YHA Lake Tekapo

The king room isn’t cheap, but we were very happy with our stay. It’s a great base for exploring Tekapo and Aoraki, with stunning lake views, plenty of free parking, and a good-sized room with a comfortable bed. It was quiet too.

I was unsure about booking Haka House Tekapo because it’s a hostel, but the en-suite room gave me both privacy and comfort, along with the hostel’s communal feel. The shared spaces are great: paid laundry, a full kitchen and dining area, plus a lounge with board games and a pool table. Our room was clean and comfortable, though a bit cramped. The bed and pillows were softer than I like, but fine for a short stay. The views from the room and common areas were absolutely stunning, a real highlight. A solid pick for convenience, social spaces, and scenery. One thing, book early like I should have. Prices shoot up.

The view from Haka House is unbeatable and really makes the place. It’s close to local spots and attractions like The Church of the Good Shepherd and The Greedy Cow Cafe. I spent three nights here and loved it. It’s a large, spacious hostel, with a modern kitchen and lots of storage. My eight-person dorm was quiet overnight and felt private thanks to the curtains. My only gripe was that some kitchen supplies were low, especially cutlery and utensils. Book well ahead because prices climb quickly. For what I paid, it was well worth it.

Stunning place, with comfy beds, an amazing kitchen and views, and everything very clean. I paid over $300 for a dorm bed, which is a lot, but it was high season and the hostel is right on the lake, so hard to blame them for making the most of the location. They have lots of staff and it’s well maintained.