The 5 Best Hostels in Queenstown: 2024 Edition

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• Best Overall Hostel in Queenstown – The Black Sheep Backpackers
• Best Hostel in Queenstown for Solo Travelers – Adventure Q2 Hostel
• Best Cheap Hostel in Queenstown – Nomads Queenstown
• Best Party Hostel in Queenstown – Adventure Queenstown Hostel
• Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Queenstown – Absoloot Hostel Queenstown

If you’re backpacking New Zealand on a budget and you want some action on your travels, staying in Queenstown will be a real treat.

I’ve done a ton of research to bring you the best hostels in Queenstown, making it easier for your awesome Queenstown trip. I’ve only included the highest-reviewed hostels. No poor hostels on this list, only the cream of the crop!

1. The Black Sheep Backpackers – Best Overall Hostel in Queenstown

• Dorm (mixed): From $27
• Private Room: From $102
• Address: 13 Frankton Road, Queenstown, New Zealand

To earn the title of the overall best hostel in Queenstown, it has to be a really special place. And this hostel is one of the absolute best, especially if you’re backpacking Queenstown as they offer discounts to backpackers. For a truly incredible value, look no further than this Queenstown hostel!

The coolest hostel in Queenstown, it offers panoramic views of the mountains and is just a short saunter from the lake. Not only do you get incredibly charming rooms with big and comfy beds… But also an outdoor spa pool, amazing workstations with PCs, a fully equipped kitchen and so much more.

There are movie nights every week (with free popcorn) and free bikes for hire during the day. If you want a bit more action, join the hostel guides on adventures. You could go Bungy Jumping, Milford Sound Cruises, Skydiving, Paragliding – the list goes on.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Mountain view 
• Great location
• Backpacker discounts

If you want to explore the city a bit further, you’ll be happy to hear that you’re in the perfect central location. You’re a short two-minute walk to Camp Street (the downtown area of Queenstown) and the stunning Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown Gardens and Queenstown Lakes District Library are just around the corner where you can enjoy a round of Frisbee golf.

Let’s talk more about the rooms though, you can choose between the typical dorm room and private rooms. While dorms are made out of little private pods, you’ll get a few more options with the private rooms, perfect for a group of friends! There are Twin, Double, King, or Triple rooms that feature fresh towels, a TV lounge with DVD play, an electric kettle, and tea/coffee.

There are heaps of opportunities to bask in the sunshine, with three gardens, a spa pool, and a deck with a BBQ. Indoors, you’ll find a large common room and a well-equipped kitchen with multiple spaces to cook up a delicious feed. What’s more, you can get here in a jiffy from the Queenstown Airport – too easy!

2. Adventure Q2 Hostel – Best Hostel in Queenstown for Solo Travelers

• Dorm (mixed): From $32
• Address: Level 1, 5 Athol Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

The award-winning Adventure Q2 Hostel is my choice for the best hostel for solo travellers in Queenstown. The regular evening events make it easy to meet other people, sleeping just 55 people it’s easy to put a name to a face. And, you can arrange a ton of incredible activities for fun and adventures in Queenstown during your days.

The hostel has fantastic common areas where you can bond with new mates. There’s a comfy lounge with sofas, bean bags, PCs, and a book exchange. There’s a spacious kitchen with several cooking stations, a dining area, and a terrace with BBQ too.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Free Go-Pro loan 
• Snowboard/Ski hire
• Pod-style beds

On top of that, the hostel also acts as a tour-booking agency, which is perfect if you want to explore the city without having to plan anything yourself. Whether that’s rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping or wine tasting, they’ll offer the right activities for you. If you want to capture your adventures on camera, the hostel offers a free Go-Pro loan, use the free wi fi to send pics home.

And after a long outdoor day, you can fall into your comfy bed and enjoy a bit of privacy thanks to your own curtains. Have sweet dreams in the custom-made bunk beds in the mixed six-bed dorm room.

If adventure is not quite your thing, you’ll be happy to hear that Adventure Q2 Hostel is located in the heart of the city. You’ll always be close to the best cafes, restaurants, and cool attractions and there’s no need to be stinky—there are laundry facilities here too.

3. Nomads Queenstown – Best Cheap Hostel in Queenstown

• Dorm (mixed): From $29
• Private Room: From $149
• Address: 5/11 Church Street, South Island, Queenstown, New Zealand

Nomads Queenstown is a posh backpackers hostel in Queenstown, perfect for flashpackers who like a bit of style and class. Kept clean and tidy by the housekeeping team, this Queenstown backpackers hostel boasts loads of great comforts and facilities. Plus, hungry broke backpackers can tuck into free grub each evening in the hostel’s bar in the town centre.

At Nomads Queenstown you’ll get spacious dorm rooms and private rooms for a below average price. Hostel prices here include a sociable hangout room with a pool table and foosball, and a cosy lounging area with a fireplace. There’s a movie room with bean bags, a sauna, laundry facilities, a large kitchen with plenty of space, guest computers, free WiFi, a tour desk … you name it, you’ll find it all at Nomads Queenstown!

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Movie Room 
• Indoor Fireplace 
• Sauna

You can find Nomads Queenstown on Church Street, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and bars. If you want a bit more action during your stay, head to Kawarau Gorge for some bungee jumping – it’s only a 45-minute drive! Ask the staff for directions or other ways to get there if you don’t have your own car. 

If bungee jumping isn’t your thing and you’d rather explore the beauty of Queenstown, head to the travel desk for some really cool insider tips on what to do and see during your stay. The staff at Nomads Queenstown are known to be incredibly friendly and helpful, so you’ll be in good hands! And if you really just want to chill out, head to the communal space with a nice book and chill yourself into one of the comfy sofas.

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4. Adventure Queenstown Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Queenstown

• Dorm (mixed): From $33
• Address: Level 1, 36 Camp Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

Although not a party pad as such – hit up Queenstown’s bars for raucous nighttime fun – the in-house events make this my party pick. It’s easy to meet new people, or you can relax and socialise, from the TV lounge and beanbag chill area to the terrace and spacious kitchen. Make this a stop on your South Island road trip for sure!

Challenge pals to a playoff on the Wii or PlayStation. Other plus points at this awesome youth hostel in Queenstown include bike hire, a tour desk, a book exchange, laundry facilities, and a secure locker room.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Very homely atmosphere
• Incredibly kind staff
• Great location

It might not be the biggest hostel in Queenstown – in fact, it only accommodates 43 people at a time – but it offers incredible value. You get to experience a super friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and, get a good night of sleep, which is rare for a central Queenstown location. There are no bars directly beside the hostel which will guarantee some quiet hours after dark, but they’re still an easy walk away.

If you’re keen on exploring the city, head to the tour desk where the friendly staff can help you plan your activities. They know about all the hidden gems in Queenstown and can give you some real insider tips for your stay. It’s not surprising that Adventure Queenstown Hostel has won multiple awards – you’ll be properly looked after.

5. Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Queenstown

• Dorm (mixed): From $33
• Private Room: From $207
• Address: 50 Beach St, Queenstown, New Zealand

Digital Nomads will especially love Absoloot Hostel Queenstown thanks to its comfy workspaces and quiet location. Get to work on your laptop in one of the comfy common room sofas or enjoy the sun outside on the deck. The Wifi is fast and reliable so you’ll be able to get everything done in no time.

And once you’re finished, you can either socialize and make new friends or head into town for a couple of drinks! Absoloot Hostel Queenstown is set up for enjoyment with epic adventure deals available at reception which is open 9 am – 9 pm for maximum convenience. There’s a sweet digital set-up for Netflix and chill or gaming on lay days so dip into the free coffee (or hot choccys) and get comfy.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Outdoor and indoor working space
• Beautiful and calm location 
• Free travel booking service 

Designed by travellers for travellers, Absoloot Hostel Queenstown is owner-operated so you know that these guys will have the best advice to enjoy their town. Or what cafes within walking distance have the best free wi fi for remote work if you need a change of scene.

Considering the average price of hostels, these guys offer a lot of bang for your buck. There’s free bike parking, that mad TV lounge set-up, a book exchange, self-catering facilities with a view to die for and even a children’s play area. What more could you ask for? Absoloot Hostel Queenstown would probably hook you up if you asked for it too, they’re such legends.

With a good balance between average price and facilities, Absoloot Hostel Queenstown is a fantastic Queenstown backpackers hostel for digital nomads. There are dorms for four and six and you’ll find little luxuries, like free toiletries in the bathrooms and a TV and fridge in most dorms. Which is awesome when you’re considering what to pack for New Zealand.

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Haven’t spotted the perfect place to stay? No stress—here are even more of the best hostels in Queenstown. Once you’ve found the right place for you, make sure you plan your Queenstown itinerary too. There are so many epic things to explore, you don’t want to miss out on anything!

6. Lylo Queenstown

• Dorm (mixed): From $27
• Private Room: From $129
• Address: 47 Camp Street, Queenstown, New Zealand

Lylo Hostels is a new chain throughout Aotearoa (New Zealand) that caters to the modern backpacker. With competitive hostel prices and high-functioning amenities, they’re changing the game for hostels. Lylo Queenstown offers epic views, capsule-style beds in your dorm room for the ultimate sleeping experience and free wi fi if you need to work.

The staff are super friendly and can help you with any questions about Queenstown you might have, including booking trips. If you’d rather explore things on your own, simply ask the staff for recommendations on what to do in the city. Insider tips are great to beat the average price of activities, New Zealand can be expensive.

7. Haka House Queenstown Lakefront

• Dorm (mixed): From $41
• Private Room: From $170
• Address: 88-90 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown, New Zealand

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront could easily be confused with the Haka House in town, but they’re different beasts. Offering free wi fi, free luggage storage and very friendly hostel prices, Haka House on Lake Wakatipu lakefront is an absolute treat for a stay in Queenstown. Expect a relaxed, welcoming vibe, stunning views of the lake and friendly staff.

There are self-catering facilities so you can cook up a feed, despite there being no free breakfast or free coffee on offer. Sometimes self-service is the best service and a juicy act of self-care. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy, there’s the outdoor terrace, the shared lounge and housekeeping so it’s always lovely to be in.

8. The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers

• Dorm (mixed): From $29
• Address: 39 Robins Road Queenstown, Queenstown, New Zealand

The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers Hostel is a friendly youth hostel in Queenstown that offers great value for money and excellent facilities. As a top place to work, rest, and play, it’s a great hostel for digital nomads in Queenstown.

There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel and various indoor and outdoor common areas where you can find a secluded nook to work away in peace. Other features include laundry, parking, a tour desk, luggage storage, a kitchen, and BBQ. The beds offer a great night’s sleep in a comfy dorm room.

Each bed has a power outlet, reading light and a secure locker for your belongings. Camp Street (the town centre) is just a five-minute walk away, there are free bikes available at The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers Hostel. Need to top up your travel funds? Check out the jobs board.

9. Haka Lodge Queenstown

• Dorm (mixed): From $34
• Private Room: From $134
• Address: 6 Henry St, Queenstown, New Zealand

Haka Lodge is a charming gem with a sociable atmosphere and plenty of homey feels. A small but top hostel in Queenstown, sleeping up to 50 people, there are enough people to make new pals but not so many that you forget who everyone is.

The hostel is located in a central location in downtown Queenstown, on a quiet residential street yet close to all of Queenstown’s action. Modern and clean with a TV room, free WiFi, laundry facilities, a tour desk, a kitchen, and a BBQ deck, you’re sure to love staying here.

10. Remarkable Mountain View Room

• Private Room: From 63
• Address: Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

A quiet room to relax and restore – not a hostel obviously but an epic budget stay and sometimes you need to switch it up. There’s a bus stop nearby if you’re not renting a car and it’s in an epic location, the town is just 10 minutes away on the bus. There’s a mountain view (obviously), in a quiet neighbourhood so a good nights sleep is guaranteed.

There’s free wifi and a desk in your room if you need to get some work done. This is a room in Alex’s house so you’ll be sharing the bathroom with them, which is epic for some insider tips on the area.

11. Southern Laughter Backpackers

Southern Laughter Backpackers is a cheap hostel in Queenstown. Boasting awesome views of The Remarkables from the BBQ decks, this Queenstown backpackers hostel also has TV lounges and kitchens for comfy homey vibes and convenience.

There may be no free breakfast here but you can fall asleep content after a hearty and filling bowl of free veggie soup each evening. Bliss out in the spa pool and get a discount in local bars for a cheaper night out with your fellow backpacking pals. Or, take a trip out to Arrowtown and see some gold mining history.

12. YHA Queenstown Lakefront

Stay right at the edges of Lake Wakatipu and wake up to stunning views of the lake and mountains each morning at the YHA Queenstown Lakefront. A great youth hostel in Queenstown, it’s just a ten-minute walk from the heart of Queenstown. There’s a sunny deck too if you want to chill outdoors and you can keep costs down with some DIY meal prep in the huge kitchen.

Book a range of activities to keep you busy and come back to unwind in the steam room, the movie room, or the lounge before crashing out in your comfy bed. The friendly staff (who have vast amounts of local knowledge) can provide you with a free travel booking service. Perfect for budget travellers who need to watch their expenses but still want to experience the best of Queenstown.

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Here are some questions backpackers ask about the best hostels in Queenstown.

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.

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

How much does a hostel cost in Queenstown?

Queenstown hostel price ranges from $16 – $18 per night for dorm (mixed or female-only). Private room price ranges from $56 – $60 per night.

What are the best hostels in Queenstown for couples?

Nomads Queenstown is a highly-rated hostel for couples in Queenstown. It’s on Church Street, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and bars.

What is the best hostel in Queenstown near the airport?

The Black Sheep Backpackers, my overall best hostel in Queenstown, is an 11-minute drive by car from the Queenstown Airport. It has charming rooms with comfy beds and an outdoor spa pool.

That concludes my epic guide to the best hostels in Queenstown. I hope it has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! There are lots to choose from though so I get it if you’re still a bit on the fence battling some indecision. 

If you’re still not sure which Queenstown hostel is for you, take a look at my overall favourite again: Sheep Backpackers. This hostel offers an average price, a central location close to all the action, and a friendly and social vibe – what more could you want?

If you’re looking to really save some cash I reckon you go with Nomads Queenstown, the hostel prices are low with this one. Plus, there’s free wi fi (standard) and not free breakfast, but free food at the hostel bar in town.

Wherever you stay in Queenstown, the people are lovely, the scenes are unreal and there’s something for everyone. I’m sure you’ll love it!

If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!

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