The Best Hostels in
New Zealand

For Backpackers & Travelers

The North Island is very large, and most cities mainly have 2-3 main hostels, so I’ve compiled the best possible picks so you have the most enjoyable stay everywhere.

Starting with Auckland, the best hostel in the city is 100% LyLo Hostel. It is a massive establishment with pod beds, and so much different facilities. They have work spaces, drawing stations, eating areas, a kitchen, karaoke bars, etc, so this is for sure the choice. Over to the second biggest city, Wellington. My two picks for this city are either The Marion, or Trek Hostel. Both have very good facilities and are in good locations. I would say Trek Hostel is probably a little bit more social, but The Marion takes it for the quality of the rooms. In Rotorua, definitely stay at Crashpalace Backpacker. It is such good value for money, and has a super cool vibe plus it literally has a free spa pool out the back. One of the best ranked hostels in the country is Finlay Jacks, in Taupo. Since Taupo is a pretty popular destination in New Zealand, it makes sense that you have a super social, clean and fun hostel. The vibes which the young owners set here are great. Lastly, I have to recommend a personal hostel to me, which is Raglan Backpackers. I’ve visited here many times, and it is the main hostel in Raglan literally right off the main shopping street. It definitely matches the surfer vibe of the town, and if you’re traveling I’d recommend it as you can get discounts on surf care rentals.

Raglan Backpackers
Raglan
Hostelworld

Crashpalace
Rotorua
Hostelworld

Finlay Jacks
Taupo
Hostelworld

2) Stone City Hostel - Gjirokaster

Quick Search:

North Island

1) LyLo, Auckland

The Marion
Wellington
Hostelworld

LyLo Hostel
Auckland
Hostelworld

Trek Hostel
Wellington
Hostelworld

Starting with Auckland, the best hostel in the city is 100% LyLo Hostel. It is a massive establishment with pod beds, and so much different facilities. They have work spaces, drawing stations, eating areas, a kitchen, karaoke bars, etc, so this is for sure the choice.
Hostel Link

2) The Marion, Wellington

Over to NZ’s second biggest city, Wellington. The Marion is my first pick for here on this list, simply thanks to the quality of the facilities and the cleanliness of the hostel. You get a really good free breakfast and stuff in the kitchen, plus the whole hostel is so spacious. If you just want a great space to relax/work, pick The Marion, the location is also great (right by Cuba Street).
Hostel Link

3) Trek Global, Wellington

Out of my two hostel picks in Wellington, I would say Trek Global is slightly more social, whereas The Marion probably has better facilities. This hostel is right in the city center and you can check out their TikTok (@trekglobaltok) if you want to see a bit what it’s like.
Hostel Link

4) Crashpalace, Rotorua

In Rotorua, definitely stay at Crashpalace Backpacker. It is such good value for money, and has a super cool vibe, and plus it literally has a free spa pool out the back. The rooms are really good and super comfortable, and the location is central - definitely check it out.
Hostel Link

5) Finlay Jacks, Taupo

One of the best ranked hostels in the country is Finlay Jacks, in Taupo. Since Taupo is a pretty popular destination in New Zealand, it makes sense that you have a super social, clean and fun hostel. The vibes are awesome since the hostel was founded by a couple young guys, and they often hold a lot of hostel events and activities to get you involved.
Hostel Link

6) The Barn, Abel Tasman

Lastly, I have to recommend a personal hostel to me, which is Raglan Backpackers. I’ve visited here many times, and it is the main hostel in Raglan literally right off the main shopping street. It definitely matches the surfer vibe of the town, and if you’re traveling I’d recommend it as you can get discounts on surf care rentals. Plus, it is literally right on the waterfront.
Hostel Link

Obviously, when visiting the most beautiful place in the world (no bias), you need the best places to stay. In my personal opinion, these are the TOP SIX hostels in the South Island, covering most of the top spots and highlighted areas.

I’ve picked two spots for Christchurch, both are amazing though so feel free to pick either one. Drifter is a crazy place, it has endless rooms to hang out - including a cinema and a ‘zen room.’ I’ve genuinely had people say it is the best hostel they’ve seen in the world, and it should be pretty easy to make friends as there is large common spaces downstairs. If you don’t stay in Drifter, pick Urbanz. It has the same sort of facilities and kitchen areas, and really friendly staff. Whilst I’d still recommend Drifter, Urbanz is good too. If you have been traveling NZ for a while, you’ve probably heard of the Haka House Hostels. The one in Lake Tekapo is SO cool, it is situated with a view of the lake and is extremely tidy and cozy inside. Realistically, you just cannot go wrong with a Haka House Hostel. Since you’ll definitely be visiting Queenstown, I have to include the Adventure Hostel. It’s modern and relaxing, good location, has mountain views, and a great dining area. The other great Haka House in the South Island is in Wanaka. As expected, the views are insane and it is real social especially when everyone gathers downstairs in the super cool common area, featuring a TV and a pool table. This is definitely my favorite hostel in New Zealand. Overall 10/10. Lastly, if you venture up and out to Abel Tasman National Park, I would stay at The Barn, which has both cabins and camping sites. It feels like a true escape, they have big spaces of grass to hang out and do whatever, plus you can see your beach from the room.

The Barn
Abel Tasman
Hostelworld

Adventure Hostel
Queenstown
Hostelworld

Haka House
Wanaka
Hostelworld

2) Stone City Hostel - Gjirokaster

Quick Search:

South Island

1) Drifter Hostel, Christchurch

Urbanz
Christchurch
Hostelworld

Drifter
Christchurch
Hostelworld

Haka House
Lake Tekapo
Hostelworld

Drifter is a crazy place, it has endless rooms to hang out - including a cinema, a pool area and a ‘zen room.’ I’ve genuinely had people say it is the best hostel they’ve seen in the world, and it should be pretty easy to make friends as there is large common spaces downstairs.
Hostel Link

2) Urbanz, Christchurch

If you don’t stay in Drifter, pick Urbanz. It has the same sort of facilities and kitchen areas, and really friendly staff. Whilst I’d still recommend Drifter as my top spot, Urbanz is good too and you’ll still be in a great spot to see a great city.
Hostel Link

3) Haka House, Lake Tekapo

If you have been traveling NZ for a while, you’ve probably heard of the Haka House Hostels. The one in Lake Tekapo is SO cool, it is situated with a view of the lake and is extremely tidy and cozy inside. Realistically, you just cannot go wrong with a Haka House Hostel.
Hostel Link

4) Adventure Hostel, Queenstown

Since you’ll definitely be visiting Queenstown, I have to include the Adventure Hostel. It’s modern and relaxing, good location, has mountain views, and a great dining area. They also have good information of all the cool activities around Queenstown. Overall 10/10.
Hostel Link

5) Haka House, Wanaka

The other great Haka House in the South Island is in Wanaka. As expected, the views are insane and it is real social especially when everyone gathers downstairs in the super cool common area, featuring a TV and a pool table. This is definitely my favorite hostel in New Zealand.
Hostel Link

6) The Barn, Abel Tasman

Lastly, if you venture up and out to Abel Tasman National Park, I would stay at The Barn, which has both cabins and camping sites. It feels like a true escape, they have big spaces of grass to hang out and do whatever, plus you can see your beach from the room.
Hostel Link

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