The 10 Best Hostels in New Zealand
With its dreamy beaches, stunning mountains, magical waterfalls, dramatic lakes and national parks… New Zealand is certainly on every backpackers’ bucket list. And probably for a very long time, am I right? What if we helped you make that amazing travel decision by showing you some of the best hostels in the country?!
We have hostels with outdoor terraces, the coolest bars & restaurants and games rooms, all filled with backpackers ready to meet you! Get ready to book your next trip to New Zealand once you’re done reading this blog, or maybe even before. Let’s be honest, it’s one of the best and most beautiful countries in the world.
Jump straight to:
- Best hostels in New Zealand for solo travellers
- Best hostels in New Zealand for couples
- Best party hostels in New Zealand
- Best hostels in New Zealand with private rooms
- Best hostels in central New Zealand
Best hostels in New Zealand for solo travellers
Jailhouse Accommodation Hostel, Christchurch
Jailhouse Accommodation Hostel was rated the ‘Best Hostels in New Zealand and Oceania’, at the 2009 and 2013 Hoscars, and it’s not hard to see why. As its name suggests, this super quirky and cosy hostel is set in a historic former jail. It’s located just 20 minutes’ away from the Arts Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum and the Botanic Gardens. After exploring the city you’ll be happy to head back to the hostel and relax in the common areas with a big cup of coffee.
Hostel highlights:
- 24-hour reception
- Café
- Free city maps
- Board games & Pool table
- Bicycle hire
🏠 Address: 338 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch
🏘 Neighbourhood: Addington
🚊 Nearest station: Christchurch
Book your stay at Jailhouse Accommodation Hostel now
Trek Global Hostel
Trek is a fun place for backpackers from around the world to meet. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, or fancy a few days to explore Wellington, the culture capital of New Zealand, the staff of this hostel will give you the best tips and simply make you feel at home. If you’re riding solo, you’ll be happy to know that the hostel organises many free in-house activities, you can also rent a bike and explore the surroundings.
Hostel highlights:
- Board games
- Pool table & Foosball
- Tour/Travel desk
- BBQ
- Outdoor terrace
🏠 Address: 9 O’Reily Ave, Te Aro, Wellington
🏘 Neighbourhood: Te Aro
🚊 Nearest station: Willis Street at Flagstaff Lane
Book your stay at Trek Global Hostel now
Best hostels in New Zealand for couples
What about trying a hostel with your other half? You will get the super cool atmosphere you can only find in hostels, while enjoying the cosiness of a private room and hopefully some romance!
Bamber House Hostel is a beautiful colonial lodge located in the peaceful suburb of Mt Eden, Auckland. It’s the perfect getaway with your other half. After waking up and having a coffee in the garden with a beautiful view, you’ll be able to explore the surroundings, with a good choice of cool cafes, bars and shops just a short walk away. The atmosphere of the hostel is super chilled, away from the big city but close enough to enjoy the town’s attractions when it suits.
Hostel highlights:
- Tour/Travel desk
- Free city maps
- Garden
- Board games
- BBQ
🏠 Address:2 View Road, Mt Eden
🏘 Neighbourhood: Mount Eden
🚊 Nearest station: Mt Eden
Book your stay at Bamber House Hostel now
Ponsonby Backpackers Hostel is perfectly located in one of the most historical, funky and central areas of Auckland. It is a friendly little travellers haven run by backpackers, where you’ll be able to meet travellers from around the world. The staff have travelled almost everywhere, so they will be more than happy to give you the best tips and places to go to around the hostel. Welcome home!
Hostel highlights:
- Outdoor terrace
- Free city maps
- 24-hour reception
- Board games
🏠 Address:2 franklin rd , ponsonby, Auckland
🏘 Neighbourhood: Freemans Bay
🚊 Nearest station: Ponsonby Rd/Summer St
Book your stay at Ponsonby Backpackers Hostel now
Best party hostels in New Zealand
If you’re looking for a safe place to leave your backpack while partying the whole night, we’ve got you covered. Have a look at this hostel and let’s go party!
Base Auckland Hostel
If you want to really party during your visit to New Zealand, head straight to Base Auckland hostel. The staff and the travellers will give you the best time of your life. Be ready to explore the sights around the hostel, then enjoy a fresh beer (or two) at the bar… And have fun in the hostel’s nightclub. Cheers to that.
Hostel highlights:
- Bar & nightclub
- Café
- Pool table
- 24-hour security
🏠 Address: 229 Queen St, Darby Street, Auckland
🏘 Neighbourhood: Parnell
🚊 Nearest station: Britomart
Book your stay at Base Auckland Hostel now
Hekerua Lodge Backpackers Hostel
Escape to a subtropical island only 35 min by ferry from central Auckland. You’ll be able to chill in the hostel pool during the day, or explore the landscape and dream beaches just 5 minutes away. You will be happy to head back to the hostel after a busy morning on the beach to enjoy the BBQ, perfect to meet other travellers. Oh, did we also mention the hot spa? What else would you need after that.
Hostel highlights:
- Pool
- Board games
- Outdoor terrace
- BBQ
🏠 Address: 11 Hekerua Road
🏘 Neighbourhood: Oneroa
Book your stay at Hekeru Lodge Backpackers Hostel now
Best hostels in central New Zealand
You couldn’t be more central with these hostels – bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and sites – you will find everything just a few minutes from the hostels.
Adventure Queenstown Hostel
This is one of the best hostels to meet travellers from around the world while being in the heart of Queenstown. The maximum capacity of the hostel is 49 people, which makes it the perfect number for keeping a family and fun atmosphere. Being the most central accommodation in town, you’re just a few minutes away from the coolest bars, restaurants and clubs. Did we also mention that this awesome place has a beautiful terrace with amazing views?!
Hostel highlights:
- Free city maps
- Outdoor terrace
- Board games
- Bicycle hire
- BBQ
🏠 Address: Level 1, 36 Camp Street, Queenstown
🚊 Nearest station: Connels Mall/Camp St
Book your stay at Adventure Queenstown Hostel now
YHA Rotorua Hostel
YHA Rotorua Hostel is located in a modern building in the heart of the city, right beside Kuirau Park, Rotorua’s free geothermal attraction, and only two minutes away from shops, cafes, restaurants and the stunning Lake Rotorua. You will also be able to relax on the outdoor terrace with one drink (or two) and meet other backpackers during the BBQs organised by the hostel. This hostel is also an active member of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter – recycling, energy efficiency and biodegradable laundry powders are some of the environmental measures taken.
Hostel highlights:
- BBQ
- Outdoor terrace
- 24 hour reception
- Board games
🏠 Address: 1278 Haupapa Street, Roturua
🚊 Nearest station: Amohia Street
Book your stay at YHA Rotorua Hostel now
Best hostels in New Zealand with private rooms
If you’re a born traveller but you’d like to keep some privacy while exploring the world, don’t worry. These hostels have super cosy private rooms, just perfect for you.
Oaklands Lodge Hostel
This hostel is the perfect place to relax and disconnect. Located in a large Victorian lodge, you will be able to chill in a cosy private room after a long day exploring the surroundings. The hostel organises many activities like shared meals, movie nights, BBQ’s, quiz evenings, sports, laser tag and many other activities. You will simply feel at home.
Hostel highlights:
- Free city maps
- Garden
- BBQ
- Book Exchange
🏠 Address: 5A Oaklands Road, Mt Eden
🏘 Neighbourhood: Mount Eden
🚊 Nearest station: Mt Eden Village
Book your stay at Oaklands Lodge Hostel now
Absoloot Value Accommodation
This cool hostel has been designed for backpackers. Absoloot Value Accommodation has a maximum occupancy of 82, which makes it just perfect to meet other travellers while keeping a cosy homey vibe. The Lounge Room is open 24 hours and is equipped with a Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and many other board games… Not to mention the massive TV, perfect for movie nights. If you’re looking for some quiet time, head to the reading corner, and enjoy!
Hostel highlights:
- Games room
- PlayStation
- Free city maps
- 24 hour reception
🏠 Address: 50 Beach St, Queenstown
🚊 Nearest station: Queenstown
Book your stay at Absoloot Value Accomodation Hostel now
We hope the hostels we chose helps you discover this beautiful country. Let us know in the comments if you’ve stayed in one of these hostels, or if you’d like to share a hostel that you think other backpackers shouldn’t miss in New Zealand.
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