Eco Lodge Pakowhai

The good: the location is perfect. If you are backpacking in the country and you want to work in Hastings, this hostel is very well located. Not far from orchards, not far from the city. And John could help you with finding a job.The bad: despite the good location, and the access to jobs in the area, is the most dirty place I've been. Your $170 in average per week pays the bed, but don't expect to have clean facilities even tho there's a reminder everywhere that you need to clean your dishes. There's one person coming once a week to the cleaning and she doesn't have enough time to finish in that day.Showers are full of mould, bad smells, dirty old paint on the walls, mud around the whole place.But because it's a workers hostel, you might find nice people where you will make new friends for sure.

Was here for 2 months and had a really pleasant stay throughout. Met really amazing people, had a lovely cabin that was right in front of a toilet & bathroom trailer (made it really convenient). John was really friendly and helpful in making sure all of us had work, was never left without work at any time. Gave really useful tips for the area, and was always there to provide help when needed. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are cleaned everyday and had all the equipments we needed. Free laundry facilities and plenty of clothesline all around the hostel to hang and dry our clothes. Would really recommend for backpackers who are looking for work in Hastings! Happy Happy Joy Joy!

An amazing place to stay. The atmosphere is like a small village, and you'll meet some amazing people here. John is one of the most genuine people I've met on my travels, and I spent a very happy three months living here. Definitely recommend.

I’m writing this review a bit late but I really wanted to give a 5 stars review on this one. I honestly think that this is one or THE best hostel you could find in all NZ. If you need a job, the owner, John, will find something for you right away, and you gonna be able to work the next day. The place is just amazing with just heeps of space for everything, from the campervans to all the living rooms, kitchens and sofas, chilling places. It’s perfectly cleaned everyday and I thank John again for this unforgettable yime I had there. I could meet many nice people then and I would (and did) recommend this place to anybody in NZAll the bestAdrian

Fantastic place for a backpacker. It is not perfect but good enough for the price. John is nice and helpful. He got me a job the day after I arrived. Clean toilet and bathroom. The room is not that clean but acceptable. Forgot one thing, John even organised a Christmas party!

Great camping a lot of commodities everywhere. The owner is super friendly. I stayed in my car so I can't tell about the rooms. There are many kitchen living rooms and bathrooms everywhere which is super convenient. Location is a bit outside of Hastings which you can like or not.

Spent 5 weeks there and was a very pleasant stay. Place has very positive vibe and feel more like a big campground with travellers from all over the world than classic hostel. Met great people here and made good memories. John, the owner, was always willing to help and provide advice, regardless time of the day. Always had variety of jobs to provide, found me one just few days after my arrival. If you are looking for something more than just accommodation this is the place you wanna stay.

What a fantastic place this is!Upon our arrival we were given a warm and friendly welcome by the helpful and talkative owner John who is a pleasure to deal with.The facilities are clean, the people friendly and the grounds are quiet with fruit trees in abundance!Staying here is great for those who like a chilled out and friendly atmosphere.John will even help you find work if you need it!Loved staying at eco lodge!

Best Backpackers Lodge ever!I have met such wonderful people from all over the world and shared awesome experiences with. John the manager is so kind and caring, I love the hostel cats ❤.Set in such a tranquil setting, I highly recommend traveller's come stay here, such a beautiful place.