This country is built for travellers and there are some of the best hostels in the world here.View our guide to the best backpacker hostels and budget accommodation and book your perfect place to stay today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Zealand Hostel Reviews
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