About

Ariki Backpackers is a fun, friendly, laid-back hostel in the heart of New Plymouth. Ariki Backpackers offers a range of dooms, including a female only dorm, private rooms, and a family room. Sleeps up to 42. Ideal for sports teams young and old, also tour and social groups.

Reception opening hours: 9am-1pm (Closed 1-4pm), open for checking in from 4-8pm. Late arrivals need to make prior arrangements.

10 things you may not know about New Plymouths Ariki Backpackers:

1.Ariki Backpackers is only 100 meters away from New Plymouths city bus centre.
2.Ariki Backpackers is only 100 meters away from the Taranaki's, world famous Len Lye Wind Wand.
3.Ariki Backpackers is 100 meters away from New Zealand's award winning Coastal walkway.
4.Ariki Backpackers is 100 meters away from New Zealand's award winning Puke Ariki Library and Museum.
5.Ariki Backpackers is 100 meters away from the amazing Tasman Sea.
6.Ariki Backpackers is 100 meters away from up to 10 cafes.
7.Ariki Backpackers is 100 meters away from New Plymouth's and Taranaki's largest shopping complex Centre City, with over 60 shops and a international food court.
8. Ariki Backpackers is situated above New Plymouth's Good Home Restaurant/Bar and Icons Sports Bar, which has over 20 TVs to watch all of your favourite sports, and has Stone Grill Dinning (Accordingly, Thursdays - Saturdays it is very noisy at the hostel between 11pm-3am.)
9.Ariki Backpackers can assist in any of your Taranaki experiences from learning to surf to Climbing the summit of Mt Taranaki.. Shuttle and tours arranged upon request.
10.'World's best places to live" - voted in 2008 [ view article ].

House Rules

Check In

16:00 - 20:00

Check Out

until 10:00

Taxes Included

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Facilities

Free City Maps
Free WiFi
Free Internet Access
Free Luggage Storage
Bicycle Parking
Luggage Storage
Housekeeping
Reception (limited hours)

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Reviews

8.6Fabulous(651)

Value for Money
8.4
Security
8.6
Atmosphere
8.3
Cleanliness
8.5
Staff
9.3
Location
8.9
Facilities
8.4

Stayed in Jun 2026

Mia

Female, 25-30, Canada

Excellent hostel literally right next to the intercity bus stop and the museum/isite. Also a stones throw from the foreshore. This hostel has that magic, everyone is really friendly and social, which is assisted by the cozy atmosphere of the kitchen and shared spaces. The beds are comfortable and the shower is hot with good pressure. Can you ask for more?

Stayed in May 2026

9.7

Rachel

Female, 25-30, England

The hostel is very central, the staff very welcoming and kind! The room had an en-suite but there were extra toilets available and the kitchen was huge, lots of storage in fridges! It was a very welcoming atmosphere to meet people and chat! I felt comfortable walking around the property and they had very good security on the doors (codes and keys), this made me feel very safe! The property was clean and the rooms were cleaned daily, plus the bed was very comfortable but low so I couldn’t sit up.

Stayed in May 2026

9.4

Andrew

Male, 18-24, England

A great hostel for socialising. Can seem a bit rough around the edges at first but it has a real charm to it. Its also one of the most trusting hostels I have ever stayed at

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Location

25 Ariki Street, Taranaki, New Plymouth, New Zealand

0.3km from city centre

About New Plymouth

Gleaming modern buildings against the towering peak of a snow-capped volcano: that's what you'll get in New Plymouth. On the western shore of New Zealand's North Island, this major city combines urban fun with a windswept coastal backdrop. Stroll around botanical gardens and cool art galleries in town or head straight to the beach to surf and look for penguins. Further afield, you can delve into New Zealand's famously jaw-dropping natural sights with trips to forests, waterfalls and national parks.

Stay in a New Plymouth hostel that first opened as a hotel in the 1920s or pick an ultra-modern place with communal spaces for meeting other travellers. To be close to nature, choose a hostel in seven acres of lush valley. Lots of New Plymouth backpackers hostels offer free Wi-Fi, so it's easy to keep in touch with home. You can grill yourself some burgers at a hostel with a barbecue or grab a cold beer at a spot with its own on-site bar.

The centre of New Plymouth has everything you need to get to know the town. Come here for surf shops, cool bars and new art galleries. Okato is a small village not far away if you'd prefer a rural spot with access to swimming holes along the Hangatahua River. For something a bit different, the Sugar Loaf Islands were once a volcano but today play host to canyons, reefs and sandy beaches just waiting for visits from explorers.

Get a view of the town from above at Paritutu Rock, a popular place with climbers. You can also tackle 12.7km of Taranaki coast by foot or bike on New Plymouth's famous Coastal Walkway. Learn about Maori history at the Puke Ariki Museum, where free entry makes it an ideal option for budget backpackers. The mirrored facade of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery alone is worth a photo, not to mention the work by local artists inside. Grab a surfboard and head to either Fitzroy Beach or Back Beach for the best of the waves.

From New Plymouth Airport, it'll take you around 12 minutes to get to the city via taxi or hired car. If you're coming from Auckland or beyond, intercity buses will drop you at the main New Plymouth bus station in the centre of town. To get around, you can go green and hire a bicycle, hail a local bus or rent a car.

Ariki Backpackers

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About New Plymouth

About New Plymouth