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Discovery Lodge: Traveller Reviews

State Highway 47, National Park Village 3948, New Zealand
Hotel amenities
Discovery Lodge
4.0 of 5 stars 52 Reviews
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52 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    22
    18
    7
    1
    4
Date Rating
Hamilton, NZ
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Base for Tongariro crossing”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 February 2012

Stayed 1 night at Discovery after doing the Tongariro Crossing. We used the shuttle that the lodge provided at $35 per person which was great, the driver was super friendly and gave out lots of advice about the crossing. It is only 10 mins drive ti the start of the crossing which is great too. We stayed in a studio hotel room, it was ok but we expected a bit more for $140 per night. The room was very clean and tidy and was big as other reviews have stated. It was an old building and some of the lining was pulling away at the bottom of the shower and the kitchen was on a major lean. Also, it was extremely noisy, from 5:30am onwards we were kept awake by the patrons above and beside us walking around their rooms, using their showers and talking. I do not think the insulation between floors/walls was very sufficient for a hotel.We originally wanted a chalet as they looked a lot nicer for the extra $30 but there were none available. The staff were friendly and helpful. Unfortunately the restaurant was not open so we had to drive to national park to find somewhere to have dinner. It is only a 5 min drive but we chose this lodge as the website says it has a restaurant so were a bit disappointed when they told us it wasn't open. Overall it was clean & tidy and the staff were friendly and helpful, we thought $140 was a bit steep for an old hotel room though and no restaurant, i suppose you pay for the location. I would recommend staying in a chalet if using this lodge. We would stay again but would get a chalet and ask in advance about the restaurant.

Room Tip: Book a chalet if staying at this lodge as the hotel rooms are noisy and out dated.
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  • Stayed February 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask michellebarrry01 about Discovery Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Great gem in the middle of a national park”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 February 2012

Stayed in a one-bedroom chalet for two nights as a base for the Tongariro Crossing. Wasn't able to do it on the first day due to bad weather, Callum the owner was very helpful and offered great advice on whether we should continue with the walk or not. Weather wasn't much better on the second day but we decided to go on anyway. You can go to the start of the track using their shuttle and if you decide not continue due to bad weather, they will take you back to the lodge and you won't be charged the $35 fee. The chalet was immaculate, clean and had all the mod cons and offered a great view of the mountains. Only issue with the chalet was the low water pressure of the shower, other than that, everything was perfect. The lodge is the closest accommodation available to the start of the Tongariro Crossing so this is the perfect place to stay if doing the walk. Highly recommend the chalets to anyone wanting a little bit of luxury in a national park.

  • Stayed February 2012, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask 3ntmonty about Discovery Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Dubendorf, Switzerland
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
Reviews in 64 cities Reviews in 64 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
“Good base for Tongariro crossing”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 February 2012

Doing the Tongariro crossing is really convenient if you stay at the Discovery Lodge. The shuttle bus takes you to the start early in the morning and picks you up in the evening at the end.

The motel room was huge (we were only 2) and it was clean. Staff was friendly. Would stay there again.

  • Stayed February 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask patm82 about Discovery Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Wellington, New Zealand
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Perfect fit for the perfect trip!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 January 2012

We travelled in a group of three and stayed at Discovery Lodge in National Park. They were the PERFECT place to stay. Up tp date weather conditions for going up Tongarario, expert advice and the earliest shuttle company made the trip amazing. We stayed in the backpackers option and it was great. Communal kitchen and lounge were awesome, lots of room around the place and also toileting/shower facilities were nice and hot after a long walk up Tongarario. I wouldn't of stayed anywhere else. It cost us $170 for three people for two nights. Great bargain! We also got lunch and breakfast (extra charge) to prepare us for going up Tongarario. One last thing, the reception girl was GREAT! Put up with my partners awkward jokes and gave us amazing advice!

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask K M about Discovery Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Torquay, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
“Good service and location, but facilities disappointing”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 January 2012

I stayed overnight in a powered campervan spot. The check-in was quick, and well-priced (35$ for 2 people). The location is amazing if you want to do the Tongariro crossing, as you're the first people on the mountain.
However, the quality of the facilities for campers and campervans is below par - the toilets were all blocked, and the shower facilities were basic.

  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask karina86 about Discovery Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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