Haka House Hostel Aoraki Mt Cook — Hotel in South Island

Good location with very stunning mt cook view. Has basic facilities just like any others YHA. Read lots of review about friendly and good staff, but UNFORTUNATELY, we did not meet one. It was a heavily raining day, the carpark outside the hostel was full, we asked the only staff in the front desk where shall we park our car, and what we got the answer was " I don't know". Then, we asked her again can we park outside just beside the reception as the road is wide enough to let another car go by, it'll not blocking anybody anyway. Again, we got the answer was " it's fine for me, but if the manager want you to move your car away you have to move then, you can even park on the rooftop if you are happy with it". SERIOUSLY? Rooftop? Seriously she can't help to acknowledge her manager as there's no parking space, so the guests have to park beside the reception with no choice? Then, we asked if we can park on the roadside outside the hostel, her answer was "I don't know", AGAIN. We were asking her in a friendly way because we really not familiar with that area and what can we do in that situation, we were trying to get some information or help. But the respond we received was very unfriendly. If she as an assistant manager doesn't want to help us to find a way out, it's fine, but her attitude was really bad and it made us feel that she was racist after all. I don't know what's wrong have we done to her. It's doesn't matter the hostel was very tide and narrow in space, and I can understand even it's pricey compared to others YHA because the location is just prefect . But we were very uncomfortable and disappointed for our stay. As an assistant manager, that was her way...

Nice hostel to stay with nice view.

Unfortunately I had a strange experience there. I am doing the TA track and walked the last few month more then 1600+ km only on the South Island. I arrived this day after a long walk by hitchhike for a few kilometres because it was getting dark and the people from reception told me I have to be there before 5-6pm...anyway. I could stay the first 2 nights for the low carb discount because of my hiking. When I wanted to extend they said I can not stay for the discount anymore because of the few km of hitchhike...,I did not understand why it was possible the first 2 nights...it was fine for me and I said I will stay on the campsite. Now comes he part that made me feel very uncomfortable. When I got my stuff from my room I could hear the guy from the reception talking about me with one of his colleagues... the Doors were open I Cloud hear everything how they were imitating me... I told the guy at the reception that I could hear him taking about me but he pretended he does not remember this... I just left and stayed...

Looks pretty simple from outside, but it’s a very well managed hostel. Not a lot of parking nearby but there’s a big lot a few meters away so it’s all good. There are a lot of room configurations so just check their website. We got a bunk bed with a window at the foot of the bed, storage cubbies on the headboard and a cabinet beside the head of the bed. It’s a bit tight if both of you are moving around so best to take turns. Heating was pretty good, couple that with the very plush comforter they provide you and you’ll have a very good night’s sleep, that is if you don’t have neighbors who bang their door when they close it. I really liked how well furnished the place is, you do have a well-equipped kitchen with gas burners, oven, a bunch of fridges (make sure to label your stuff), and kitchen sinks. Dining area is a bit tight at times. There are several places to lounge and relax (inside and outside). There’s a sauna too but we didn’t try that, the shared bath/restrooms are clean and the shampoo/conditioner/body wash they provide...