Ski Haus - National Park Village, New Zealand

Comment by Daimon, USA

July 2007

Comfortable with a nice fireplace
The best part of this hostel is the deep, cushion-lined pit around the large fireplace in the lounge, allowing you to dry out and warm up after a long day at the Whakapapa ski area or in the rain on the Tongariro Crossing. The rooms are basic but comfortable, with eight-berth dorm rooms as well as double and single rooms, along with space for campervans or tents. The kitchen is large, the bathrooms and showers generally clean, and the hostel provides space in the furnace room to dry out wet clothes. There are also laundry facilities and a spa pool. But the feature that draws in everyone staying at the hostel during the winter or the cold, wet days during the summer is the fireplace. The lounge also has pool tables, internet terminals, TV and board games, but the fireplace is the social center of the place. Guests are welcome to throw logs on the fire from the well-stocked wood bin. It's not generally a loud, party space but it is easy to meet and talk with fellow travellers. The hostel is in the small National Park Village near Tongariro National Park. The main draw is the area's three volcanic mountains, and the skiing and hiking opportunities they provide. The village is small and does not have a grocery store, but there are a few restaurants (including one in the Ski Haus during peak periods) and a bar with decent pizzas across the street.