Howards Lodge, located in National Park just outside of Tongariro National Park, is suitably equipted and located for hiking adventures or ski trips into the park. As the name suggests, this hostel has more of a lodge feel than that of a backpacker. The bunk rooms are small but comfortable, and the doubles and twins are similarly sparse but completely adequate. There are also deluxe rooms with ensuite available.
The facility is kept quite clean. Downstairs there are two comfortable lounges with SKY TV and wood stoves, and one with a pool table. The kitchens are relatively small (get there early to cook if it's busy), but well equipped. There is also a free spa (signups required) and a sauna at a fee. Internet access is available ($8/hr), and there are laundry facilities onsite. For those who need hiking or skiing equipment, there is an outdoor/ski shop on the premises, and the hosts are able to organize transportation and other activities, as well as booking buses and trains.
Though National Park is a small town (hardly a town at all), there are several decent restaurants close to the lodge. In all, for those visiting Tongariro National Park and the surrounding area, Howards Lodge is a good place to use as a base camp.
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