Hostels

New Zealand is a very popular destination for young, energetic crowds looking to have a lot of fun and wanting to try at least one of the adventures the country offers. And where young travelers – both in age and spirit – head to, hostels are always at their best. Affordable, hip, cheerful, sociable…the hostels offer everything a budget traveler ever hoped for.

Need to know

Most hostels in New Zealand are privately owned, but there are some hostels which are part of international chains.

Not all hostels, however, have the same facilities. Some offer just basic utilities, some can be considered miniature hotels.

You will find the cheapest beds in dorms but some hostels over private rooms as well.

Search for “hostel” on most online booking systems would also list the guesthouses, budget hotels, lodges and campsites as well.

Prices don’t change from season to season but the best hostels book up very quickly so make sure to book well in advance if you plan to spend your vacation in New Zealand.

Read the reviews carefully. You really don’t want to end up in a party hostel if you plan to sleep all night or travel with the young ones.

Worth trying

Auckland

If you are heading for Auckland you’ve got plenty of hostels to choose from, all offering beds starting at NZ$17-20/night.

One of the best rated hostels in Auckland is Lantana Lodge International Backpackers (60St Georges Bay Road, Parnell), located really close to the city center. Prices start at NZ$24/night for a bed in a 7 bed dorm. A bed in a twin private room costs NZ$32.50/night with shared bathroom facilities. The prices don’t vary from season to season. There is free internet access in the lobby.

Another popular and well rated hostel among backpackers is Auckland Central Backpackers , located pretty much in the heart of the city. Prices stat at NZ$20/night for a bed in a 8 bed mixed dorm. A bed in a twin room (en suite) costs NZ$45/person/night. The prices don’t vary from season to season. There is free internet access in the lobby.

Wellington

If you are heading to New Zealand’s capital there are plenty of hostels to choose from, with prices starting around NZ$20/person/night. However, Wellington hostels are a bit more expensive than the ones in the rest of the country.

One of the best rated hostels in the capital is Wellywood Backpackers (58 Tory Street) located right in the heart of Courtenay Place. A bed in a 12 bed mixed dorms costs NZ$25/night while a bed in a twin private room (en suite) will se you back NZ$37.50/person/night. There is free internet access in the lobby and there are even some pool tables where you can try your skills.

Newtown Heights Lodge (113 Coromandel Street, Newtown) is one of the cheapest hostels in Wellington which offers only single and double rooms, although some of the rooms are dorm-style. Prices start at NZ$20/night for a bed in a 2 bed female dorm. There is free internet access in the lobby and room.