Clean, good firewood for warming it up, panel heaters in the room REALLY work, phew got hot. Kitchen had the goods, needs a local picture or something to jazz it up. Staff helpful, good drop-off service. Stayed in room with 3 bunks, pillow was monstrous so dumped it, otherwise fine for the money.

Very clean (basic) rooms, hot & plentiful showers and a nice sitting area by the fireplace...nothing else needed! Also for a good meal on advice from owner is at The Station - a converted train stop just around the corner. We finished the crossing early and caught another bus back to National Park with no problems. It seemed like plenty... More

Booked deluxe twin. Room was warm, neat, and comfortable. Service was courteous and advice given was knowledgeable. Budget accommodation, excellent value for the money. Took bus to Tongariro crossing walk, were a few minutes late finishing. We had sent message ahead we would be a little late and bus did wait for us.

Howard's Lodge is not a fancy accomodation - but if you're looking for good, affordable accomodation (and don't mind bunking in with friends), you'll get a great deal here. The Tongariro Crossing package, which includes breakfast, a packed lunch and delivery/pickup for the Crossing is a bargain and makes planning for the Crossing a breeze. The staff were friendly and... More

I've stayed here a couple of times now and really like it. The rooms are clean and comfortable, kitchen well equipped and tidy, and they have lounges with wood burners which makes them lovely and toasty warm on those colder nights. The staff are friendly and helpful, know the area well and can organise track transfers etc easily.

During a telephone conversation with Howard’s Lodge to let them know that we would be arriving later than expected, we were told to ‘just arrive whenever’. When we arrived at 9.20pm I was somewhat surprised to see that no lights were on. We found reception and there was a key and a note which gave us directions to our room,... More

We stayed here as part of a week long tour of the North Island and it was by far our favorite hostel. Nice place and very friendly, easy going staff. This was our first trip to the park and they gave us lots of advice, which was great. I will stay here again next time I visit.

Booked this at short notice, transfers to crossing were organised for us and the accommodation was comfortable and clean. The kitchen was very well equipped and we cooked our own breakfast as the Lodge had run out of food or something like that. I would stay here again, very quiet and relaxing

Howard's Lodge is a great place to stay, central to ski fields and Northern Circuit for trampers and mountain bike tracks. Grant takes groups to and from Tongoriro Crossing start, a must in busy season as parking is limited. Rooms warm and comfortable, heater great to dry towels from shower and spa. May have needed a hand towel in toilet... More