Pipers Lodge

Great place and extremely friendly crew, we did the crossing, and all was very well organized by Aku, including yummy food before, for and after the crossing. Room wasn't up to expected standard, but we have had wonderful time and will definitely visit them again. Very impressed of how good people can make the place!

All those who experienced Pipers Ski Lodge under the capable and loving hands of Bruce and Di would be appalled and disappointed at the changes the new owners have implemented. Yes, there have been some upgrades/renovations to the ensuite rooms, but even here the choices made are questionable. The ensuite bathrooms have been updated, but unless you have a family used to seeing each other naked, the frosted glass wall between the room and the bathroom really doesn't provide any privacy for toileting processes without anyone still in the room getting an eyefull. The pool table, gone. The table-tennis table, gone. The bar, closed. The drinks vending machine, gone. The spa pools, gone. The seperate kids tv lounge, gone. In their place is a gaming room that could put Time-Out to shame. Lots of flashing lights, thumping music and whining children wanting another $2 per game. The lounge has a TV, but the remote is a free-for-all, so while we were there, an animated Spiderman played twice in a row and then a Korean animae. The selector holding tight to the remote. Children allowed to run in the hallways, no respect given for those trying to put little ones down by 8.00pm. From our room (a bunk room several rooms away from the gaming space) we could still hear the thumping music from the games, this definately also drowns out the noise on the TV (maybe this was a blessing after-all). Clothes left to dry around the fireplace really turns this once bold and beautiful Ski Lodge into a backpackers. Our room temp was set so high it was hotter in there than in the drying room, with no way to turn it down. The bunk beds squeeked every movement that was made, add that to the heat of the room and it was the most uncomfortable night with the worst sleep I think I have ever had. The garish fluro wings that light up the lounge really show the changes that the new owners have put in place. We have been regular customers of Pipers Ski Lodge for over 15 years, we have had family reunions there, stayed for full weeks during the ski season and the occassional night or two where we could skip out on work to get some skiing in. What is sad I think is that all the newbies to Pipers do not even realise whats missing from their Ski Lodge experience. They do not know how great it was, to even know that what they have experienced is subpar. We will not be back.

We were looking for a place to stay overnight on a weekend during the winter season and was able to get a room here. The lodge is located in National Park village, about 15 minutes away from Whakapapa. They did have a bit of parking on site but it was full so we ended up on the road. Check in was easy enough as we arrived before reception closed at 2100. You book room in the lodge so there wasn't a way to book single beds like a backpackers. They had other facilities like a hot drink station and drying rooms. There were also a bathroom with plenty of stalls so there wasn't any waiting involved. The place did look a little dated but it was quite comfortable. The rooms had beds and shelving for items. The lounge was quite large and they had an arcade room in the back. There was an in house restaurant in the dining room which was good to know since dining options in National Park is quite limited. The room booking also came with continental breakfast. It was quite a nice place to stay and would be keen to stay again in the future. Great value for money particularly with breakfast included.

All staff were so kind, always willing to help, and very professional. So thank you to each and everyone for everything! However, the premises are in serious need of renovation and update, and the couches should be replaced by new ones, with no stains or holes. Also, while the communal area was decently heated at night, it was quite cold in the morning. Finally, breakfast was a little too basic for the price we paid (the average price of a 5-star hotel). So altogether, overpriced accommodation with a large room for improvement.

Great cuatomer service. Place is clean. Both adults and kids had a fun time at the arcade. First time having a complimentary breakfast and was surprised by the selections and their tastes. Would recommend the other visitors to try out their dinner menu.

This is a lodge, not a hotel so that people need to manage their expectations, main points: - Staff is friendly - Hotel is warm enough for cold weather, but no control for heating is in the room, it is centrally controlled - Toilets, bathroom and hot water are all good - Beds are not very comfy - Have not tried the lodge restaurant food - Complimentary hot drinks and drinking water tap are in lounge area only, so you have to leave your room for those and go back - Kitchen area for cooking your own food is available - Cleanness is average (unless you're not fussy) - Free parking is available - Continental breakfast is average

Thank you Akuila for all that you did while our stay at Pipers. You were just too awesome. This is one trip that our kids will always remember. By they way, they loved the food. You guys are Highly Recommended!!

We enjoyed our stay here, its very family friendly and excellent place to stay for a trip to the mountains and areas nearby. With unlimited tea/coffee and a wonderful lobby area with games to play and a fireplace, made the stay really enjoyable !

Staff are super helpful and very polite. My 3 children and I very much enjoyed our stay. Would definately come stay again 😊 highly recommended