is super cool.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2022

Samantha

Very nice Hostel and in a very good Location

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2022

Dinesh

Excellent

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2021

Verified traveler

Good enough for the price

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

17 Jan 2021

Verified traveler

The room had no ventilation no open window . Stayed in room 11 in summer with no open windows mid summer so hot an stuffy ..not to mention claustrophobic. All of which i think is pretty illegal ie no ventilation.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

This is just a great place to stay, the location is stunning, the rooms and facilities better than most backpackers,very good value.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2020

Rachel

This hostel is in the perfect location! It has a beautiful view of the bay from the kitchen and common area with plenty of room to sit and enjoy the view!

The room I was in was quite small (4 bed female dorm), and the luggage lockers are a bit tricky (made of wood and can swell with the heat), but you don’t spend much time in such a beautiful place, so everything worked out just fine!

I met several of the staff during my stay there, and they were all incredibly nice and welcoming! They gave great suggestions for food and activities as well!

The view alone would make anyone want to stay here, so the friendly and helpful staff, and clean bathrooms, kitchens and showers are an incredible bonus! I would definitely stay here again!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2020

Susan

Haka lodge paihia

Amazing views, close to all amenities, kitchen amazing with three cooking stations and the rooms are lovely - I love the privacy curtains and own charging points, bathrooms clean and tidy and staff are exceptionally friendly and very informative

Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jan 2020

Susan

Haka lodge paihia

The lodge itself is in an amazing location, The staff were exceptionally friendly and knowledgable in their advice re trips, the rooms were comfortable and the privacy curtain was a nice touch, shower room was amazing clean and bright, kitchen was also spotless with three areas to cook and the view from the dining table was amazing - It Would have easily rivalled what you could have got from a 5star hotel - all in all very enjoyable experience and I look forward to staying on another Haka lodge

Self

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jan 2020

Suzanne

Friendly staff. Great location. Clean, spacious kitchen and lounge area. Limited reserved parking but cheap. Room 11 was noisy because of air conditioning which didn't work very well. Stuffy, hot room with no opening windows. We stayed at Haka Lodge in August 2019 but in a different room and had no problems..

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Great location fantastic views staff super friendly and helpful. Would stay again for sure.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Super clean and nice location. Big window on the lounge & kitchen with great view outside. Bedroom, toilet and bathroom were spotless. Good internet connection as well. Friendly staff.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Nov 2019

Mark

That View Though .....

It is worth it just for the views!!

Great wooden bunks which are really comfortable. Each comes with a privacy curtain, light and socket. Although in my bed, the light and socket were at the opposite end to the pillow.

Big kitchen and lounge area, with plenty of space to cook and eat. Really good wifi in the common area, but not so good in my room, at least.

Bath and shower rooms were clean, although two of the showers were out of order when I was there (and one is reserved just for staff).

Centrally located, with a supermarket just a couple of minutes walk away and plenty of choices to eat if you don't want to cook.

Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

excellent location. good facilities. however power sockets in room 12 do not work.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Mar 2019

Siu Shan

Helpful staff

The receptionist (a girl with a big ear holes) is really helpful and informative. The room is a bit small. Toilet and shower room are clean and in good condition.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

I liked the location, view from the communal lounge

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Location and private rooms are great value. Good mix of backpackers and other travellers.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Great location in the centre of Pihia. Modern clean rooms, we has a private bathroom which had a great shower.

Business Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Fantastic views of Bay of Islands from air-conditioned dining/lounge area. Friendly helpful staff. Very cramped space in our bedroom & not air-conditioned and very hot; fan provided but still too hot to stay in bedroom for most of the day. I noticed bunk bedrooms were even more cramped necessitating everyone to go to community areas for relief. For hygienic reasons I suggest paper towels to be provided in kitchen area to dry dishes instead of the damp old tea-towels provided. WiFi was erratic. Apart from that, it was still a lovely place to stay for a few days.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

I would say is one of the best hostels I've ever been.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2018

Perfect location for bus to Kerikeri half marathon

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2018

Fab accommodation

Stunning location; excellent accommodation with good amenities on site. Would highly recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Oct 2018

Brian

In the heart of town with awesome view, quick service from employees, accidentally put meds in Washer machine employee quickly stop machine and retrieved medication

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2018

Barbara

Great stay

Clean, big lockers under the beds, individual lamps and privacy curtains, good kitchen, great location.
Kitchen a bit busy at dinner time, my bed had a small malfunction (impossible to lean back because the wood panel was detached).

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2018

Yuka

Good location and clean room!!!!
Also good viewing from living room.
I did very relaxing there.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

07 Sep 2018

HUNG MIN

The hostel is clean and with good facilities.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

22 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Where are the reception staffs when you need them?

Overall a very well equipped and modern-looking hostel with great location. I advice not to count on the reception staff if you need something urgent done. I was rushing from the pier to catch a bus at 1.30pm on a Sunday and only had few minutes window of time to pick up my luggage in the storage. To my surprise, there was no reception staff available, and the luggage storage was locked. I tried calling the staff through the phone number they provided TWICE and continuously buzzed the buzzer on the counter but no one picked up nor responded! I was beyond stressed and frustrated as my bus has arrived and about to leave. I went to every room possible and shouted anyone works here? Then, I've got one random staff in the hallway who tried to help me but she doesn't even have the passcode to the storage herself. Overall, it was a very frustrated end to my stay at this hostel, otherwise I'd have rated highly for this place as the facility and location were great.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2018

Marie

Lovely location

Extremely close to bus and pier. Good meal options around, nice big kitchen.

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2018

moon

Hotel close to ferry ⛴ terminal

The bedsheet look old. Private toilet size is good. Bed too soft. Very bouncy bed. Try convenient location. Free parking.

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2018

Gwyneth

Hostel with a view

The Haka Lodge was great- close to everything in town, clean, comfy beds, with a big kitchen and common area. People were courteous about the quiet areas and about cleaning up after themselves. My top bunk was a little cramped but it was nice having a personal light and shelf, a privacy curtain, and a locker under the bed. I would definitely stay again!

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2018

Fung yan

Great view and nice staff

The staff s are so helpful and quick response to my emails. The location and the view of the hostel are very great. Room is a little small but still very comfortable.

8/10

Excellent

14 Jun 2018

Clean hostel, stunny view, great proximity

Stayed an awesome 2 nights here and absolutely loved it. Thought this place was brilliant for what it advertised. We had no big issues. Would highly recommend!!

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2018

Melissa

Everything was great. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Also centrally located, easily walk-able around town.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2018

pat

Nice hotel -/ lodge overlooking the beach.

My room was clean, pleasant but very hot however there was a very effective fan.

The view across the bay from the lounge, dining room/ kitchen is stunning!
Plenty of shops for self caterers or restaurants and cafes if you want to eat out.
Staff very helpful.
All activities are bookable by Hakka staff or 2 min walk across the road. I would recommend this hotel to all.
Note-The 'Cream' tour is not available on days when Cruise ships are in the Bay, it is also very busy generally.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2018

Verified traveler

Great location. We had a twin room with ensuite. It looked like it had just been refurbished and was clean and fresh. Extremely helpful staff.

8/10

Excellent

24 Jan 2018

George

You’ll like to Haka!

Great location in town, clean and comfortable. Adequate space in room. Good size ensuite but rediculous small sink. We would stay here again. Good internet access.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Jan 2018

Neil

A stay in bay of islands

Saw Russell island, CapeReigna and 90 mile beach.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2017

Manya

Everything was neat and tidy.

Everything was neat and tidy. Especially the toilets and the bathrooms. Loved the lounge and the kitchen area. I will book it again when I visit Paihia next time. Good Job :)

10/10

Exceptional

19 Aug 2017

daniel

Amazing stay and recommended

I could not fault this place
More like a hotel then hostel
Recommended
Great location
Friendly staff
Clean and modern

8/10

Excellent

27 Jun 2017

ELIZABETH

A little gem in the heart of Paihia

Though it is described as a backpackers, Haka Lodge is much more then that. We are a couple in our 60s and, as we often travel for months at a time, we use hostels quite a bit to keep costs down. At Haka Lodge we had a fabulous private double room with better en suite than you see in a many hotels. The kitchen/lounge, being on the second floor of the building and at the front, gives incredible views across the Bay of Islands. When we were there (June ie winter) there was a special offer of free breakfast (cereals and toast). Definitely worth a stay and excellent value for money.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2017

Emily

Such friendly staff and great location

Loved every bit of it expect for the creeky floor in my room! Would definitely stay there again :)

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2017

Johno

Awsome

Awesome stay, central to Resturant and Shops. Highly recommend.

8/10

Excellent

01 May 2017

Verified traveler

Can not go wrong with the Haka Lodge

After travelling around NZ for three weeks, I found the Haka Lodge to be my favourite hostel chain. I think its standard far above the larger chains.
The staff are friendly, rooms, location, kitchen and lounge area are clean and comfortable. The view from the kitchen and lounge is extraordinary and very comfortable. It is located at the heart of Paihia, close to the Whatf, shops, supermarket and restaurants.

If I am being very critical and reviewing the Paihia Haka Lodge as a premier hostel, the bedding and towels need a refresh. The Taupo Haka Lodge seems newer and nicer maintained. However, still with this minor comment, it is way above other hostels and I would stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Best hostel I've been in Nz

Best kitchen I've ever seen in a hostel!!! Staff really nice, good vibes only, thumbs up!

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2017

David

Pahia bahia

Great facility, clean & modern. Right downtown. Comfy lounge with blankets and pillows for lying about. Helpful staff. Some parking nearby v

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2017

Terianne

Haka lodge is very clean, comfortable and relaxing hostel. I enjoyed my stay there overall. The beds were comfortable, the bathroom and showers were very clean and the living room is huge with a great view. My only criticism is that the rooms are quite small and that the front desk closes at night. There were a few occasions when it needed to ask the front desk something, but they were not around. For example I needed a towel to shower at night, but didn't think to ask before they were closed, so I had to use my small hand towel.

Overall I would recommend this hostel.

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

I had to check in really late ~11pm the day I was there and checked out around 6AM. They didn't have anyone at the front desk that late but were very accommodating leaving a key in a lock box for me since I paid through expedia online. The facilties were very cleans, beds comfortable, and excellent location. What else can you ask for at that price?

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Pleasant hostel

This is a pleasant hostel with excellent service and clean/spacious communal areas. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

Free wifi (signing in required) is helpful, whilst local tour knowledge can be provided at the front desk. A laundry room is also available.

The only downsides are that at least some dorms are very small and get extremely warm when it's hot outside. A portable fan simply blows warn air around.

That said, the hostel provides a great gateway place to stay when visiting the Bay of Islands and is likely to be the best in town.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2016

Yuk tong Peggy

great value for money

Staff are friendly, excellent location.