Haka House Lake Tekapo Review — Private Room (2026)

Here’s my review of Haka House Lake Tekapo, a guesthouse situated right in front of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand’s South Island. The property offers both dormitory-style shared rooms and private rooms for up to two guests — this review covers my stay in a private room. With a 4Square supermarket and solid restaurants within walking distance, and Lake Tekapo literally on the doorstep, the location is simply unbeatable.

Exterior

The building has a typical New Zealand small-town feel — compact and tidy. There’s also parking available, which is convenient for those on a road trip with a rental car.

Check-in & Information

At check-in, staff hand out an information sheet covering house rules, nearby attractions, and checkout procedures. A helpful touch, especially for first-time visitors to Tekapo.

Private Room

The private room is compact but well-organised. There’s enough space for two, natural light comes through the window, and everything you need is in place.

One standout feature: the private room comes with its own en-suite bathroom and shower booth. For a guesthouse, having a private shower rather than a shared one is a significant plus.

2nd Floor Lounge

The second floor has a comfortable lounge area with sofas and tables. After a long day of sightseeing, this was a great spot to unwind. The vibe is relaxed and it’s a natural place to strike up a conversation with fellow travellers.

Nearby 4Square Supermarket

There’s a 4Square supermarket just a short walk from the property. It stocks a solid range of ready-made meals, fresh produce, snacks, and drinks. Given how expensive eating out in Tekapo can get, picking up groceries here is a smart move.

Shared Kitchen & DIY Lamb Steak

The view from the shared kitchen window. Cooking with scenery like this is something only Tekapo can offer.

I picked up fresh lamb from 4Square and borrowed some seasoning from a neighbour in the next room to cook up a lamb steak in the shared kitchen. New Zealand lamb, cooked fresh on-site — it was surprisingly delicious and ended up being one of the most memorable moments of the trip. The shared kitchen is a huge bonus for long-term travellers or anyone looking to save on food costs.

Nearby Restaurant — Kohan Restaurant

Kohan Restaurant, just a short walk from the property, is a Japanese restaurant with a stunning view of Lake Tekapo. The bento box was particularly good, and eating it with the lake right outside the window made the price feel completely worth it. Highly recommended during your Tekapo visit.

The View Right Outside

This is the view you get the moment you step outside the door. The turquoise water of Lake Tekapo stretches out in front of you, and seeing it for the first time is genuinely breathtaking. The location alone gives this property a strong case for being the top choice in Tekapo.

Overall Verdict

Haka House Lake Tekapo is hard to beat on location — you’re right in front of one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. The shared kitchen and lounge are well-maintained, and the private room’s en-suite is a genuine differentiator for a guesthouse.

That said, the price was steep: around NZD 200 per night for a private room in mid-February peak season. If you have a rental car, an Airbnb a little further from the town centre could offer better value. Weigh up the convenience of the location against the cost before booking.