I visited the Tiki Lodge two years ago and it still proves to be a small but friendly hostel with great facilities and location.

The kitchen facilities are large and ample and can cope around mealtimes, the rooms are always clean. Bathroom facilities are only a small walk away from your room and the staff friendly, there's an outdoor balcony for smokers with a gorgeous view of the Lake.

It's often used as a base for people who want to brave the Tongariro Crossing and shuttle buses buzz in and out all day from the hostel.

You're a couple of minutes away from a supermarket and other shops in the centre of Taupo plus there's a chance to do some many walks and this hostel puts you right in the middle of it.

I would happily stop here again, just wish it was for longer.

It was very cold when we stayed at this hostel. The manager couldn't fix the heating in the living room while we were staying there (4 nights). On the weekend it was very noisy at nighttime. Some guests were quite drunk and we could hear a lot of car-races nearby.
The kitchen is full of signs telling you what you should do /should't do.
To sum up: rather uncomfortable

stayed here for 2 nights, the hostel is really close to cafes/restaurants/bars, yet still far away enough to get a decent nights sleep!
We had a 7 bed dorm, bunk beds were sturdy and room was clean
The bathrooms were also very clean and also have 2 hairdryers which was nice!
The kitchen was a good size, clean and had 3 cookers (with ovens!) all working too! There is a large common area and a small tv room and a nice view from the deck!
Found the owners friendly and were able to give us a lift back up to the intercity bus terminal which was handy

Our room we had reserved with a credit card was given away to someone else because we arrived at half seven, an hour and a half later than we said we would be. We had no phone coverage until we got to Taupo to ring ahead and explain. Lady on reception said all hostels in the area will cancel your booking if your ten minutes late, even if reserved with a credit card. When asked did she know anywhere else to stay in the area she said no! We couldn't believe the way we were spoken to.