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Reviews of Great place to stay for large groups or families

Great place to stay for large groups or families
Horopito, Central Plateau

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 81 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 81 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 81 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 81 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 81 reviews" "

7.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Janine W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Repeat visit
Second year in a row that we've stayed here for Labour Weekend. Was peaceful and quiet, ideally located for a range of activities nearby. Kids enjoyed gathering dead wood for the outdoor firepit, played boardgames into the evening, enjoyed the view of Ruapehu while sitting outside. Gorgeous location.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

J C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Whaanau time
Second time staying here. A really great lodge for large groups and to get back to basics. Was nice and clean when we arrived. plenty of wood. Some new couches since last time we stayed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Thomas H.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Lack of power and unfortunately given the wrong address
Power consistently cut out for multiple hours each day. We were given an address 5 km from the actual accomodation. Other then that beautiful little spot.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Janine W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great for a varied group
A group of 7 people wanted to do the Crossing, so we decided to make a long weekend of it. Partners, kids, the kitchen sinks, all packed away. As a Scouting family we were prepared for basic but functional, and it didn't disappoint in any way. We put the kids in one bunk room, and then adults bunked everywhere else. Those not doing the crossing prepared food, played games and popped in to Ohakune. Others went for shorter walks nearby. Was great and everyone wants to make it an annual thing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Petrina D.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Awesome stay
We loved our time here, we loved the property and the space. Fun places to explore nearby. We would love to go back, next time we go prepared to give a bit of a vacuum and scrub down before we start our holiday.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

6/10 Okay

Nathan S.

It was good
Was quite expensive but would of been ok if we were able to fill up the lodge
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jay D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent
Value, location and utilities. excellent stay
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Sophie C.

Warm and cozy
Warm and cozy. The fire is excellent. Plenty of room!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fahimi A., Porirua, New Zealand.

Liked: Cleanliness
Above expectation
We stayed for just one night but the experience made us wanted to come back. The good firewood supply made us warm the whole night. The house is very clean. Late checkout is very convenient. Overall our experience is above expectation.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Matt V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Whanau time
Easy comms, easy to find. Great base to go explore central Mtns. We took an extra stove top to ease the pressure of cooking, worked well. Heaps of fridge space and oodles of fire wood!! Enjoyable time away.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caleb H.

Great value for large groups
A characterful old lodge in a large grassy meadow surrounded by native bush. The lodge is rustic but comfortable enough, and unbeatable value at this price. Close to the mountains, Ohakune and National Park townships for supermarket, playgrounds, bushwalks etc. Fire pit was great and log burner works well, lots of good firewood supplied. Kitchen well equipped, lounge is basic but comfy, bathrooms and bunk rooms adequate. Worked well for our extended family’s Christmas gathering. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rhema T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Restful
We enjoy staying at The David Frisken Lodge, we have stayed before. And both times it was comfortable and easy because notices were placed on walls to help us enjoy the facilities. Well equipped in the kitchen. Remote and restful.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Chris M.

It is what It Is
Good bunk house, needs some TLC, but for the price it is good.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021

6/10 Okay

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Be prepared
The place was really good value for a big group, with all the necessary amenities. Only issue was that our group found the house to be quite cold. The fire heats the lounge area somewhat, but not the bedrooms. It’s a great place but if going in winter, I’d suggest bringing your own heaters and extra blankets.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mubin S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good and economical
Overall good if you have large group of people
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jackie C.

Whanau Snow Trip
Access and instructions were on point. Thanks Phillip. We read other review comments so we prepared ourselves to have to clean the place when we arrived. It wasn't too bad but we gave it a good clean anyway. Plenty of fire wood, dishes, basic but everything you need. We took down some sheets to cover the couches which made a big difference. Our group had 7 adults, 7 kids. We all loved it. Will be back
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Aleksandr B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place for
A lot of room to fit all your family and friends for affordable cost. Close enough to both Ohakune and Whakapapa.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Anneka R.

Good for groups
We enjoyed our stay for the size group we had, the place was well equipped to our needs, very basic but all essentials are there although I would suggest possibly some nicer furniture and curtains, was nice to have an outdoor fire toasting marshmallows though and not many places allow that so that was a bonus. Thankyou

8/10 Good

Amanda B.

Good economical choice for large groups
Good choice, on a budget. Close to ohakune and National Park. Very basic, but had what was needed. It would have been good to be warned that the ladies shower mixer is unusual and needs to be on cold for hot water to come out There was also quite a bit of construction/ renovation material in the drying area which covered the wall heater to dry our snow gear which we had to move in order to use it. But once we figured that out, it worked well
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rhema T., Taupo

Liked: Cleanliness
The Cottage
I lead a team of 12 Evangelists 10 of whom are 60yrs plus the other two 30+. We had everything we needed. And firewood galore. Easy to tidy up at the time of vacating the property. List of to dos was well thought through. Thankyou to the Proprietor of the property.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Max N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tongariro Crossing
David Fisken Lodge is great, got everything you need and it is as close as you can get to the south side of the Tongariro Crossing
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Francis G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Simple but good
Good for large group of friends. Very basic but has all you need.

10/10 Excellent

Laila M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very homely
awesome space for a group of 15 teens and three adults. fire very warm space retains heat well. drying room is very handy

8/10 Good

Michael P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awsome spot
Good
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Brian B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Central Plateau lodge accommodation
Basic and classic place suitable for groups. Not fancy but everything is there and the location is great with bush surrounds.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Mehnaz A.

very good
A little make over like replacement of furniture will add a lot of value.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rae Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good stay for the weekend trip for big families and friends
Great affordable bach for a weekend trip for the whole fam :)
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

6/10 Okay

Beverly C.

Basic Bach
Very basic bach. Good for a group uf you don't mind the rustic building. Great fire place for a warm winter evening. Plenty of cutlery and crockery etc oven works well. Two bathrooms, one much bigger and better than the other, but suitable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

6/10 Okay

Lakshan S., Auckland

Disliked: Cleanliness
A great place if you are willing to adjust and prepare.
This place does need a bit of work done. When we first entered the property the place the previous group and not vacuumed the carpet (left a mess). Having infants and small children around this can be a bit scary. The property manager was fabulous. Just one thing was you get what you pay for, take a good amount of sleep ware or sleeping bags. Fire Place in the living place was great. It really is ideal than having to pay for motels for large groups and share a kitchen, peaceful with the right group who aren't expecting the 5-star experience.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

6/10 Okay

Jeanette P.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Great place for groups
We enjoyed staying here but nothing in the kitchen was clean. We had to clean anything before we used it. Other than that we had a great time

8/10 Good

Anne B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ski trip
This is the second time we stay at David Fisken Lodge for a ski trip. The locaton is perfect for both sides of Mt Ruapehu. The lodge is perfect for big groups, simple and it has the basic stuff you need. I normally arrive and give it a wee clean which is easy, its by no mean luxury but for the price...unbeatable. Lots of fire wood. Good drying room for wet gear. Maybe bring and extra heater, and axe for kindling. Good kitchen facilities and fridges. Simple and functional and cheap. Thank you. 🙏😀

8/10 Good

Teresa M.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Cosy ambience made up for run down state
Old but lovely and warm with the fire, and a great drying room. Perfect for a large group with a bunch of kids, great outside space for running around
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Michelle H.

Good central location
Good for large groups, plenty of room inside and out. Phillip was good to deal with .
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Courtney F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot
Perfect accomodation for large groups, easy access to the old coash rd trail and great location for Ohankune and mt trips. Loved the fire pit and inside fire kept the place cozy as. Had everything necessary in the kitchen. Great communciation with the property manager too. Thanks for letting us stay.

6/10 Okay

Nikki H.

Not frills but great location
Classic kiwi Scouts lodge, only a short drive to Ohakune. It is very basic and in need of updating but well equipped. The fire was cosy inside and the outside firepit was great to sit round and toast marshmallows. Kids loved exploring the grounds, everything added to their experience. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lily K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for large group
The lodge is perfect for a large group. No frills and basic, but Plenty of space and fire kept us warm. Will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Daniel J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cheap in price and great in experience.
Was bigger inside than we thought. Perfect for the 17 of us. Warm and dry house with a big kitchen. It is what you pay for. We will be staying again! Great location for both ski fields to.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness
Cheep accomodation for a large group
Did what we needed, good value for price but needs a bit of maintenance, owner was great to deal with. Thanks for great weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Te Ao A.

All enjoyed our stay. Kids had a blast :)
Great accomadation for the cheap price we paid :)

10/10 Excellent

Domiel A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome experience!
We had a very good time escaping from the business of Auckland. The property is for groups. We love the bonfire, the tranquility of the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

4/10 Poor

Anne B.

Disliked: Cleanliness
I would go again.
Although terribly unclean state of the Lodge, once we had cleaned ( 3 hours...) and got it all up and running, it is value for money. However, cheap shouldn't equal dirty. Hopefully the managers will check in with future guests and make sure they clean after their stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

6/10 Okay

Glenn C.

Disliked: Cleanliness
location was excellent. 30 mins drive from whakapapa and turoa
will comeback next season
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rhiannon B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome place!
Thanks for letting us stay! We have a great time.

8/10 Good

Sharthaarr J.

Disliked: Cleanliness
worth it!
Worth it for the price its offer for big groups
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rachel D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great for groups
Stayed here for Mardi Gras, out of her way and good amenities, would stay again 😊

8/10 Good

Keely S.

Great place for a group
Wow what an awesome place for a group of people. Not flash but definately cosy with the fire going. I would definately recommend to anyone wanting a place for a group.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019