Jimmy is an excellent host. He helped arrange our transportation logistics for the Tongariro…read moreCrossing and when we returned he had ice cold beers in hand to greet us. Jimmy even arranged for our dinner reservations that night at a great restaurant ~ letting them know we had just completed the crossing. It was quite the adventure. The lodge was beautifully maintained and inviting. I look forward to staying here again one day.

From the owner: With uniquely spacious suites, superb personal attention and a tranquil garden setting, Tongariro…read moreCrossing Lodge is the only place of its kind in National Park Village. A family-run boutique lodge, we cater for travellers seeking personal attention in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our large rooms, offer all the space and comfort you need to relax and recharge after a hard day's trekking, biking, skiing or travelling. We strive to offer a retreat where guests can feel rested, at home and taken care of from the moment they arrive.

Clean hotel with decent dinner. Breakfast buffet is a little bland. We visited the area with no…read morereservations and the Chateau in the national park was fully booked, so we were able to get walk-in reservations at this place. We stayed on the second floor in a duplex unit with three beds. The bathroom was small. The dinner was yummy. We had an exceptional salad, lamb and salmon. The buffet breakfast they serve is on the expensive side and not that great. They have a coffee shop where you canprder decent hot chocolates and flat whites.

Tiny rooms, bathroom has not one shelf, breakfast buffet excruciatingly bad with INSTANT COFFEE for…read morethe love of god almighty, what is WRONG WITH THEM and $$$ to boot. Hosts are friendly but it costs $35 R/T be shuttled to the National Park which is what you came here for.

Amazing lodge in a beautiful 10 acre rural setting. Fabulous hosts Garth and Angie London cooked a…read moregorgeous lamb rump with pre dinner canapés and NZ wines. Sublime surroundings with nicely appointed rooms with doors opening out to the sound of Bellbirds and other NZ native birds. Highly recommended!!

Grand old lady of a hotel and wonderful to see many of the original features retained. The ground…read morefloor lobby/bar and ante rooms are the jewels. We spent a lovely evening sunken in deep couches in front of the fire. Had friends with us and met some nice people we chose to have drinks there and eat as well. Drink service very slow and erratic. Had to double sign when we got a second round with good so were concerned we'd been double charged ( we weren't but that wasn't explained well). Had chicken pizza which tasted and looked microwaved - blah at $26. Club sandwich with fries much better for friends. Rooms varied. In heritage block the bathrooms are dated but clean. Good beds but mattress protector under the topper pad so not so hygienic. Clean and comfortable though. Changed first room as was musty and only had double not king bed. Newer block at back have better bathrooms but less views. Had dinner 2nd night in Ruapehu Room. Very grand. Excellent food - we had lamb for two - delicious. Overall good value. Historic venue. Stunning views of mountain. Snowed overnight do that was a plus. Staff service could be a lot better.

I just absolutely adored this historical hotel: its old, quirky, vintage, has a few creaks, but you…read morestill got love how they've kept up this place to maintain the nostalgic charm of this "built in 1927" hotel...that's right, its a 92 year old building! It has the look and feel of the old grand hotels you'd see in a 1930s movie, like a all the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies. I paid for the "Bed and Breakfast" package which cost me a reasonable $170US/night for Friday and Saturday. The luxurious and elegant room was spacious and romantic, and even came with a complimentary bottle of champagne from the manager to help us celebrate our 20th anniversary. Everything seemed new and pristine, but still had a touch of its classic heritage. The vast breakfast buffet in the mornings had a great variety of food selections and drinks. At night the main lobby and lounge area becomes a lovely social setting complete with a live pianist, classic pool table, and cocktails. Downstairs is a small but free cinema that plays six movies a day. The main restaurant serves good food with great service, and the side cafe is cheaper and just as good since it all comes from the same kitchen. Some folks will complain about the prices, but relative to America I'd say its a bit cheaper for level, especially for the wine! Not sure when I'll ever make it back to New Zealand, but I'd definitely love to stay here again!

Your 1 stop stay & shop for Tongariro National Park!…read more I stayed here for 2 nights in the Fall (off season) to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to be surprised to find I had the place to myself. At first I was unsettled, but after one conversation with the operator I knew I was in for a unique experience. 1st, the $10 breakfast is well worth it. Coffee/Tea, fruit juice, local cereal and toast are all included as well as local advice from the operator (his advice made me change the 2nd half of the itinerary for the better). 2nd, the packed lunch for the hike was overly generous. HUGE water, 2 sandwiches, 2 apples, a granola bar, and brick of chocolate was more than enough for the hike. 3rd, he has everything you need. I got boots, recommended a rain coat to be brought just in case, and figured out a van to drop off/pick me up at either end of the trail. Only complaint (in general with NZ) no free internet, and the paid option gives you very little data. Since this is not unique to Howard's Lodge, I am not counting it against them and thus they get the full 5 star rating. Would stay there again in a heart beat.

I loved this charming hotel. It's the highest altitude hotel in New Zealand in Tongariro National…read morePark and Whakapapa Village with many trails to trek nearby. My bedroom was so cozy and comfortable with a double bed and even a place to warm your towels or hang your wet towels to dry. Both Llana and Tyson took excellent care of me answering all of my many questions, recommending things to do and places to see. I used their sauna both evenings as well as a 30 minute reservation in their pool spa both nights. I highly recommend doing both of these when you stay here. I also enjoyed dinner in their restaurant both nights with Kia serving me the first night and Emma serving me the second night. Everyone in their staff is very friendly and helpful with anything that you need. They do multiple jobs throughout this facility to make your stay comfortable. I also had the opportunity to meet one of the owners Kaz who was very pleasant and nice to meet. She explained the proper way to say Nguruhoe the name of the volcano that you see clearly from this place. I think that I need another lesson.... I'll have to return!

Rustic. You can hear everyone fighting or having sex on the same floor. But wow the view makes it…read moreall okay. Sitting outside w a pint (pick any local beer) surrounded by dozens of different accents and languages - it's heaven. We visited in December where the breeze was lovely and greeting hikers returning after a long trek was a treat. Breakfast hit where I got to try marmite (less is more) and real kiwi fruit.