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Reviews of Forest Lodge

Mt Cheeseman Skifield Road, 7580 Castle Hill, New Zealand

#1 of 2 hotels in Castle Hill

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 62 hostel reviews

8.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.8

  • Comfort

    8.2

  • Location

    9.2

  • Facilities

    8.5

  • Staff

    9.0

  • Value for money

    8.8

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 11 April 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Forest Lodge is down a long gravel road and feels remote. The fire was on when we arrived and Hamish gave a friendly introduction. Kitchen had everything to cook, eat and clean, just bring food. Excellent wifi free of charge.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 March 2024

    10
    incredible good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Everything works

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 March 2024

    9.0
    Good price/value with amazing views
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The gravel road to get there can be a bit tricky.

    Lodge with beautiful views! Very calm and quiet location. Lodge is well equipped with hot shower, power and everything you need in the kitchen. Good price as well. It was quiet when we were there so we had the dorm to ourselves.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 February 2024

    8.0
    Off grid with comfy mattress
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Gas cooker very slow, having to boil water for everything. Solar showers slow to hratup

    Good location for biking trails Close to Craigieburn hikes Lovely views, wilderness

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 February 2024

    8.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The mattress springs g's have a big cave in in the middle. I had to tuck a cushion under my hip and back.

    Bed was very uncomfortable.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 February 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Old school hostel vibes, social - speak to people screen free, fully wooden interior, wood fire, off grid. Perfect!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 January 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Stunning views! Just beautiful 😍

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 January 2024

    8.0
    Incredible, remote lodge
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beds are not the most comfortable

    Incredible location!! Loved how eco-friendly the lodge is. Fun shared area with games, great kitchen and sofas.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 January 2024

    10
    Amazing place in wild nature
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Mattress is not so comfortable

    Super cosy and quiet place in mountains surrounded forest. House is amazing with all you need, nice fully kitchen, panoramic windows with mountains views, very clean toilets and bathrooms. Terrace outside with big wooden table. Very friendly stuff and cute dog) Recommended 100%!!! Near cave stream and castle hill.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 December 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • People with friends
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beautiful scenery. Everything we needed was at lodge. All clean and tidy. We were made to feel very welcome

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 July 2023

    10
    Amazingly serene forest lodge (literally)
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The serene setting, the cleanliness of the place. Everything was clean and warm. The staff were friendly and it is pet friendly too!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 July 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night

    Awesome place! Really enjoyed our stay. So quiet and relaxing.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 12 June 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bedroom was pretty cold. I know I'm a bit of a Softy though. Just super glad that I packed my hot water bottle.

    Location is awesome. Very clean and tidy. Great showers.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 March 2023

    10
    Beautiful setting ... relaxed and peaceful stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    It was the first really cold snap when I stayed here. The main room had a warm fire which was awesome but the bedrooms could be very cold. I just rugged up and managed it without any issues as I had all the right gear for it. Just make sure you bring enough warm clothes and you'll be fine!

    Forest Lodge is an older property but it is priced appropriately and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. There is plenty of kitchen storage and everything you need to prepare meals. The shared bathroom is kept clean and is in good condition. There are plenty of extra blankets available for colder notes and a big fire in the main dining / kitchen / lounge area. Hamish, the manager, is awesome - he has that great balance of being friendly but also leaving you to have your own personal peace and quiet. The location is absolutely awe inspiring - such a beautiful drive in and out and amazing views out of the big picture windows in the main common room. The whole vibe of the place is welcoming, relaxed and peaceful. I'd stay here again!

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 14 March 2023

    8.0
    well worth the drive up the gravel road
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nithing

    Great location. It’s like a backpackers with shared facilities.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2023

    9.0
    Wonderful.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location was quite magnificent, unforgettable really, and well worth the long gravel track drive. I had been concerned about the bathroom arrangements and had half expected to have to go to a draughty, insect infested outhouse. But there was no outhouse, there were warm showers and everything was just fine.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 February 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    Unreal location with stunning views, the property was quiet when we were there but still very sociable with the 5 of us who were staying. Host was very good and welcoming.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 January 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Didn't bother us but some of the walls are a bit thin so if you're a light sleeper you might find ear plugs helpful.

    Spacious, comfortable with very well equipped kitchen. Hamish was very helpful and kindly let us come back to use the showers after checkout ahead of our 30 hour flight back to the UK.

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 January 2023

    9.0
    Other wise the guests other the myself. Wore
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I not sure if I was notified to bring food with. The distance to a grocery store is far.

    Liked the other gusts.

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: 14 August 2022

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Sam was great, in arranging my room, taking my call, and also offerring food. Very grateful to have found Forest Lodge at short notice. Friendly atmosphere. Many thanks to Sam,

    Stayed in August 2022

  • Reviewed: 7 August 2022

    9.0
    Good vibes, clean, cozy, comfy 🤘
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    beautiful location, really friendly staff

    Stayed in August 2022

  • Reviewed: 25 March 2022

    8.0
    a Ski lodge up a gravel road. Lovely location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    nothing

    Good value and very relaxed

    Stayed in March 2022

  • Reviewed: 11 August 2021

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We were there with a some smaller children so there was a mix of atmosphere/noise hours

    Great vibe and location. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Great kitchen.

    Stayed in August 2021

  • Reviewed: 10 March 2024

    1.0
    ha!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    freezing cold no electric in the room

    no cons

    Stayed in March 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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