The Crossing Lodge and Backpackers

A good option for doing the crossing, with very cheap private rooms and clean communal areas. The shared rooms looked a little dated. The walls are thin, and it wasn't clear at check-in that one room was beside the common area rather than with the other rooms. We were in that room, and because there were no clear signs, people were loud right outside, not realizing it was separate. Still recommend!

I stayed in a shared room with three bunks and slept really well. The electric padlock also made us feel safe. The lodge was well heated and ventilated, with a terrific view outside. There are showers and washing machines, plus a clean kitchen with all the appliances you'd have at home. The game room has a pool table, which costs to play, board games and a TV. There's also a super awesome hidden movie room with Netflix. I came with my school on a Duke of Edinburgh silver expedition and absolutely loved the stay. It's a great place to rest if you're planning a hike up Tongariro or Ruapehu, or just want to have fun with friends.

This hostel has its own charm, and it's a maze. See it for yourself! There's no host on site, but the setup works completely fine. The kitchen is spacious, clean and well equipped, the rooms are comfortable and clean, and the bathroom is neat. The cozy common rooms have plenty of space. I loved my stay and would definitely come back anytime.

The private room was only a little over $30 a night each, and for that price it was absolutely worth it. It felt warm, cozy and nicely decorated. I've stayed here twice and had a good experience both times. The double beds were comfortable, and four pillows felt like a luxury for a backpackers. The kitchen can get crowded, but it stayed relatively clean. On my second stay, outside peak season, it was very clean. Check-in was simple, and having no staff on site was fine by me. That's how it can stay so cheap.