Best Hostels in New Zealand

There are lots of different types of hostels in New Zealand from large multinational chains to smaller locally run options. So which are best for solo travellers, couples, groups and families? 

Check out our recommendations for places to stay in popular locations like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown and Rotorua based on location, price, facilities and reviews:

 

Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in the north island and a great place to explore. You can find some of the best cafes, bars and restaurants in the country here. There are large international hostel chains and also smaller more cozy accommodation to choose from. 
 

Base Auckland

Base is one of the most popular backpacker hostels in Auckland and the building is huge with 2 cafés, a bar and a continental breakfast buffet. Base is an award-winning hostel and in an amazing location in the heart of Auckland and just moments away from the iconic Sky Tower. Choose between private guest rooms or dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities. Rooms are clean with air conditioning / heating for winter. One of the most impressive things about this hostel is the garden deck whilst the basement bar is very social and lively.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Bamber House

Bamber House is a lodge located in Mt Eden suburb of Auckland. Although outside of the city centre it is just a short bus ride or a 30 minute walk into town. This is a great value for money place to stay with free WiFi.

Check availability & compare prices on: Hostelworld

 

Ponsonby Backpackers

Ponsonby Backpackers is a popular place to stay and is located in one of the most central areas of Auckland. This is a small hostel with a friendly atmosphere and friendly staff.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

YHA Auckland International

YHA is a great option for somewhere to stay with good facilities and helpful staff. There is a communal kitchen, common areas and the choice of small and medium sized multishare rooms to twin, double and ensuite rooms. All types of travelers can be catered for and the rooms are great value compared to other accommodation in the city. The location is also amazing near the Queen Street which is close to lots of restaurants, cafes and bars.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Christchurch

Chrischurch is such a relaxing city and a great place to visit. Here are our top tips for where to stay:
 

YMCA Christchurch

We love the YMCA Christchurch and highly recommend staying here. It is centrally located next to the Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum and Hagley Park and so walking to all the main sights is easy. There is also a lot of choice for rooms including self-contained apartments, private rooms and shared dormitory-style rooms. Other benefits include free onsite parking as well as 24-hour reception, an onsite restaurant, a bar and a cafe.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Jailhouse Accommodation Christchurch

Looking for a totally unique place to stay? Check out this refurbished jail offering modern accommodation! The formerly Addington Prison has been totally renovated and now includes modern rooms, a café and a lounge with cinema projector. It is only 10 minutes’ walk from Christchurch Railway Station and has free parking and free WiFi.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Kiwi Basecamp

Kiwi Basecamp Backpackers is a cozy 5 star rated hostel with a good vibe and also a terrace with views of Christchurch. This is one of the best value hostels on our list.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the most spectacular cities in the world and the adventure capital of the world. Hostels here are amazing and most have breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
 

Nomads, Queenstown

If you are looking for somewhere relaxing to stay whilst exploring Queenstown look no further than Nomads. This hostel is clean, modern and has great facilities like rooms with balconies, a large kitchen, clean toilets, good showers and common areas. Unlike a lot of hostels in New Zealand this hostel doesn't have a bar but still you can bring drink and just socialize with other travellers. Lots of activities are also organised by the local staff including pub crawls and quiz nights. This is one of the best hostels in New Zealand - you won't regret staying here!

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

Adventure hostel is a small cozy place to stay with a maximum capacity of just 49 people. There are so many reasons to consider staying here including modern shared room rooms and organised activities 5 nights a week to make it easy to meet fellow travellers. There is a large kitchen, common areas and also terraces. Staff are very friendly and can help you to arrange sightseeing and activities.

Check availability & compare prices on: Hostelworld

 

The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers

The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers is located close to the Skyline Gondola and Luge, 750 yards from Shotover River and 3.6 miles from AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping - Kawarau Bridge. The mountain views from this hostel are specatcular and the facilities are top notch too. Stay here and you get free WiFi, a barbecue area, a shared kitchen, a shared lounge, a ticket service and a tour desk.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Absoloot Value Accommodation

Absoloot Value Accommodation is budget accommodation in a spectacular setting right on the lakefront of Queenstown. Choose from private rooms and dormitories, each room has heating/air conditioning and security card entry and free Wifi. There is a large communal kitchen, a games rooms with satellite TV and a tour desk that can arrange activities.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Bumbles Backpackers Queenstown

Bumbles Backpackers is an affordable and relaxed hostel with spectacular mountain views. The waterfront is literally right in front of the hostel and central Queenstown is just seconds away. By staying here you get great value for money, free unlimited WiFi, an elevated and relaxed living area with spectacular lake and mountain views, a large modern communal kitchen & dining area, off-street car and campervan parking travel and activities booking desk, free movies, outdoor decks to enjoy the view, a BBQ and large garden to relax.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Rotorua

Rotorua is a popular stop off on any New Zealand itinerary due to the thermal hotspings. Even though Rotorua is small, there are still lots of places to stay. Here are our top picks:
 

Rotorua Central Backpackers

Rotorua Central Backpackers is a new hostel with a garden, shared lounge, free WiFi and a hot tub! Central Rotorua is only moments away - this hostel is in a great location. Rooms are good value and staff are very friendly.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

YHA Rotorua

YHA Rotorua is an affordable place to stay with an outdoor deck with barbecue facilities, a modern shared kitchen, 2GB free WiFi per day and free on-site parking. This hostel is a few minutes walk from the city centre and also located next to Kuirau Park. Good value dormitory and private rooms are available.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

BASE Rotorua

BASE Rotorua is located right in the town centre and overlooks the spectacular Kuirau Geothermal Park. The hostel is amazing and features a large outdoor swimming pool - not many hostels have a pool! Choose between shared dormitory or private en suite rooms.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Wellington

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and a very relaxed city to visit. Find somewhere good to stay can really enhance your experience so check out our recommendations below:
 

YHA Wellington City

The YHA hostel in Wellington is centrally located and offers great value for money. The hostel is huge with 2 fully equipped kitchens and dining areas and a spacious guest lounge room with TV projection screen and free movie hire. You can choose between spacious and dormitory rooms to private rooms with queen-size bed and en suite bathroom. Free WiFi is available and staying here makes exploring Wellington easy.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Trek Global

Trek Global is a great place to stay and the location is perfect with Wellington’s CBD and the waterfront being only minutes away. The hostel has 4 (yes 4) communal kitchens, a barbecue area and free unlimited WiFi. Rooms are clean and fully heated.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

Nomads Capital Backpackers

Nomads Capital Backpackers is one of the most popular places to stay in Wellington due to the amazing location and extras you get. Included in the price you pay is free breakfast, free dinner and free tea and coffee! This will help you to save money if you are travelling on a budget. There is also modern rooms, shared kitchen facilities, lounge areas, 24 hour reception, laundry facilities and a private outdoor BBQ area. Nightly activities are also organised which is perfect if you are keen to meet other travellers.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

BASE Wellington

BASE is one of the most popular hostel chains in New Zealand and their Wellington hostel is highly recommended. This hostel is a short walk to nearby attractions and there is also amazing views from rooms. Rooms are clean and comfortable and competitively priced.

Check availability & compare prices on: Booking.com  I  Hostelworld

 

New Zealand Hostel Reviews

If you have been to stay at a good cheap hostel in New Zealand which we have missed leave feedback below to say why it should be included in our list.

 

Hostel Owner?

If you represent a hostel or property in New Zealand and would like to be featured on our website please contact us.

 

Related Pages

• New Zealand travel guide
• Australia best hostels