18 Hostels in Queenstown, New Zealand

About Queenstown

You’re either on this page because a.) You’ve never been to Queenstown, but you’ve heard it’s a real good time, b.) You’ve been and you’re ready for round 2/3/4 of a real good time or, c.) you’re procrastinating from doing something and searching for your next trip seems like a good idea to you. Let’s face it, a trip to Queenstown - the adventure capital of New Zealand, is never a bad idea.

Not only does Queenstown have an unbeatable list of things to do, but it also boasts some great hostels. As there’s so much to experience, book a Queenstown hostel with friendly staff who will help you get planning (that’s all of them!). There are hostel bar crawls, games nights and BBQs. You’ll find free hot soup, every evening for the ski season in one hostel and even a spa pool too. There’s free Wi-Fi available and plenty of dorms to rest your head. For couples and those after their own sleeping space book a private room, en-suites available too.

If you are planning to make your way down to Queenstown for the snow season, then choosing a hostel in Queenstown along the main road in town will make your life a whole lot easier. This will also allow you to save money on taxis after a big night on the town by conveniently walking (or stumbling) home. Stay in Fernhill if you’re here for the nature as you’ll be near the hiking and cycling routes. If you’re looking for an airport-handy base then Frankton is the place to stay, it’s cute too with markets and Kawaru Bridge – where the world’s first commercial bungee jump stands.

If it's not obvious by now, you will not find yourself lost for things to do while you’re in Queenstown, no matter the length of your stay. In the winter, Queenstown turns into a mini winter wonderland with stunning snow-capped mountains. From winter sports to bungy jumping to skydiving to jet boat rides through a canyon to funyaking on the Dart River, you won’t find yourself short of things to do. For a more mellow day hop on a day tour to Milford Sound and allow the fiords to put your ‘worries’ into perspective. Not to mention, come nightfall Queenstown puts on some impressive nightlife with pub crawls on 5 nights of the week!

Owing to Queenstown’s size getting around by foot is the best way to go. If you want to explore further out, hire bikes - push or electric (for those not so keen on working the calves) to adventure to one of the many bike tracks in and around the town and its picture-perfect mountains. Buses are your form of transport in terms of getting to and from the ski slopes unless you rent your own car. If you do this, be sure you know how to put chains on your wheels during the winter months. Flying in from Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch is easy as Queenstown has its own airport. Travellers also arrive on the various backpacker buses.