Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

Hotel · Queenstown · Otago

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront

An eco-friendly hostel on Lake Esplanade, a short walk from Queenstown's centre, with shared and private rooms from £29.

  • Lakefront location with views of Lake Wakatipu
  • Shared kitchen, BBQ, and picnic area
  • 24-hour reception and security
8.2 Great 1594 reviews Booking.com 8.2 · 1594 reviews

About

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star, eco-friendly hostel set on Lake Esplanade, roughly a 5-minute walk from Queenstown Mall. The property offers a range of shared dorms and private rooms, all with access to a large self-catering kitchen, lounge areas, and outdoor spaces.

Guests consistently praise the spotless facilities, the helpful staff (rated 8.8), and the stunning lake views. With 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and ski storage, it's suited to both backpackers and families looking for a practical base.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Clean and spacious shared spaces — Guests repeatedly highlight the spotless kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms, which are kept in top condition.
  • Lakefront setting with superb views — Rooms and communal areas overlook Lake Wakatipu, with many reviews mentioning the stunning lake and mountain scenery.
  • Friendly and helpful staff — The team earns consistent praise for being approachable, assisting with bus cards, directions, and local tips.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Some noise from upper floors — A private room guest mentioned hearing noise from the ceiling, which could affect light sleepers.
  • Facilities score slightly lower — While overall ratings are strong, the Facilities category sits at 7.7 – the lowest of all rated aspects – suggesting room for improvement.
  • Adults-only policy — The property is listed as adults-only, which may not suit families travelling with children.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Single Room

  • 1 Single bed

Deluxe King Room

  • 1 King-size bed

Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower

Dorm 4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower

8 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Lake view
  • Shower

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower

6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Lake view
  • Shower

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • 24-hour reception
  • 24-hour security
  • Lift
  • Key card access
  • Heating
  • No smoking on site

Food & Drink

  • Shared kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • BBQ facilities
  • Vending machines
  • Picnic area/Tables

Services

  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Ski storage
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Housekeeping
  • Fax/Photocopying

Leisure

  • Leisure/TV room
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Board games
  • Billiard tables
  • Garden furniture
  • Beach access

Outdoor & Activities

  • Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Cycling

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.2
Great 1594 reviews

Guest-rated 8.2/10 from 1,594 reviews

Booking.com · 8.2 · 1594 reviews
8.2Verified guest

“The kitchen was clean and roomy, and the view over the lake and snowy peaks was fantastic. Our twin room was comfortable with a good heater, and it was fairly close to the city centre.”

8.2Verified guest

“Staff member Andy was very friendly and helped us get bus cards and directions. The room was clean with a great view, and the location was superb – easy access to the city and the beautiful lake. Highly recommend.”

8.2Verified guest

“Helpful staff, good location, and clean facilities. The kitchen was big, and there were dryers in the bathroom. Walking distance to the centre, good Wi-Fi, and a fantastic view. Quiet and welcoming, with a free food shelf and a well-equipped kitchen.”

8.2Verified guest

“Even better than my last visit! The location is perfect, just a short walk to shops and restaurants. Everything was clean and recently renovated, and the dorm beds were very comfy. The private shower in the girls' dorm was a nice addition.”

8.2Verified guest

“Wonderful stay! The location was perfect – right by the tranquil lake but only a 5-10 minute walk to the bustling town. Impeccable service, a spacious shared kitchen, and lovely garden furniture. The heating and A/C were spot on, and the BBQ and TV room were great. Ski storage and hiking recommendations were appreciated.”

8.2Verified guest

“Staff were helpful, the location is good, and facilities are clean and tidy. The kitchen and dining area are big, and there are dryers in the bathroom.”

04 — Location

Getting around Queenstown

The property sits in Queenstown.

Getting around: The hostel is on Lake Esplanade, about a 5-minute walk from Queenstown Mall and a 5–10 minute stroll to the town centre's shops and restaurants.

Outdoor activities: Guests can take advantage of on-site ski storage, plus easy access to hiking, cycling, and skiing in the surrounding area.

Practicalities: A 24-hour convenience store is next door, and the hostel offers laundry facilities, a shared kitchen, and free parking.

88-90 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown, Otago, 9300, New Zealand

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-23:00
Check-out
By 10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
20 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:00, and check-out is by 10:00.

Is parking available on site?

Yes, the hostel has an on-site car park, and guests have noted easy off-street parking.

Are pets allowed at Haka House Queenstown Lakefront?

No, pets are not allowed on the property.

Is the hostel suitable for families?

The property is adults-only, so it is not suitable for families with children.

What amenities are available in the shared kitchen?

The shared kitchen is spacious and well-equipped, including an electric kettle, cookware, and dining areas with lake views.

The bottom line

A well-run, clean lakefront hostel that earns strong marks for its staff, location, and value. Ideal for backpackers and couples, though families with kids should note the adults-only policy and the occasional noise from above.

8.2Based on guest reviews and our own analysis.

Ready to book Haka House Queenstown Lakefront?

Tap through and we’ll open our booking partner’s site, with live prices and availability for your exact dates.

No payment on this site — you complete the booking on our partner’s site.