Skotel Alpine Resort is 100% Kiwi owned and operated. New Zealand’s highest hotel, set in the heart of the Tongariro Dual World Heritage National Park. Hiking trails start directly from the hotel, walk to Taranaki Falls, Tama Lakes, Silika Rapids, the start of the Tongariro Northern Circuit and catch a shuttle from the door for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Shuttles for the crossing or the ski field can be booked upon arrival. The Sky Waka as well as the Mount Ruapehu ski field (Jun-Oct.) are a 6km drive up the mountain. From Backpacker rooms to View rooms there is something for everyone. Guests can enjoy a refreshing sauna, a relaxing spa, unwind over a drink or a meal at the Skotel Restaurant and Bar. The hotel offers Free Wi-Fi and packed lunches can be purchased. We are a 3-hour drive from Hamilton Airport and 4.5 hours from Auckland and Wellington Airports.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Family
Languages Spoken
English
Location
1 Ngauruhoe Place, Whakapapa, Tongariro National Park 3951 New Zealand
Skotel Alpine Resort
169 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We stayed in Chalet 1 and it has big enough space for our family, our two big bags and four carry ons. This cabin has a deck and a dedicated parking for our vehicle. There’s a towel warmer in the shower area and the entry hall. Entry to the accommodation was just wide enough to lug a bag. It was a bit tricky going to the shower area coming from the inside as the doors both swing outwards but we found a way to make it work. My children loved that the Wifi still works in the public carpark at the bottom of Ngauruhoe Terrace.
Breakfast buffet is $25 and feels expensive for what’s on offer. Not sure if it was the weather or poor lighting in the restaurant but somehow it affected the palatability of the food.
For dinner it was a hit for my my husband and myself (we ordered the salmon and vegan lasagna), but a miss for my two children (they ordered the pasta of the day and the fish and chips). Pasta was too creamy and the fish batter was not that crispy.
The clouds parted on our last day and Mount Ngauruhoe showed itself. We love that we have a good view of it from the deck.
Overall it was a good stay. This accommodation is positioned well for exploring the national park.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Karen Crawley, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Feb 24, 2024
Thank you for choosing to stay with us and the great rating is most appreciated.
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Being that the Skotel caters for backpackers I was worried that the rooms were going to smell of sweaty washing and damp boots but what a really pleasant surprise it was! My son and I booked two nights stay to give us a little break from touring North Island before heading South and it was the best booking we made.
The cabins are very very clean and compact, and the beds are comfortable with all the bedding you would need for every season. The little seating areas outside were clean and provided a lovely place to sit and admire the amazing views.
The lounge/bar area is full of chunky sofas where you can sit and enjoy the wider panoramas. Or, as I did, have forty winks! It’s just a really relaxing place.
The staff; absolutely outstanding! We saw the same people serving breakfast and cleaning the rooms to then being our very attentive hosts in the restaurant. Nothing was too much trouble.
Antonio was our table host (I feel it’s unkind to call them waiters and waitresses because they are more than that!) Antonio was an absolute sweetheart! He saw that I was looking at my fork and wiping it - which is just a habit of mine, it wasn’t dirty - and he immediately came over to our table and replaced it. He was very friendly with a huge handsome smile and I would like to say he is a credit to the Skotel. I hope he goes far because he is the type of person this world needs more of.
We didn’t see one member of staff below the age of 35 and it made me wonder if it is owned and run by young people because if it is then what an absolute triumph!! I will recommend this fabulous place to anyone who will listen ☺️
Thank you
Christine and Arann Smith
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Just enjoy the experience, if you want a meal in the restaurant then you will need to book it in...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Karen Crawley, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Feb 24, 2024
Thank you so much for your very kind words, all of the team here at Skotel are most appreciative of them. Antonio, we agree, is simply one of the world's best humans.
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We travelled across from Brisbane for our delayed honeymoon, and we stayed at 5 different locations over our 11 day trip and Skotel was easily our favourite location. Homey little room that had an epic view out onto the mountain used for Lord of the Rings Mount Doom. Room had everything we needed to be comfortable including heating, coffee making facilities and so close to hiking trails was an added bonus. The bar and restaurant were handy after travelling/hiking throughout the day so we didn’t need to go elsewhere looking for sustenance. Would love to come back
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for a cosy little place to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Karen Crawley, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Oct 6, 2024
Thank you so much Karron for these very kind words, we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us.
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The skotel is hands down by far one of New Zealand's most beautiful hidden Gems so well priced for such exquisite service, staff very friendly and plesent to the cleenliness of the entire mannor definitely highly recommended from a family of 9 thank you so much we will be back regularly for the winter season! Love you guys at Skotell Alpine Resort !! U Rock!!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kaz Clarkson, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Aug 8, 2023
This review made my day, thank you so much <3 It was a pleasure to host you. Please visit us again soon!
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I loved this charming hotel. It’s the highest altitude hotel in New Zealand in Tongariro National Park and Whakapapa Village with many trails to trek nearby. My bedroom was so cozy and comfortable with a double bed and even a place to warm your towels or hang your wet towels to dry. Both Llana and Tyson took excellent care of me answering all of my many questions, recommending things to do and places to see. I used their sauna both evenings as well as a 30 minute reservation in their pool spa both nights. I highly recommend doing both of these when you stay here. I also enjoyed dinner in their restaurant both nights with Kia serving me the first night and Emma serving me the second night. Everyone in their staff is very friendly and helpful with anything that you need. They do multiple jobs throughout this facility to make your stay comfortable. I also had the opportunity to meet one of the owners Kaz who was very pleasant and nice to meet. She explained the proper way to say Nguruhoe the name of the volcano that you see clearly from this place. I think that I need another lesson…. I’ll have to return!
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Karen Crawley, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Oct 6, 2024
It was an absolute pleasure to host you Suzanna and we hope you enjoy the remainder of your travels around NZ.
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I booked for a group of friends to do the Tama Lakes and Tongaririo Crossing. The bedrooms was small but as expected, except for the safety bar on the top bunk which broke off during our first night stay. Maintenance took a look and managed to push it back in place, but was still wobbly. (also the ladder was not attached to the bed, but that is pretty common for backpackers).
Also there was only 1 plug per room, which was a bit of a hassle when all 3 of us needed to charge phones, but a multi-plug would be helpful to pack if you're in a group .
The communal facilities were very clean and well maintained, and had a fully stocked kitchen, with microwaves, stove, cutlery, etc. The bathrooms were also very clean.
Spa is only open 4pm-7pm and needs to be booked in advance.
The location is great for Tama Lakes as it is right on the door step. Definitely worth booking here if you are keen for this walk.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Skotel Alpine Resort, Other at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Feb 22, 2022
We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay at Skotel & found the communal facilities clean and well maintained & the location so handy with so many trails starting right from the doorstep. Maintenance clean, treat and test the spa facilities each morning and open from 2 until 8 with half hour bookings so that everyone gets their own private time to enjoy. The double plugs in each room can be added to by double adaptors from reception and the charging station in the communal area we hope makes things a little more helpful. The guard rail is made to be easily removed for bed making & the metal poles slot into the holes, sorry if this had not been put back in place securely but glad maintenance was able to assist you.
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The hotel has very friendly staff, there is an option to rent hiking and skiing equipment, the rooms have their own bathrooms, and some basic kitchen things, such as plates, are provided in the rooms. An option of a whirlpool is also nice. Just be careful that the views from the rooms on the pictures only applies to the rooms on the side down from the hill. The side up to the hill, such as where we had our room, faces a parking lot with facility's background. I visited the place in December and at that time, there was no vegetable at breakfast buffet, just some canned fruit. I would have very much appreciated some veggies. Other than that, you are close to the national park with a lot of hiking trail options around, especially if you have a car.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kaz Clarkson, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Apr 14, 2024
Thank you, we certainly appreciate your repeat business and taking the time to write a review. We are glad you enjoyed all that is on offer here in the heart of the park.
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Amazing place to stay. Warm and cosy and the food is really nice. You can hire ski and snow board (including clothing) and it’s cheaper than at the mountain hire shop. The staff are mostly friendly. We had one interaction on our first morning where we wanted breakfast and there was no staff member in the breakfast area so we went to reception and the way the person at reception spoke to us was not very welcoming and somewhat rude. Only other thing I would have liked was more hooks to hang up jackets in the room.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Karen Crawley, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Aug 7, 2024
Thank you for the kind words and the honest feedback <3 I wasn't there for the early morning interaction, but what I can do is look at getting more hooks set up in our rooms. You're right also that our prices for ski rental are much lower than if you rent the same gear on the mountain itself, and it's a convenient place to hire it because the store is inside the hotel. Hope you enjoyed your time in the snow and please come visit us again soon.
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Average. Apart from the relatively soft bed mattresses, squeaky bunk bed and leaking tap, room 103 was adequate. View was good.
The restaurant operated from 7-9am and pre-booked dinner only. Fried sweet potatoes and burgers were fine. Lasgna tasted like tomato toothpaste. Steak was below average. Service was average.
There was a guest lounge and kitchen. Though disorganised, it served its purpose.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:If I were to come again, I might opt to reside in Ohakune or thereabout for easier access and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Karen Crawley, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Sep 12, 2023
Thank you for choosing to stay with us in the heart of the Dual World Heritage National Park.
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Do not be put off by your first impressions of the outside of this lodge. It is true that it is needing some investment but the experience we had was memorable and very positive. We had a lovely bright (double aspect) room - Tongariro no 211. We have been touring NZ for 6 weeks and this has been our cheapest room so far. Our stay surpassed our expectations. The bar area is relaxed and welcoming and the food is wholesome, tasty, fresh and served promptly. However, the stars are the young staff. They come from a range of countries and their eagerness to provide customer- focused service and their teamwork was lovely to see. Multi tasking must be a key part of the job descriptions.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Karen Crawley, Owner at Skotel Alpine Resort
Responded Apr 18, 2024
Thank you for taking the time to write such lovely kind words, they are most appreciated by the team here at Skotel.
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Well I'm not sure about the bus going all the way to the skotel, I doubt that very much. It will more than likely drop you off at Whakapapa village as outlined in above answer. Best ask at the big store where bus will prob drop you off, where is best place to thumb a lift to Whakapapa. Its not that far, just a few kilometers, will be other people travelling up to the chateau and the skotel for sure, just hold up a sign, be plenty people go there. Thats best advice I can give you, same for return, always backpackers travelling from skotel and chateau. Best advice I can give you...
Hi, you do not need any bedding or towels. The cabins have all this supplied and the beds are made up.
I look forward to hosting you and wish you a safe and pleasant trip to Skotel Alpine Resort.
Regards
Wayne.
There are more places to choose from in the Whakapapa area.
PRICE RANGE
$48 - $77 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
skotel alpine hotel whakapapa village, holiday inn tongariro national park
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandManawatu-Wanganui RegionTongariro National ParkWhakapapa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
50
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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