Haka House Bay of Islands

The staff was really nice, and the kitchen was spacious with really nice views. The hostel is located in a central area, so it is near all the shops, supermarket and restaurants. Very convenient.

I stayed in two different rooms shared female room and a private room with an ensuite. The shared room was so tiny and so hot was impossible to be comfortable, and move around to reach your bags in the storage under the beds. They do provide a fan in the room, but it did not do the job. Walking down the aisle, all the doors were open, and I assume everyone was feeling the same way. The private ensuite room was ok, but not very clean; all the furniture was full of dust, and the shower was not the cleanest either.

Ideal location, views are insane. Hostel managers live there so are knowledgable. So much to do around, highly recommend Russel, Treaty Grounds, and the trip to Cape Reinga. It’s quite sociable and good system for fridges/food.

Very dated and didn’t seem very clean. Facilities are lacking, it won hostel awards in 2016 and feels like it may not have been updated since then.

Super location in the heart of Paihia. Byron was particularly helpful and kind.

Pretty clean but not spotless.

The staff were amazing! Upgraded my room and I had the most comfortable bed I’ve ever had in a hostel! They gave me local tips as well!

Friendly staff, perfect location, quiet at night, beach view

Perfect location with stunning views of Paihia Wharf from the common area.

Beds were So Comfy, mattress an pillow were better then some hotels, had the best sleep ever

Shower water pressure wasn't great?

Superb lotion especially if you arrive to bus. Wonderful views from the enormous kitchen. Comfy beds friendly staff and great value for money. They also do a discount for longer stays.

A 11:00 am checkout would be lovely but 10:00 is normal in NZ and later is rare.

staff at reception and the people I met

Bed is small and the space is small too

Great location and best view in paihia

Showers , some of them need repairing

4 nights I stayed .Stunning views , perfect location. Awesome Staff, friendlyhelpful. I lazed in the lounge, sometimes looking at the scenery. I felt comfortable so relaxed atmosphere. Quite refreshing.

Leaving

Across the street from the main bus stop and ferry port. Central location surrounded by shops and restaurants. A large shared lounge, kitchen, and dining room with spectacular views over the bay.

Even with a private ensuite room, you're still in a hostel. Strong mildew smell coming from the bathroom. Great to have a guest laundry but it was right next to my room with lots of noise and activity and seemed expensive for a hostel.

The room was perfectly adequate and adjacent to the restaurant we had booked dinner at. There was enough space and the beds were comfy enough. Staff were friendly and the shared facilities, though we didn't use them, looked great. Lovely view from the common area out across the Bay of Islands.

It was a little dark with only the high window, and there was a persistent effluent smell emanating from the bathroom drains that meant we had to have the extractor fan on all night. I'm sure a dose of Drano will sort it out.

Location, Staff friendly & Accomodating

Did not realize there was no parking

Everything- I couldn’t fault it. Best hostel EVER!

Nothing.

Great location! Not very easy to find if you aren’t familiar with the area though. Big kitchen, plenty of showers. Beds were comfy and each bed had a curtain, its own light and plug sockets which was handy!

Not great if driving as the parking nearby is expensive and no parking offered. I checked in late and wasn’t sent an email with instructions, took about 20 minutes to get hold of anyone to give me instructions to get in. Only two toilets for the ladies bathroom which I was surprised at for a hostel. Wasn’t too bad as it wasn’t busy but if it was I imagine this would be an issue!

Friendly front of desk. Chill vibes. Common area very clean.

Room 6. Had a very damp yuk wet smell, it was in the carpet. Opening the very small window and trying to air it out did not help. Also the shower was very weak. At night was stuffy. (Lack of airflow). Location it self was fantastic, close to everything.

The location was excellent. The staff are great.

The room temperature couldn’t be controlled and was too hot.

Staff super, thank you for making me feel so welcome. Facilities excellent. Large kitchen, dining and lounge area with wide windows overlooking the bay. Fabulous views. Loved it!

Having to leave!

My wallet was stolen in Wāitangi & I lost my entry card in the wallet. They gave me a replacement no charge & were very helpful. The kitchen facilities are really great & the location is right in the center of Paihia & literally 100m from the beach. The bathrooms are clean enough and the single bunks are quite wide. You do have a lockable storage area that can fit a small suitcase along the bottom... just need to buy a padlock. Your bed has a personal light & privacy curtain & a power port for charging things like your phone. The view from the kitchen is amazing. There is a lift. I wouldn't recommend staying here alone if you are in a wheelchair but should be able to if you let them know in advance & you are not alone. It's 85% wheelchair friendly... There is limited free street parking nearby. It is very affordable- I stayed at a peak time & it was still very affordable, especially considering the location. It is walking distance from Waitangi & a stones throw from Paihia beach. The communal areas have seating & free wifi if you actually remember to put in the password & use it 🤭 The place is pretty well signposted & is pretty secure. The staff also took care of some people's stuff at the front desk for them at different times for whatever reason- & they kindly & gladly did it... The staff also seem happy to change your room if you need them to & ask.

The rooms are hot(expected this) & you get a thick duvet & a pillow... I had a sheet & bought extra pillows with me & this really helped. I expected it- but you are sharing a room, so you might need a flashlight & you definitely should bring a sleep eye mask & earplugs. Again-I expected this at a backpackers but- theres a warning for you in case you expected silence. "Haka" house has no Māori stuff & the Māoritanga is pretty much a token. Will say that the staff seem to know at least some Spanish & maybe some other languages... & most of the people who visit are International visitors... so the true nature of the business is suitable & they would be better off advertising or informing people of this, because the languages & culture they do understand, clearly proves to be helpful on a daily basis. The kitchen/living area is roomy but you can't really & shouldn't really sleep there... the bright lights are on all night & the communal area is allowed to be used at night for quiet food prep etc... it is not designed to be a good sleeping area & it isn't... Maybe some tea-towel hooks would be nice, bc the constant tea-towels falling on the ground isn't great tikanga

Amazing location and beautiful view in the lounge and kitchen. Offers activities on some days.

My locker was broken and the room was quite tight. The laundry is pretty expensive and detergent has to be purchased separately.

Great price. Modern set up with excellent kitchen with an awesome view. Great location for local restaurants - even walkable without getting wet in the pouring rain we experienced! Warm rooms with all the bedding you'd need.

Shame our room only had a small skylight and no window. Lack of parking means leaving your car up the road and walking back, which some might find a pain.

The location is excellent with a stunning view. The kitchen facilities are spacious and clean,, and the staff seem to live in so there is always someone to help out.

You can't use the WiFi until you have checked in, which is a little bit annoying if you arrive early and just felt a bit petty.

The location and the staff were great

Lovely, warm, friendly and helpful staff. Extremely clean. The living area (kitchen/dining/lounge) is really comfortable and has a beautiful view across the bay. The kitchen was well equipped and maintained. My room was a good size, comfy and quiet - had a great night’s sleep. Location is great too.

location great. quiet! access to laundry. Those with whom we talked were very friendly.

the bed wasn't so very comfy, Rather soft. The kitchen was missing a few sizes of pans that would've been helpful.

Great views overlooking the bay. The facilities we’re very clean and modern and plenty of space in the colon room. The kitchen was well stocked with utensils and plenty of space. The bed was comfy, private with a curtain and able to lock your luggage away.

nothing.

The staff were very helpful one lady in particular as we were having a hard time, due to whanau leaving all the room keys on the bed and locking the door.

Being locked out of room and unable to contact anyone for assistance to get into room.

Wonderful location in the center of Paihia. Kitchen and meeting area, large and functional.

Room too small and wifi not stable. No service guard in the night. Just a telephone number for emergency.

Amazing view from the living-room and dinning room, excellent staff, top location and and very clean bathrooms, showers and kitchen.

Too hot to sleep without A.C, only fan in the rooms, my only complain.

Amazing view from the living-room and dinning room, excellent staff, top location and and very clean bathrooms, showers and kitchen.

Only fans in the rooms, too hot to sleep without A.C.

Amazing view from the living-room and dinning room, excellent staff, top location and and very clean bathrooms, showers and kitchen.

A.C should be added, way too warm to sleep, my only complain about this place.