The 5 Best Hostels in New Zealand: 2024 Edition

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.

• Best Overall Hostel in New Zealand – The Marion Hostel
• Best Hostel in New Zealand for Solo Travellers – Adventure Queenstown Hostel
• Best Cheap Hostel in New Zealand – Tasman Bay
• Best Party Hostel in New Zealand – Nomads
• Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in New Zealand – Wanderlust

Need help deciding where to stay in New Zealand for your upcoming trip? These are without a doubt the BEST hostels in New Zealand. Whether you’re heading north, south or anywhere in between… I’ve got ya covered with the creme de la creme of hostels in New Zealand.

Let’s dive into the ULTIMATE hostels to transform your New Zealand backpacking trip from decent to f*cking legendary.

1. The Marion Hostel (Wellington) – Best Overall Hostel in New Zealand

• Dorm (mixed): From $41
• Address: 13-15 Marion Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand

Ok, peeps, this is what we are all here for….what hostel takes the top place for the BEST hostel in New Zealand? Drum roll, please… The Marion Hostel! Nestled into the gorgeous city of Wellington, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Cuba Street, you’ll find this ELITE hostel.

So, what makes The Marion say great? The hostel is immaculate it is looked after so bloody well (which if you’re a hostel dweller, you know can be a rarity). They offer FREE breakfast twice a week and FREE dinner once a week. On top of that, that is a movie room so you can get cosy and watch a few flicks – pop that popcorn, baby!!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Free pancakes on Sundays
• Movie room
• Fully-equipped kitchen
• Clean!!
• Great location

The Marion offers free city tours, good storage, and the kitchen is stocked with free tea, coffee, oil and spices! How bloody good, right? This palce just keeps on getting better. Oh and did I mention there is a rooftop terrace that looks over Cuba Street?

You don’t just have to trust me either, this hostel wins awards year after year. So they are obviously doing something right!

2. Adventure Queenstown Hostel (Queenstown) – Best Hostel in New Zealand for Solo Travellers

• Dorm (mixed): From $32
• Address: Level 1, 36 Camp Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

This gorgeous hostel is smack bang in the middle of town and is the ULTIMATE hostel in New Zealand for solo travellers. Adventure Queenstown Hostel runs daily social events to make it super easy for you to meet new friends from all over the world.

They are a smaller hostel (max capacity of 50) but I like it like that. It’s more personal and gives the place a family-esque-type vibe. The energy is chill but there is a lot of fun to be had here.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Air conditioning/ heat pump in dorm rooms
• Balcony with views
• Social events
• Fully-equipped kitchen

Although you’ll be in a GREAT location, right in the middle of town, you won’t have to worry about noise as there are no bars directly next to the hostel (big sigh of relief). However, they are close enough if you want to join in the nightlife action.

The dorm rooms of comfy with soft bunk beds, two (!!) pillows, USB charging points and a reading light. You’ll also have your own storage lock under the bed and privacy curtains. Yep, these guys cover all bases.

3. Tasman Bay (Nelson) – Best Cheap Hostel in New Zealand

• Dorm (mixed): From $20
• Private Room: From $52
• Address: 10 Weka Street, Nelson, New Zealand

Warm, welcoming, family-run – this purpose-built Nelson backpackers hostel has a big selection of private rooms, which makes it good if you’re looking for a more hotel-y stay. There are dorm rooms, too, of course. This palce is an absolute vibe.

That’s because it’s oh-so whimsical: you can swing in a hammock among the lemon trees of the garden, or pedal around town on the free bikes It’s also very clean. Oh, and as a bonus, they serve up FREE food, including chocolate pudding and ice cream.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• FREE CHOCOLATE PUDDING (need I say more?)
• Great bang for your buck
• Hammocks
• Cool common spaces

It can get a little cold in the wintertime, but don’t worry, the cuties in the hostel have you covered with extra blankets and hot water bottles <3 It truly is a home away from home kinda place.

Nestled into the Tasman Bay in Nelson, you avoid some of the extortionate prices in places like Queenstown, particularly if you travel in low/ shoulder seasons. Hence why this is my fav cheap hostel in New Zealand!

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

4. Nomads (Queenstown) – Best Party Hostel in New Zealand

• Dorm (mixed): From $25
• Private Room: From $103
• Address: 5/11 Church Street, South Island, Queenstown, New Zealand

Located near the best party street in Queenstown, you won’t have to go before you hit the nightlife action. The vibes are social at this hostel so it won’t be hard to make a few new travel buds to head out to town with. It’s great for solo travellers and groups of mates who are after a f*cking good night out.

The hostel itself runs social events such as movie nights and pub crawls to encourage the mixing and the mingling. I love it when hostels make it easy to meet friends, thank you, Nomads <3

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Great location
• Party vibes
• Organised social events
• Views over the lake and mountains
• Free earplugs

Whether you’re a party couple after a hotel-style king room or a solo traveller after a dorm bed, there are loads of different options available to suit all travellers. The hostel has a kitchen, movie room and lounge with a roaring fireplace to keep you all snug in the wintertime.

Although this is a party hostel – it’s also a dry hostel (huh?!?!) Yep, you can’t drink on the premises… technically. But you are a stone’s throw from the best bars in town, so join the pub crawl and enjoy a few too many drinks on the town.

If you are NOT into partying, I would highly recommend not staying here. Due to its location, you’ll be right in the thick of the party and thus, the noise. The hostel offers free earplugs but you might as well book somewhere with less of a party vibe, if it’s not your thang.

5. Wanderlust (Tauranga) – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

• Dorm (mixed): From $35
• Private Room: From $95
• Address: 105 The Strand, Tauranga, New Zealand

Unfortunately, New Zealand hasn’t quite caught up with us nomads in terms of hostels. We are yet to see a fully-nomad-friendly hostel on the scene. However, there are definitely some hostels that fit the bill better for us remote workers. My top pick for nomads in New Zealand is Wanderlust – an EPIC hostel located in sunny Tauranga.

The free WiFi is top-notch, the nomad community in Tauranga is decent and there are plenty of communal spaces to perch up. Tauranga City has a ton of coworking spaces available to perch up in too – so you’ll be a stone’s throw from a proper workspace if you need it.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Great free WiFi
• Harbour views
• Close to coworking places
• Fully-equipped kitchen

There are delicious coffee shops and restaurants nearby, so you can make sure you’re kept fed and happy for your work day. There is also a kitchen at the hostel if you’d prefer to whip up your own meals.

Just over the harbour bridge, you’ll find some of the best beaches in New Zealand: Mount Maunganui and Papamoa. So, come the weekend – I can make a bet on where you’ll be :))

And if you want to go crazy, throw in the digital towel and get a job in the Bay – the hostel also offers help with finding local and seasonal jobs. Think bar work and picking kiwi fruit!

Though this major city on the north shore of the north island is a hub of things to do in itself (the views from the Sky Tower being one), the surrounding area is a mash of beautiful nature that really makes this a worthwhile place to base yourself – even if you’re not a fan of cities.

When it comes to Auckland’s hostels, not all of ’em have a super central location either, meaning you’ll be chilling in the suburbs of New Zealand’s largest city instead.

The Attic Backpackers

• Dorm (mixed): From $32
• Private Room: From $55
• Address: 15-31 Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand

Friendly, relaxing, and centrally located, The Attic Backpackers is a top hostel in Auckland. There’s a large terrace for prime chill-out time, a sociable dining area, a tour desk, a book exchange, and a kitchen. WiFi is free and you can scour the jobs board for all the latest vacancies.

Don’t worry about having to climb the stairs each time you go in and out—there’s an elevator! Laundry and luggage storage are available too, and there are female-only dorms as well as well as mixed dormitories. There’s an over-18 policy.

Haka Lodge Auckland

• Dorm (mixed): From $31
• Private Room: From $80
• Address: 373 Karangahape Rd, Auckland City, Auckland, New Zealand

If you wanna stay in a fun hostel with your partner, but also have enough space to chill out together, this place is the best hostel for couples in Auckland. The hostel has a range of rooms that are big with really comfy beds, including the private rooms with their en-suite bathrooms.

The chilled location of this Auckland backpackers hostel, downtown to be exact, is close to a few of sights and restaurants – and if you want to head into the buzz of the city centre you can reach it on foot.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

The capital city of New Zealand, on the southernmost portion of the north island, is, well, a bustling big city. Wellington’s hostels are popular and filled throughout most of the year. It’s a good place to base yourself if you’re gonna catch the ferry over to the south island, but aside from that, it’s a cool city to hang around in for a few days.

Make sure you know where to stay in Wellington before you book your accommodation! Get the iconic red Wellington cable car up to the botanic gardens, geek out over some nearby Lord of the Rings locations, and wander around the historic timber houses. You’ll love it. Oh, and it has the nickname ‘Windy Wellington’ apparently, which just kills us.

Nomads Capital Backpackers

• Dorm (mixed): From $18
• Private Room: From $79
• Address: 118 Wakefield Street, PO Box 11-247, Wellington, New Zealand

Well, if you’re looking for one of the coolest hostels in Wellington, this is it. If you like free food (and why the hell wouldn’t you??!) then you can stuff yourself silly every morning on pancakes, and then come back for the free dinner later on. Absolute winner.

But, aside from filling you up on food, this is also the best party hostel in Wellington: staff make sure the beer is always flowing in the hostel bar. Head out to the surrounding Downtown, which comes alive in the evening with bars and nightlife hotspots.

The Dwellington

• Dorm (mixed): From $18
• Private Room: From $79
• Address: 118 Wakefield Street, PO Box 11-247, Wellington, New Zealand

Like staying in a home away from home, the actually geniusly named Dwellington (usually puns are drab AF but I love this one) features the actually best private rooms ever. The building itself is pretty much a heritage site, too. I’m shocked that it’s a hostel really. Amazing.

Naturally, the lavish, Airbnb-style feel of the place would suit people travelling with their partner. It’s the best hostel for couples in Wellington. There’s a tennis court (no: seriously) and a cinema room, amongst other things that give this place a truly luxurious feel.

Named after Christ Church, Oxford, this south island city is jam-packed with English heritage and amazing backpacker hostels – there’s Christchurch Cathedral in the historic Cathedral Square, plus a number of other stone buildings; it’s also pretty fun to ride the heritage tramway around town. Or, you can spend your days soaking in the sunshine in Hagley Park – dreamy.

The proximity to the Southern Alps means that, mainly if you like skiing, you’ll probably like staying in Christchurch.

Juicy Snooze Christchurch

• Dorm (mixed): From $31
• Private Room: From $102
• Address: 5 Peter Leeming Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, New Zealand

This place is located very close to the airport, for all those fans of hassle-free travel out there – like, you can literally walk there in 10 mins. The town is also a 25 min walk away, there’s a supermarket plus a few restaurants across the food. But Juicy Snooze isn’t just convenient: it’s the best overall hostel in Christchurch.

There are various rooms to suit your budget, plenty of showers/toilets to choose from (YES, no queues) chill in the huge common room, and cook yourself some food – it’s great. The interior looks a bit like Tellytubby land, like a lotta astroturf inside a big warehouse and a load of bright colours. But it’s also clean.

Urbanz Christchurch

• Dorm (mixed): From $25
• Private Room: From $52
• Address: 273 Manchester Street, Christchurch, New Zealand

It’s a big ol’ renovated loft which is SO close to all of the main sights of the city, which is a great shout for a Christchurch backpackers hostel. What also makes this a solid option is that it sells the cheapest beer in town at its bar. Or it says that it does, anyway.

Naturally, that’s the sorta thing that’s gonna make this my top pick for the best party hostel in Christchurch. And, duh, it is. So, yeah, have a few o’ those cheap beers, get a few pool games in, and hit the town. It’s a big hostel, too, but it’s still easy to meet other people, making it great for solo travellers in NZ as well.

Queenstown’s hostels are some of the best on the South Island. The city itself is pretty impressive too. Set on the dramatic shores of Z-shaped Lake Wakatipu, you can do classic things like bungee off the Kawarau Gorge suspension bridge (that’s SO New Zealand), skiing in the surrounding mountains, and hiking. Backpacking Queenstown means you’ll have plenty to do.

They pretty much like to gear ’emselves up as the adventure capital of the world, and, well, they’re not wrong. If you like the outdoors, Queenstown is a great place to stay.

Absoloot Value Accommodation

• Dorm (mixed): From $30
• Private Room: From $123
• Address: 50 Beach St, Queenstown, New Zealand

As much as the spelling of Absoloot makes us shudder, this New Zealand backpackers hostel is something of a flashpacker hangout. It’s got a PlayStation, X-Box, and Wii, which is cool, but most cool is that it has a crazy kitchen with literally stunning views of the lake and mountains.

The staff are very good indeed, and definitely know what they’re talking about when it comes to tours and just generally getting out to see the local area. I mean, it’s big, it’s clean, but that view alone makes it the best overall hostel in Queenstown; it’s the kinda place you dream about going back to.

Adventure Q2 Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $28
• Private Room: From $92
• Address: Level 1, 5 Athol Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

There are too many banger hostels in Queenstown it’s hard to narrow down the BEST. But Adventure Q2 Hostel is top-tier and up there with the best of them. The hostel is particularly great for solo travellers as the hostel runs daily activities so that you can get to know your fellow travellers.

Located right in the centre of town, you’ll be close to everything in Queenstown! This is a sister hostel to The multi-award-winning adventure Queenstown Hostel so you know it’s going to be UNREAL. They offer loads of free stuff; such as sporting gear, bikes (in the summer) go-pros, tablet computers and more

A place to go to soak up a bit of Maori culture, Rotorua sits on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua. Being a pretty volcanic place, there are mud pools and hot springs galore – and even some spewing geysers to gawp at. Beautiful forests nearby are pretty sick for a hike, I have to say, plus there are some amazing bike trails too.

Rotorua’s hostels are unique and charming. Wanna unwind? Wanna adventure? Wanna do both? Wanna do neither? Come here.

Crash Palace

• Dorm (mixed): From $22
• Private Room: From $56
• Address: 1271 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua, New Zealand

Crash Palace. Yep, you read it right. And as you might expect, it’s a budget hostel in Rotorua. If you wanna crash out after a night of drinking, this is the place. That and the bar – and the hot tub (great with a beer in hand) – make it the best party hostel in Rotorua.

Decor-wise… well, it’s the kinda place that has KoOkY aRtWoRk all over the walls, like or loathe it. But this probably has something to do with their support of local creative youth products, which is nice actually. So close to the pubs and bars in town, making it easy to go out for a few more drinks.

Haka House Rotorua

• Dorm (mixed): From $23
• Private Room: From $85
• Address: 1278 Haupapa Street, Rotorua, New Zealand

This locally run Haka House hostel is a great little spot for couples, families and backpackers alike since it’s got a mix of private and dorm rooms. The hostel is near Kuirau Park and the Rotorua City Centre.

The best hostel-style lodge in Rotorua, the hostel has been refurbished and has a clean, modern vibe to it. There’s a kitchen so you can make some meals together. Bonus: Staff are WELL nice and will help you with onward travel.

This less-touristed city on the south island’s Otago Peninsula has a load of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, some decent cycling trails and some really cool wildlife including albatrosses and penguins. It’s proud of its Scottish heritage, too (hence the name) – you may even get to try some haggis.

Boasting New Zealand’s oldest university, its student population means a choice of cheap bars and eateries. There are some super affordable motels in Dunedin, but to keep costs even lower, these are some of the best hostels.

On Top Backpackers

• Dorm (mixed): From $21
• Private Room: From $74
• Address: 12 Filleul St, Dunedin, Dunedin, New Zealand

There are 19 pool tables at this Dunedin backpackers hostel. Now, that is a BOLD claim. And moreover, that’s not a bar – that’s a pool hall. Semantics aside, there’s free brekkie at this place. And that is a godsend to wake to with a horrid hangover.

As well as being one of the best hostels in Dunedin, On Top Backpackers is easily the best party hostel. is a fun place to hang out. You can grab a beer at the hostel’s bar, make some new mates, and choose one of the many pool tables for a friendly game. Or alternate tables per game. Plus it’s smack bang in the middle of Dunedin city.

Chalet Backpackers

• Dorm (mixed): From $16
• Private Room: From $55
• Address: 296 High Street, Dunedin, New Zealand

Located in an Edwardian history building, this hostel is easily one of the best in town. Just a short walk from the main street and city centre. There is a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and pool table lounge to hang out in and enjoy a couple of drinks. Upstairs there is a gorgeous sunny lounge filled with comfy couches, books and games.

As the hostel is at the top of a hill, there are some pretty darn gorgeous’ views across the city harbour and peninsula. Staff make a vibey atmosphere at this place and – as a cherry on top – there’s a gorgeous sunny courtyard with a herb garden.

On the eastern shores of Tasman Bay sits Nelson – not the bully, nor the admiral, but the oldest town on New Zealand’s south island. Brimming with golden beaches (check out the Abel Tasman National Park!), a pretty cool music scene, and a thriving artistic hub, staying in Nelson is all crafts markets and seasonal festivals, with a load of outdoor activities thrown in – it is New Zealand, after all.

Nelson offers EPIC hostels that won’t just keep the costs low, they’ll also promise you a comfy bed and a safe place to rest your head.

Bridge Backpackers

• Dorm (mixed): From $21
• Private Room: From $42
• Address: 8 Bridge Street, Nelson, New Zealand

Stylish design, whitewashed walls, punky pictures and a stainless steel kitchen mean it’s one of the coolest hostels in Nelson. I mean, they serve up free waffles in the morning. Plus there’s a tiny weeny gym so you can work it all off afterwards.

I really like the hangout areas complete with astroturf and swing seats – my kinda hangouts. The female dorms are particularly cool, featuring straighteners, make-up remover, and all sorts of other lotions and potions to use. Feels private, but with a warm sociable atmosphere: that’s why it’s the best overall hostel in Nelson.

Prince Albert Backpackers

• Dorm (mixed): From $17
• Private Room: From $49
• Address: 113 Nile street, Nelson, New Zealand

This hostel is extra cool because it is located in a Heritage-class building that was originally built in 1888!! The hostel comes with its very own English-style pub where you can hang out with locals and meet other travellers (you get discounts with your room card too!)

The hostel has a big car park so if you’re on a South Island roadie, you can park up here for the night. The hostel is a five-minute walk from the centre of town. Relax in a hammock, watch a movie in the TV lounge or enjoy a cold beer at the pub. This hostel is a vibe.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in New Zealand. If you have any of your own questions, ask me in the comments below. 🙂

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.

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Check Best Price

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Check Best Price

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Check Best Price Check Best Price

Make Some New Buddies…

Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Check Best Price

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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 Best Price

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting New Zealand

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to 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.

By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in New Zealand has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Be sure you know exactly where you want to stay in New Zealand before you book your hostel. You don’t want to end up far away from the hotspots you want to explore!

Whether you want to dive head first into the adventure capital of New Zealand by staying at Adventure Queenstown Hostel or keep it classy in the capital by staying at The Marion Hostel. There are loads of backpacker friendly places to stay across the country.

Wherever you end up staying, I hope you have the best time exploring this magical land! 🙂 If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂