Skotel – Your Base for Tongariro Adventures

Great place in the middle of the Tongariro National Park. Perfect for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike during summertime, shuttlebus was only a 20 min drive. Rooms are quite small but cozy, exactly as advertised. There is a guest room with a shared kitchen and BBQ. The spa can be booked for 5 NZD pp. The start of the Taranaki falls hike was also very close by.

Luuc Meijndert
December, 2025
(Source: Google)

Had a fantastic stay here with my son and my folks – we didn’t want to leave! The location is wonderful with so many beautiful walking trails right at your door. Our rooms were cosy, immaculate and comfy and all the staff were so friendly. Loved the atmosphere at the bar in the evening – the hotel owner/host played great music and we met such interesting people as the night fell over the incredible landscape outside. Will always treasure our experience at this marvellous place.

Tess
October, 2025
(Source: Google)

The Skotel is a wonderful place to stay.
The place isn’t brand new, but very clean and well maintained. It creates a lovely old-school atmosphere.
The staff and owners are very welcoming, and the food is excellent.
The packed lunch is very convenient and great value, remember to order it the day before your hikes.

Dalyan Kanber
February, 2026
(Source: Google)

From our arrival to the day we left our hosts Sam and Kaz offered great knowledge and kindness. They understood the temperament of the Tongarior National Park and kept us updated with any weather changes.

The hotel itself offers the best views of ‘Mt Doom’ in the area. The food is fantastic, both breakfast and dinner were always on point. The service and staff are excellent, and the room was super comfortable. On a side note the bar offers some great local beers!

This hotel is a must stay for any Lord of the Rings fans and Tongariro Alpine Crossing adventurers.

Thanks to the staff for helping with the proposal – it finally happened at the foot of Mt Doom.

Happiness24415363020
November, 2025
(Source: TripAdvisor)

 We had room 211. We had a room with possibly the best views in the hotel. With it being a corner room, it had views down the lower slopes of Ruapehu and also of Mount Ngauruhoe. The room was nice and warm and also has a king-size bed. We went to the bar for a couple of hours. It is a fantastic place to chill out with lots of lovely leather couches and, of course, those mountain views. There is a great selection to choose from at the bar. We had dinner with our family in the restaurant. The grandkids enjoyed their meals, especially the included deserts. Our meals were nice and all were a good size. There was something on the menu for everyone. Later in the evening, we soaked in the spa for 30 minutes. The morning was a delight watching the mountains appear as it got light. Although everything was frozen outside, it was rosy warm inside. We had the buffet breakfast, which we enjoyed. Then, an easy check out, and we were on our way home. The Skotel is unique as it’s in a national park and also because of its elevation. So it’s not a flash new hotel and no television, but who cares. It’s a beautiful place to stay because of its environment and the whole team who are part of it. We will be back at some stage for another chill out weekend.

Phillip B
July, 2025
(Source: TripAdvisor)