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.

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.

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.

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!

Really cool little place to stay. John the owner is quite a character and really friendly. Lots of fruit trees around and kittens to cuddle. Our family stayed for the night as it was a last minute decision to stay in Hastings and John was really accommodating with the room and with places to go and things to see around the region. Thank you 😊