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Reviews of Forest Lodge

Mt Cheeseman Skifield Road, 7580 Castle Hill, New Zealand

#1 of 3 hotels in Castle Hill

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 85 hostel reviews

9.2

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.8

  • Comfort

    9.4

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    9.5

  • Staff

    9.5

  • Value for money

    9.7

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 1 September 2025

    10
    Comfortable and warm lodge, with great high-country scenery
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The place was comfortable and warm, had friendly staff and amazing scenery, not far from the main road. It reminded me of the times I had stayed there as a kid, quite a while ago!

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 May 2025

    10
    An amazing place to stay, will definitely be back
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The peace and quiet and the amazing views

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 May 2025

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

    Be prepared that it can get cold

    Such a beautiful location, so amazing! Sam working there was really friendly and created a good vibe! Loved all about it here

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 April 2025

    10
    Exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries, very close to nature
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    n/a

    n/a

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Exceptional location, exceptional host. The perfect spot to enjoy New Zealand’s beauty. We couldn’t believe our luck when we stepped in.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 31 March 2025

    10
    Best place to stay so far
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Very peaceful place

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 31 March 2025

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

    It is a quiet place to stay.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 March 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    about 6km unpaved road

    not a typical backpacker I normally have, like the kitchen and rest area a lot.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wonderfully peacefull relaxing and fire warm cosy lodge in a beautifull private Alpine location. Very much worth the 8km scenic gravel road to get there. Lovey Marg is well suited to her role as house person of the lodge...many thanks to her for providing a most enjoyable renewing stay.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 March 2025

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

    There is only one space to charge any electronics due to solar power. Not an issue but just to note

    Absolutely loved this small slice of heaven ! Margie was super helpful when asked for recommendations for hikes and things to do in the area and was such a breath of fresh air - thank you ! I ended up staying an extra night ! Very comfy beds and communal space. The views are just incredible.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 February 2025

    10
    Perfect stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location, good vibe in the lodge and host Margie was super!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2025

    10
    Short but very enjoyable
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    Great location

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 February 2025

    8.0
    Good cheap accomodation
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Great cheap place to stay . We only stayed one night so sharing a dorm was fine

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 February 2025

    10
    A private little slice of paradise
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Nothing. But if I had to nitpick, it's not soundproof between rooms. But it's such a peaceful location, and there was only 1 other family while we were there, so we didn't have any issues at all with this.

    Beautiful, scenic location. Extremely peaceful, gorgeous walks in the area. Margie who was there to help us was excellent, so friendly and fun to chat with, and very helpful. Kitchen facilities were complete, it has really good wifi and just overall had such a wonderful time there.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 February 2025

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

    Such lovely accommodation in an amazing environment, run by welcoming people. Will be back sometime

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 February 2025

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

    Stunning location, wonderful shared kitchen/lounge room, friendly host

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2025

    8.0
    Beautiful ski lodge in the mountains (dorm style rooms and bathrooms)
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double or Twin Room with Extra Bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    One less bed than I was expecting. Luckily I had a spare in the car. Far from dampening our holiday though. Thanks guys

    Amazing beautiful place, memories for me and my children that will be cherished.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 January 2025

    10
    Best place in NZ!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The best place I stayed at in NZ, still miss it! Loved it here, so cosy and beautiful location. Great kitchen and living room. It was not full when I was there which I liked. Amazing views too

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 December 2024

    10
    Would visit again!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing!

    Margie is wonderful and the views oh my!! Perfect getaway!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 23 October 2024

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

    Lovely little lodge 6km up a curvy, steep gravel road. Had a wonderful stay. Place was quiet as off season and only 6 of us staying but had a great time hanging out by the stove chatting.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 July 2024

    10
    Excellent stay in the mountains!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    NA

    Everything was amazing, love the warmth from the fire!!

    Stayed in July 2024

  • 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

Showing 1 – 25

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