Berkenhoff Lodge

I only stayed one night, arriving near the end of the evening and checking out early because of a busy weekend schedule, so I can’t give a full review. The twin room with ensuite was very clean and tidy, and I slept really well. The lodge is mainly a backpackers, with no separate motel-style units, which wasn’t obvious from the booking site when I made a last-minute reservation the night before. Guests are encouraged to write on the walls, like a guestbook, which gives it a distinctive character. Food is sold on site at apparently reasonable prices. I came in late and missed that, but might have eaten there if I’d known. The only possible issue was smoke coming through the window from the adjoining deck early in the morning. When I shut the windows, the smokers noticed the room and politely moved away. It’s an older, eclectic and unique place, and as a backpackers I can’t reasonably fault it.

I stayed three nights in an eight-bed dorm at this old hostel. It has sufficient facilities, but it was generally dirty and tired-looking. The bathroom was dirty when we arrived. I raised it with the owner, who said it was only cleaned when the room was empty. Since our dorm had people in it throughout our stay and still had guests when we left, that meant it might go at least five nights without cleaning. I also saw a staff member leave the duvet sheet unchanged between stays. When we mentioned it, the owner said this was common practice and they tried to change it every other person. Most people don’t want to sleep in someone else’s sheets. There were lots of flies in the kitchen, even though it looked clean. The Wi-Fi kept switching on and off. When I told the owner it wasn’t working, he said, “you should get a new computer”. My laptop was only a couple of weeks old, and Wi-Fi wasn’t working on my phone either. This could be a really good hostel if the facilities were tidied up and the owners took hygiene and cleanliness seriously.

The kitchen is a little small compared with other hostels, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Staff were really kind, the rooms were quiet, and it was affordable and close to everything. You can walk to the lake, spa park and Huka Falls, and there’s a fish and chips shop just up the street.

My favorite hostel on the North Island! Tim was awesome, always friendly and in a good mood. He helped us get around and pointed out great local spots for food, hiking and Leasure. It’s a cool place to meet other travellers or just relax. You’re 2-3 mins from Downtown, the Actual Lake, Thermal Spa Park and plenty more. Whether you’re travelling New Zealand on a backpackers budget or have a bit of extra cash for a holiday, I’d 100% recommend this place. Favorite hostel, hands down!!!