New Zealand is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world with so many magical sites to explore across the country. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in some adrenaline-fuelled activities in Queenstown, kick back and relax in the Bay of Islands or wander around one of the super cool cities of Wellington and Christchurch.
Due to the country being so popular amongst the backpacking community, New Zealand has gained itself a thriving hostel scene. Along with this, there is no denying the country is super expensive which means the vast majority of people traveling to the country turn to hostels for their chosen place to stay. This means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to socialize and meet other backpackers.
However, as like in any country you will get good hostels and bad hostels and you will want to make sure you pick the right one. That’s why we’ve created this guide to the 7 best hostels in New Zealand to help you out a little.
So, let’s stop babbling and get on with it – scroll down below and you will find out more…
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in New Zealand
#1 Best Overall Hostel in New Zealand – Adventure Queenstown Hostel
#2 Best Party Hostel in New Zealand – Nomads Queenstown
#3 Best Luxury Hostel in New Zealand – The Dwellington
#4 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in New Zealand – Wanaka Bakpaka
#5 Best Cheap Hostel in New Zealand – The Old Countryhouse Christchurch
#6 Coolest Hostel in New Zealand – Rainforest Retreat Backpackers
#7 Best Hostel for Couples in New Zealand – Haka Lodge Aukland
#1 – Adventure Queenstown Hostel
Best Overall Hostel in New Zealand
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 36 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Adventure Queenstown Hostel…
Situated in the backpacker-favorite town of Queenstown, Adventure Queenstown hostel is consistently ranked one of the best hostels in the city and even the country and has a 9.6 rating on Hostelworld with over 2500 reviews! It’s not hard to understand why the hostel is so well loved with the hostel providing epic in-house activities, beautiful balconies to enjoy a drink in the sun along with with epic common areas.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the super comfortable places to sleep. All the rooms are incredibly designed and are equipped with custom made hand-built timber bunks which come with: USB charging ports & electrical outlets, a reading light, ample shelving, a secure under-bed storage locker, and privacy curtains.
Adventure Queenstown Hostel is perfect for…
This hostel is pretty much for any backpacker heading to New Zealand looking to have a good time and meet other link-minded backpackers. The hostel has an incredibly social atmosphere and plenty of spaces to meet other guests along with epic events and organized activities.
The hostel is also primely located in the heart of Queenstown meaning you are not only located close to all the shops, cafes, and bars but also just a stone’s throw away from the towns bustling nightlife scene.
Enjoy your stay in New Zealand! Check out our guide for what to do in New Zealand while you’re there!
#2 – Nomads Queenstown
Best Party Hostel in New Zealand
- Cost – $$
- Location – 5/11 Church Street, South island, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Nomads Queenstown…
We love the variety of room options available at Nomads Queenstown with the hostel offering super-social large dorms room, smaller dorm rooms for you just you and your mates all the way to hotel-style king rooms for those who fancy splashing the cash a little bit more for some privacy.
One of the coolest features of this hostel is its on-site sauna which is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the resort town’s epic outdoor activities and is definitely something you would more likely expect to find in a lavish hotel.
Nomads Queenstown is perfect for…
Nomads Queenstown is the hub for party backpackers heading to Queenstown and is popular amongst the party-goers traveling on the Kiwi Experience! One of the largest hostels in the city, there is plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, particularly in the common areas which are equipped with pool tables and sociable seating areas.
This is the ultimate place to have a drink with some new pals and prepare for a night out in the wild resort town. Oh and due to its central location you will only be minutes away from the town’s best nightlife spots.
New Zealand is amazing! And the best hostels in Queenstown will blow you away!
#3 – The Dwellington
Best Luxury Hostel in New Zealand
- Cost – $$$
- Location – 8 Halswell Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like The Dwellington Hostel…
We love the style The Dwellington Hostel provides which perfectly blends a homely and cozy vibe with stylish and modern facilities. This means you can relax in style but also have a warming atmosphere. The hostels also offer its guests special added touches which include free and incredibly fast Wi-Fi, a tasty free breakfast every morning along with fresh towels whenever they please.
The Dwellington Hostel is perfect for…
Now this one is for our flash-packer travelers with The Dwellington Hostel providing elegant facilities that may well have left guests forgetting they’re staying in a hostel if it wasn’t for the vibrant social atmosphere. The hostel has gorgeously comfortable beds and luxurious bathrooms but its main draws are its common spaces!
The hostel is equipped with a modern chef’s style kitchen, a grand redwood dining table, on-site tennis courts, a state-of-the-art cinema room along with plenty of outdoor spaces with BBQ facilities. If that doesn’t sell this hostel to you we don’t know what will!
Still haven’t booked for Wellington? Find out where to stay in Wellington for any type of trip!
#4 – Wanaka Bakpaka
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in New Zealand
- Cost – $$
- Location – 117 Lakeside Road, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Wanaka Bakpaka…
One of the key perks of the Wanaka Bakpaka Hostel is its prime location which means it has a stunning view overlooking Lake Wanaka. The hostel has a patio and deck area which is the perfect place to grab a coffee in the morning and watch a sunrise or perhaps in the evening have a few beers and watch the golden New Zealand sun ooze into the glistening waters.
The hostel also has great facilities for backpackers including a fully equipped kitchen, a BBQ outside area, and laundry facilities
Wanaka Bakpaka is perfect for…
Those looking to socialize and meet other backpackers with Wanaka Backpacka having an incredibly friendly and homely atmosphere. The hostel not only has amazing social areas to meet other travelers but it also has some of the friendliest and most welcoming staff.
The staff can also help you book activities in Wanaka including skydiving and lake-side activities this also means you have a lot better chances of being put on a backpacker-style tour with ample opportunity to meet other people which is great if you’re traveling alone.
Need to see more of New Zealand? These day trips from Auckland will show you the coolest areas around.
#5 – The Old Countryhouse Christchurch
Best Cheap Hostel in New Zealand
- Cost – $
- Location – 437 Gloucester Street, Linwood, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like The Old Countryhouse Christchurch…
We love the awesome location at budget friendly prices that the Old Countryhouse Christchurch hostel provides. The hostel has some of the best priced dorm rooms in the city and is just a short stroll away from the city centre where the majority of the best cafes and shops are. The walk is also beautiful as you get to wander parallel with the gorgeous Avon River.
The Old Countryhouse Christchurch is perfect for…
The next option on our list is for our savvy backpacker readers. As we already mentioned New Zealand is super expensive and despite there being plenty of hostels available they can still be pretty expensive. However, The Old Countryhouse Christchurch has extremely reasonable prices especially for its excellent facilities.
Talking of excellent facilities the hostel is home to a spa and sauna area, an awesome lounge area along with a tranquil garden perfect for sitting back and reading a book in.
Need specifics? We also have our favorite hostels near Auckland airport!
#6 – Rainforest Retreat Backpackers
Coolest Hostel in New Zealand
- Cost – $$
- Location – 46 Cron Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7856, New Zealand
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Rainforest Retreat Backpackers…
This is certainly one of the coolest places to stay in the entirety of the country with Rainforest Retreat Backpackers offering guests unique and incredible facilities in the most stunning location in Franz Josef Glacier. This includes all its complimentary services including access to bubbly hot tub and Scandinavian Sauna, torches for spotting the famous local glow-worms and a free beer on arrival for all guests.
We also love the hostel’s onsite Monsoon Bar which serves up tasty food and beverage options at backpacker budget friendly prices. The bar is also home to all you can eat pizza nights, regular DJ’s and plenty of other nightly activities.
Rainforest Retreat Backpackers is perfect for…
The hostel is an epic place to stay for those nature lovers with it having an epic location opposite the world famous Glacier Hot Pools and Glacier Guides Base!
It also has been perfectly architecturally designed to allow the hostel to merge into the existing rainforest environment whilst doing little to disrupt to the local habitat. It also has epic alpine and glacier views from a selection of its rooms and common spaces.
Like something more boutique? Save some money with our guide to the best boutique hotels in Auckland!
#7 – Haka Lodge Aukland
Best Hostel for Couples in New Zealand
- Cost – $$
- Location – 373 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Reviews → Check on Hostelworld
Why we like Haka Lodge Aukland…
We love the epic location at Haka Lodge with it being extremely close to the bustling city centre of Aukland in the North Island. This means guests are close to top attractions including Sky Tower, Auckland War Memorial Auckland Art Gallery Toi and the Harbour all of which are within walking distance to the property.
Haka Lodge Aukland is perfect for…
For those who are traveling as couple and want their own space when it’s time to go to sleep but also want a social atmosphere to meet other travelers. The hostel is home to a variety of rooms including private deluxe doubles and a mixture of dorm rooms with different sizes which makes it great for all types of travelers.
The private rooms come with comfortable queen size beds and some of which are equipped with modern en-suites which is perfect for those who don’t mind spending a little bit more on their accommodation in New Zealand.
Heading to Auckland? Save some money with our guide to the coolest hostels in Auckland!
New Zealand or NZ (in Māori, Aotearoa) is one of the best countries on Earth. When it comes to road-tripping, nothing’s better than a campervan.
Conclusion to the Best Hostels in New Zealand
New Zealand truly is an epic destination that you NEED to add to your travel bucket list, that’s if you haven’t already. The country is home to some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes and some of the friendliest locals making it an amazing and authentic travel experience.
We hope this guide has helped you pick out some places to stay in on your trip to the country. Of course, we only listed 7 of the best hostels in New Zealand, and with there being so many available it made it a difficult choice. That’s why we can assure you we only selected some of the very best :)
So get those hiking shoes on and get ready to explore New Zealand, the country is waiting for you!
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