LKNZ Lodge & Cafe — Restaurant in North Island

Stayed here for 2 nights:

First night was in a 4 bedder dorm room. Bed was comfortable, but climbing into and out of the top bunk was a bit difficult - I would highly suggest adding an extra handle bar near the ladder. There was only a single power outlet, away from the bunker beds which can make charging electronic devices difficult - luckily we had longish usb cable. I would highly recommend bringing your own extension power cable/splitter. Aside the negatives, the bed was comfortable, heater was sufficiently warm (too warm at times), and access to the shared bathroom & shower, lounge and kitchen was very close which was a delight. The other negative was that there was no shampoo/body wash provided. I just used the hand soap.

Second night, I had splurged out to stay by myself in a deluxe room with a double bed, and a bunker bed, which could potentially accommodate up to 4 people. There was sufficient number of power outlets, and good shelf for storage, however it would have been better if there were some hangers, which the dorm room did. Again this room was close to the lounge, kitchen and bathroom/shower, which were all slightly higher standard than the first night.

Both nights came with free WiFi - 1Gb and 2Gb over 24 hours, respectively, which were more than enough.

The highlights that would make me want to return in the future would be the following: -very friendly staffs -clean -and cheap hot spas/jacuzzi! During my stay, I had 2 morning and 1 evening jacuzzi time... $5 per 30min session. When I was there, I had the facility to all to myself so it was a delight in relaxing and recuperating after full day of snowboarding, listening to my own music via speakers.

Ohakune-wise, there is a plenty of good restaurant and New World supermaket, which makes the town a better than National Park or Whakapapa Village.

I definitely look forward in staying there in the...

Walls are extra thin and you can hear your neighbours (bad) music choices. When asked to move us to some other spot the reception insisted that we pay for the difference - fair enough except they should mention extra thin walls as a feature of the room we booked so I know what I am choosing. Afterhour reception guy was helpful but not quite from hospitality industry - got a little worked up when I said to him that I’m having to move unwillingly and therefore unfair that I’m being asked to pay the difference. Pathways to the spread out accommodation buildings are not lit so trip hazard when it gets dark. Good walking distance to eateries. Cool vibes in the tūī building though. Maybe my expectations were different looking at all the positive reviews. It feels like it’s run by students. Would not recommend staying here.

EDIT: The morning staff were awesome to apologise for the events in the night and offered us coffee and sauna visit. I think the bottomline is: i think that this is a facility for student like crowd - probably not for a couple looking for a comfortable stay. Revising my rating from 1 to 3 based on the...

Best backpackers I've visited. Great value. I paid for the $30 standard shared room. The place was always warm and clean which are big for me in a backpackers. Drying room meant my ski gears were able to dry before the next day. Spa was great to relax and unwind after a cold day. A friendly atmosphere and lounge full of DVDs to watch. The onsite cafe was great. Really well priced considering. If i were to give any constructive feedback id say 3 things that are super picky and only to make my stay better- 1. shower temperatures were a little tempermental if you turned it slightly although it didnt take long before you found the sweet spot. 2. Id prefer to have a normal hot chocolate on the menu rather a $6 whittikars hot chocolate. Also having savoury scones would be amazing! I would get one of those everyday for easy takeaway. 3. Stay open for dinner! Even if its till 7pm? Every night i went out to get food but would have loved some of your items on the lunch menu after i returned from the slopes and wouldnt have to dress up! Overall...