For most of us, while Auckland isn’t the main destination, it is the unavoidable entrance when travelling to New Zealand.
Auckland is often seen as the gate-keeper of New Zealand. Many people aren’t aware that in its own right, is, in fact, an awesome and fascinating city, with epic hostels waiting to host you!
Auckland can be awesome, if you are willing to spend a few days there. You’ll find a ton of interesting things to do and sites to see in the city of sails! Whatever you want to get into, you can get there from the main but station in the city centre easily.
Whether you’re going north or south, Auckland has some cool shit to do and hostels to stay in. Which is exactly why I made this post of the best hostels in Auckland.
The thing is, Auckland is a SPRAWLING city, so knowing what hostels good for you and what you want to do can be niggly. But, I got you!
With me, you’ll get an idea of where to stay in Auckland hostels so you can explore this vastly underrated city.
Let’s look into the best hostels in Auckland!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Auckland
- Best Overall Hostel in Auckland – Haka Lodge Auckland
- Best Hostel in Auckland for Solo Travelers – The Attic Backpackers
- Best Cheap Hostel in Auckland – Lylo Auckland
- Best Party Hostel in Auckland – Hekerua Lodge Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Auckland – Verandahs Parkside Lodge
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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The 5 Best Hostels in Auckland
I’ve listed my favourite Auckland hostels to make sorting your trip easier. I haven’t only listed them, though – I’ve divided them into different categories so you can spot your fave in an instant. As I mentioned above, the city isn’t small, so deciding where to stay in Auckland can be a bit tricky.
Whether you’re a party-loving backpacker bouncing through Auckland or a digital nomad looking for somewhere as cheap as chips to park up. Whether you love the solo sociable vibe, or want to feel the love with a significant other, here are the best hostels in Auckland.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
1. Haka Lodge Auckland – Best Overall Hostel in Auckland
- Dorm (mixed): From $23/night
- Private Room: From $72/night
- Address: 373 Karangahape Road, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
A new addition to Auckland’s hostel scene, Haka Lodge Auckland is modern, comfortable, and appealing in a great location. Suitable for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends, different-sized dorms sleep from five to 20 in bunk beds and there are private rooms too. Haka Lodge is clean and homely with all the mod cons, even a mini cinema!
In a great location, on K Road (Karangahape Rd), you’ll be plenty entertained with the comings and goings around Haka Lodge. This is the vibrant (unacknowledged) city centre of Auckland, a cultural melting pot for drag shows, op shops and start-ups. There’s abundant free wifi at Haka Lodge so you’ll be able to plan out your day trip before you leave the hostel.
Why you’ll love this Hostel:
- Full Kitchen
- Hot Showers
- Lovely Staff
There’s no need to feel shy at bedtime; all beds have a curtain which is always a welcome touch. There are ample power outlets and places to sit and work if that’s what you’re up to. The extensive DVD selection for the mini cinema is a nice addition to the stock standard communal areas. There’s a full kitchen to make use of too, which is handy but the supermarket is a bit of a hike away.
If you’ve got the cash to splash, there are epic cafes, bars and restaurants along K Road. I recommend heading out and enjoying the nightlife (hopefully with your new Haka Lodge friends) and getting brekkie in the morning in St Kevins Arcade. At Haka Lodge, there’s a sociable vibe in the communal lounge area and yet plenty of peace and quiet at night, the perfect balance.
2. The Attic Backpackers – Best Hostel in Auckland for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $28/night
- Private Room: From $80/night
- Address: 15-31 Wellesley Street West Level 5, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
Friendly, relaxing, and centrally located, The Attic Backpackers is a top hostel (literally, top floor) in Auckland. There’s a large outdoor terrace for prime chill-out time, a sociable dining area, a tour desk, a book exchange, and a kitchen. Wi-Fi is free and you can scour the jobs board for the latest vacancies if you’ve fallen in love with the city and wanna stay.
This is a penthouse hostel but don’t worry about having to climb the stairs each time you go in and out—there’s an elevator. Lazy people rejoice! But if you want to stay fit on vacay, you can definitely hit those stairs, don’t let anyone stop you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great location
- Close to the Sky Tower
- Self Catering Facilities
Laundry and luggage storage are available too, which is super handy. If you’re here in the limbo of a flight, there’s a day rate option so you can stay after check out and keep using the facilities. The common room at The Attic has a big vibe and is great for making and hanging out with new friends.
There are female-only dorms as well as well as mixed dormitories at The Attic with anywhere between two to 14 bunk beds. There’s an over-18 policy, and private rooms available, so this is a great shag-pad if you’re hooking up on the road. You’re also near the main bus station so getting around from Auckland is easy.
3. Lylo Auckland – Best Cheap Hostel in Auckland
- Dorm (mixed): From $40/night
- Private Room: From $56/night
- Address: 54 Cook Street, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
Lylo Auckland is a place to make your own – you’re welcome to come in and kick back, everything’s easy, and life is good. And cheap, an epic choice if you’re a solo traveller, or for the crew! Lylo Auckland has a fun, warm vibe to it with so many cosy communal areas, it’s mellow whether you’re living it up or lying low.
A base to explore from and a home away from home to return to. Lylo Auckland has put heart and soul into making sure its space is welcoming to everyone and a great place to visit. Whether you’re a couple looking for a private room, or a broke backpacker wanting to mingle with people in the same waka (boat).
No wakas (no worries… Makes sense..? Na, neither bro. Kiwi slang is something else!).
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wifi
- Laundry facilities
- Luggage Storage
Enjoy a bit of privacy in the pod beds in dorms that sleep up to ten at Lylo Auckland. With the option to book out the whole dorm if you’re travelling with a crew, you get the bonus of a free meal. This is a sweet money-saving tip for my broke backpacker homies trynna bring down the average price of a night in the big smoke.
One of the best hostels in Auckland, Lylo isn’t in the city centre, but still a great location, within walking distance of the Sky Tower. Miss Lucy’s is the bar downstairs from Lylo Auckland and a bumping place to start your night. Whether you’re having a coupley drinks before heading into town or munching back a meal with new friends, Miss Lucy’s will take care of you.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Hekerua Lodge Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in Auckland
- Dorm (mixed): From $18/night
- Address: 11 Hekerua Road Oneroa, 1081 Oneroa, New Zealand
Experience the enticing island life just 35 minutes from downtown Auckland with a stay at Hekerua Lodge Backpackers on Waiheke Island. With gorgeous beaches like Oneroa are right at your fingertips and nature all around, Waiheke Island needs to be on your Auckland itinerary. The party vibe is strong here and there are loads of sociable activities, like pizza nights, yoga classes, quizzes, drinking games, and paddleboarding.
Bliss out in the pool, steam room, and hot tub for a little TLC if the hangovers get a bit too much. There’s a kitchen where you can cook your catch after a day of fishing (probably hopeful but it’s a great yarn). There’s a lush lounge and a terrace that catches so much sun, that you might look like a lobster yourself!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super social
- Great location
- Family run
This popular hostels a backpacker’s dream, tucked away enough to feel off the beaten track, but attractive enough to have an epic social vibe. With a true family feeling, you’ll be welcome to cook outside on the BBQ and make new lifetime friends from this Waiheke Island paradise.
Explore the nudie beaches, the surf beaches and the quiet secluded bays of Waiheke all day and taste the island’s finest wine by night. Even if you just come here for a day trip from Auckland, do the mish, it’s worth it!
While not exaaaaaactly a party hostel, the atmosphere at Hekerua Lodge is fun and lively, everyone who comes through seems to enjoy a good time! You’ll have the option of staying in a four or six-bed dorm, this place is not one of those mass-produced hostel chains. It’s an intimate insight into local Waiheke Island life in Aotearoa, and if you don’t know that means getting on the piss, you’re about to.
5. Verandahs Parkside Lodge – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Auckland
- Dorm (mixed): From $24/night
- Private Room: From $44/night
- Address: 6 Hopetoun St, Freemans Bay , 1011 Auckland, New Zealand
Calling all digital nomads and flashpackers in Auckland! Are you sick of sleeping in bunk beds in popular hostels and still want to maintain a modest budget? Verandahs Parkside Lodge could be just the Auckland hostel you’re looking for.
Verandahs Parkside Lodge is close to trendy bars, restaurants, op-shop shopping and up-market shopping, the hostel is split between two awesome historic villas. Dorms are small, sleeping four or five, and the single and double rooms make it great for privacy-loving solo travellers too. Chill outdoors and admire the views from the spacious verandahs and the pretty garden, hang out in the lounge, and bliss out.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Desks in rooms
- Laundry Facilities
- Great Location
In the heart of the city centre, not only is Verandahs Parkside Lodge in a great location, it’s surrounded by a garden. So you can have that bliss time, or really zone into your work and also know that everything you need is on your doorstep. There are lots of lovely big tables around to park up at, otherwise, if you need your own space, book a room with a desk.
The kitchen is large and clean too so you can save on that big city spending (and time away from work) by cooking for yourself. Enjoy your meals on the large verandah Parkside Lodge is named for and (hopefully) soak up some sun in the city of sails.
One thing to consider is if you’re bringing a car, maybe try and don’t. The parking is pretty expensive in the city and the public transport is pretty good, you’re near the main bus station. This being said, there are so many epic roadtrips from Auckland, I’d do my city stint, then get a car and venture on!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Auckland Hostels
And that’s not all folks … keep reading to discover some more of my favourite hostels in Auckland. Make sure to check out all of the amazing things that Auckland has to offer too.
6. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $22/night
- Private Room: From $60/night
- Address: 421 Sea View Road, 1081 Onetangi, New Zealand
If you’re more of a beach bum than a city sightseer, Waiheke Backpackers Hostel could be the perfect Auckland base for you. Around 40 minutes by bus from Auckland’s city centre, chill on the sands of Onetangi Beach, enjoy surfing, hit up beachfront cafes, and tour local vineyards. Throw something tasty on the BBQ, prepare meals in the well-equipped kitchen, and chill in the shared lounge or on the terrace.
There’s free Wi-Fi at this Auckland backpackers hostel, though do note that towels are not available. There aren’t many hostels on Waiheke Island but this is a goodie!
7. Metro Adventurer Backpackers
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Address: 51 Hobson Street, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
The new Metro Adventurer Backpackers is a top hostel in Auckland for backpackers wanting to stay close to lively Queen Street without breaking the bank. Dorms are available for between four and ten and there are two shared kitchens to cater for a large number of guests. All beds have USB and regular charging points and each guest has a locker.
Bedding is provided, though, like many hostels, you’ll need to have your own towel or rent one at the hostel. Relax and meet other travellers in the common room, complete with a TV, board games, and a book exchange.
8. BK Hostel
- Private Room: From $30/night
- Address: 3 Mercury Lane, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
A clean, comfortable, secure and one of the best budget hostels in Auckland, BK Hostel is filled with friendly and homey vibes. In the city centre and with a below average price, there’s heaps to do from the moment you step out the door. Discounts are available for long term stays, making this a potentially great option for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and people working in New Zealand.
Challenge your fellow travellers to a game of pool, stay connected with the free Wi-Fi, watch TV, and cook a tasty meal in the kitchen. No need to lug your backpacks up this hostels stairs—there’s an elevator!
9. Nomads Auckland
- Private Room: From $33/night
- Address: 16-20 Fort Street, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
A bustling, lively hostel in the heart of Auckland, not the fanciest hostel on the block but a great, cheap hostel for budget backpackers. The on-site hot tub and steam room are free to use, and you’ll also get free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee for a low price. Regular activities are arranged for a cheap price and you can save more dollars by cooking your own meals in the kitchen.
These hostels are in the city centre and there’s a big common room and an onsite restaurant/bar.
10. Frienz
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Private Room: From $50/night
- Address: 27 Victoria Street East, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
With something happening every evening, backpackers staying at the cool Frienz hostel can look forward to a good time! With pub crawls, movie nights, free ice cream, free BBQs, party nights, and more, it’s easy to make friends at Frienz. Probably the coolest hostel in Auckland city centre, there’s a separate dedicated smoking area, a roof terrace, a kitchen, a travel kiosk, and a lounge.
Designed to meet the needs of modern travellers, you’ll also find laundry facilities and lockers and an average price. While desktop internet access is free, you’ll need to fork out for Wi-Fi if you want to use your own devices. This hostels pretty close to the Sky Tower too, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere!
11. YMCA Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $32/night
- Private Room: From $70/night
- Address: Cnr of Pitt St & Greys Ave, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
There’s no need to feel down at the YMCA Hostel in Auckland city centre! Free BBQ nights, a games room with ping pong, pool, board games, and foosball, a lounge with Sky TV, a book exchange, and basic fitness equipment… Plenty of toys that will keep you and your new buddies entertained.
You’ll find self-catering and laundry facilities too—you still need to take care of the practical stuff! Within walking distance of Queen Street, Karangahape Road, and Ponsonby, the city centre location couldn’t get much better. A great youth hostel in Auckland, where students are welcome, but with no free Wi-fi, this isn’t the best hostel for digital nomads in Auckland.
12. YHA Auckland City
A top hostel in Auckland, close to Queen Street and the vibrant city centre, YHA Auckland City has private rooms and mixed and single-sex dorms. Meet others in the kitchen and common room, head out to the deck for a BBQ in the sunshine, and relax in the steam room. A TV, DVDs, free Wi-Fi, and book exchange keep you busy in your downtime.
There are laundry facilities, luggage storage, lockers, and round-the-clock security, it has everything you could need for your stay in Auckland city.
13. Fat Cat Travellers Community
The below average price not only includes free breakfast and all the usuals, like a common room, kitchen and Wi-Fi… But hungry backpackers can also feast on healthy vegan meals each evening—for free! Just half an hour outside the city, it’s the cool experiences and hippy vibe that make this a real winner.
Help out on the farm (though you don’t have to), learn more about sustainable living, and join tons of interesting workshops. Social issues, peace, and the environment reign supreme, expect campfires, yoga, singing, dancing, music, nature, and friendship. If this is your vibe check out Auckland’s eco lodges!
14. Queenstreet Backpackers
Single, twin and double rooms are available at Queenstreet Backpackers in addition to dorms for between four and eight. Especially handy, the two extra “powder rooms” let guests use hairdryers, put makeup on, and use sinks without clogging up the bathrooms. With two kitchens too, there’s no need to hang around hungry and impatient.
Start your day with a free breakfast, quite a rarity for Auckland’s hostels, and surf the net with free Wi-Fi. The onsite bar, spacious TV lounge, and pool tables, combined with the friendly vibe, make this a great hostel in Auckland for solo travellers to meet new buddies.
15. Borders Beyond
A recommended hostel in Auckland for anyone hoping to work in New Zealand, the up-to-date jobs board alerts you of potential opportunities. There is free Wi-Fi and you can use the telephone to call about jobs making your search a bit easier. The friendly staff members might be able to give you a heads up too and staying here is cheaper than the average price of hostels.
Peaceful and secure, the hostel is located a five-minute bus ride from the centre of Auckland. There are tons of facilities, including lockers, kitchen, TV lounge, laundry facilities, book exchange, and terrace. Do note: a small payment is needed for hot showers and towels are not provided.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Auckland
You’ve gotta have good hostel insurance, especially in expensive countries like New Zealand.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ about Hostels in Auckland
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Auckland.
What to Pack for your Auckland Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Auckland??
The cost of a hostel stay in Auckland depends on the hostels room type and the location. The average price is NZD$45 for dorm rooms, while private room costs range from $45 – $120.
What are the best hostels in Auckland for couples?
Verandahs Parkside Lodge is an amazing hostel for couples in Auckland. It’s comfy and a great location close to bars and restaurants.
What are the best hostels in Auckland near the airport?
The Attic is my pick for the best hostel near the airport in Auckland. It is accessible by direct airport bus from the Sky Tower.
Final Thoughts on Auckland’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Auckland has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! There is obviously so much to see and do once you leave the city, but Auckland has some cool shit in it too. There’s the beautiful Waiheke Island, stunning beaches on both the Islands and the main lands shores and lots of unique nooks to explore.
If you’re still deliberating which of these epic hostels to stay in, Lylo Auckland is probably the best typical hostel experience you’ll find. With their pod beds, co working spaces and bar downstairs, Lylo Auckland is a big vibe. And a great hub to meet like minded travellers to potentially continue on your trip with.
If you’re looking for a more budget friendly stay (I feel ya!) Verandahs Parkside lodge is my number one pick. The private room with a desk was perfect for my time in the city of sails. And I loved the freedom to cook in the big kitchen and enjoy meals in the garden or on the Verandah.
Wherever you decide to stay, whatever you decide to do, I’m sure you’ll have a ball in Auckland, and on your onward travels! New Zealand is a BEAUTIFUL country, full of magic and wonder.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments, I’d love to chat!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in New Zealand for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Auckland covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Auckland before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
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