1. Tell us your story. How did Haka House get started?

Haka as a tourism brand in NZ has a long history, with founder Ryan Sanders launching the first accommodation arm, Haka Lodges, in 2011 to accommodate growing numbers on the touring side of the business.

An amalgamation of assets between GCP Hospitality and Haka Tourism Group, created Haka House Hostels, which will operate 13 hostels across 11 centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Launching our new brand, Haka House Hostels in December 2023 saw the release of our first six hostels to open in Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook, Christchurch, Auckland, Franz Josef and Rotorua. The balance of locations will complete renovations and rebrand by mid-2024.

2. What makes Haka House different from your competitors?

Haka House Hostels is New Zealand’s biggest asset of hostels, with 1,800 beds across 13 properties in 11 iconic destinations in the North and South Island. Fully renovated properties accommodate a segment of the market seeking a higher standard of amenities, technology and more sustainable travel experiences.

Vibrant spaces, cosy communal spaces combined with well-designed rooms supplying high speed internet connections, USB A and C charging capabilities, fully-equipped kitchen and BBQ courtyards all help to foster greater social connection amongst travellers, emphasising a community-driven atmosphere.

3. What is your favourite success story from your organisation?

Our favourite success story would have to be ending 2023 having only just launched our new brand, and successfully rebranding six of our properties to Haka House. With this came the launch of our new website, socials, Haka House App and getting our staff into new uniforms!

A labour of love over the last eighteen months from a very passionate and dedicated team. This was the ultimate highlight.

4. What can we expect to see from Haka House in the future?

Right now, our future is focussed on launching the remainder of our new portfolio, with the completion of all 13 properties being rebranded and renovated by mid-2024. We are super excited to have a full portfolio of properties open so people can travel nationwide under our brand.

5. Which trends do you see in educational and active youth travel?

• We are seeing a big focus towards sustainable travel. Not only from companies but also FIT guests seeking to book with companies that have a sustainable focus. We have ambitions to be BCorp certified.
• There is a marked increase in the blend of work and travel with digital nomads, and bleisure travellers seeking spaces that can not only accommodate adventures/experiences, but also work.

6. How do you work to ensure the health and safety of young travellers involved with Haka House?

• Currently we are working towards Qualmark certification endorsement, which externally assesses all facets of the business, from our operations through to our processes – including health and safety practises.
• We have extensive company-wide policies around operational health and safety, emergency procedures, and a comprehensive app for management of maintenance.

7. What was your motivation to join WYSE Travel Confederation?

We are part of the youth and student travel industry, so it makes sense to join forces with the global community and interact with the global industry focussed on this sector. It is a great opportunity to present our new portfolio commercially, but also to build connections across the network at a purely youth- and student-dedicated event. We see WYSE Travel Confederation as a network of industry leaders that we can learn so much from.

8. Have you attended a WYSE Travel Confederation event? (WYSTC, STAY WYSE, WYSE Exchange Australia, WETM-IAC) If so, what was your experience with the event?

No, this is actually Haka House Hostels FIRST International trade show, and it is also my first time at STAY WYSE. I’m excited to connect and build networks, gain insight and inspiration from everyone.