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 lonnng 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?!
Outdoor terrace, coolest bars & restaurants, games room: be ready to book your next trip to New Zealand once you’re done reading this blog (over maybe even before) and let’s be honest, it’s one of the best and most beautiful country in the world.
Here are the best hostels in New Zealand:
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 New Zealand city centres
Best Hostels in New Zealand for solo travellers
Jailhouse Accommodation Hostel, Christchurch
Jailhouse Accommodation was rated 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
Trek Global Hostel
Trek is a fun place for backpackers around the world. 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
Best Hostel 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 gate-way 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
Ponsonby Backpackers, Auckland
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
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
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
Best Hostels In New Zealand City Centres
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 while being far from home. Being the most central accommodation in town, you’re just a few minutes away to 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
YHA Rotorua Hostel
YHA Rotorua Hostel is located in a modern buidling 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) or meet other backpackers during the BBQ’s 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 measures taken.
Hostel highlights:
- BBQ
- Outdoor terrace
- 24 hour reception
- Board games
Address: 1278 Haupapa Street, Roturua
Nearest station: Amohia Street
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 hostels is the perfect place to relax and disconnect. Located 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, sport games, 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
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 homy 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
We hope the hostels we chose helps you to discover this beautiful country. Let us know in the comments if you’ve stayed in one of our recommended hostels, or if you’d like to share a hostel that you think other backpackers shouldn’t miss in New Zealand.
Keep reading 
A guide to a working holiday in New Zealand
Backpacking New Zealand
Best hostels in Auckland
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