As you embark on your journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures, finding the perfect place to rest your head at night can enhance your backpacking experience tenfold. Luckily, New Zealand is home to some of the world's most welcoming and budget-friendly hostels. Whether you're seeking a cozy retreat after a day of hiking or a social hub to meet fellow travelers, here are the top hostels across this breathtaking island nation.

Haka Lodge Queenstown - Queenstown

The Haka Lodge hostel offers a homely and peaceful environment with a super central location. It is the perfect base for a good night's sleep and a base for exploring the adventure capital of New  Zealand. The hostel has a modern design and spacious communal areas with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable mountain range.  

What You Get: Haka Lodge Queenstown values privacy, so every bunk bed is designed with privacy curtains, and the private rooms meet hotel standards. The hostel has three floors, but the rooms only accommodate 50 people to give more space for communal areas and to make it feel like a home away from home. The staff is very friendly and will gladly help you book activities.

Accommodation Type: You can choose between mixed dorms, private rooms, and a four-bedroom apartment.

Vibe: Homely and cosy

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$75 to NZD$85, private rooms from NZD$184 - NZD$345

Location: 6 Henry Street, Queenstown 

Website: https://hakalodges.com/queenstown/

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Adventure Q2 Hostel - Queenstown

If you are looking to connect with other travelers along your trip and want to stay in an accommodating place, then this is the place for you! Adventure Q2 Hostel offers in-house activities most nights to make it easy for travelers to connect.

What You Get: It is called the adventure hostel for a reason; they offer plenty of free stuff, including sporting gear, bikes, GoPros, tablets, and computers, for travelers wishing to explore Queenstown. The hostel has a homely feel to it, with big communal spaces. The hostel mainly offers dorms, which are timber bunks with comfortable mattresses, where travelers can meet and connect with other people.

Accommodation Type: Dorms

Vibe:Social and homely

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$150

Location: Level 1, 5 Athol Street, Queenstown

Website: https://adventurehostels.co.nz/hostel/adventure-q2/

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Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – Queenstown

This hostel is unique in that it is both in the heart of Queenstown's bustling town center and right by beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Absoloot has stunning lake views from the rooms and the common areas, and it’s hard not to get blown away by the nature surrounding it.

What You Get: Absoloot Hostel offers spacious communal areas, including a cosy lounge with a fireplace and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and will help you book any activities. On quieter days, the hostel also offers a lounge room where you can show off your skills on Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, or board games. They also have a book exchange and a TV for Netflix. The hostel offers mixed dorms and private rooms, which can be booked for families and single or couple travelers.

Accommodation Type: Mixed dorms and private rooms.

Vibe: Scenic and chilled

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$60 to NZD$70, private rooms from NZD$268 to NZD$380

Location: 50 Beach St, Queenstown

Website: https://absoloot.co.nz/

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The Marion Hostel - Wellington

The Marion Hostel offers a stylish and calm environment to wind down after a day or night out in the bustling capital. It is housed in a restored heritage building, and the brick design blends perfectly with the modern interior.

What You Get: The hostel offers a cosy communal lounge, an onsite bar, and an amazing rooftop terrace to take in the views of the city. Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea are provided for free daily, and the incredible staff also offer free pancakes. The rooms at the Marion Hostel are comfy and clean, offering a mix of dormitories (both mixed and female) and private rooms.

Accommodation Type: Mixed dorms, female dorms, and private rooms.

Vibe: Bohemian and unique

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$75 to NZD$80, private rooms from NZD$170 to NZD$280

Location: 13-15 Marion Street, Te Aro, Wellington

Website: https://www.themarionhostel.com/

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Finlay Jack's Backpackers - Taupo

Run by two young guys passionate about providing the best experience for travelers, this hostel has everything you might want and need when visiting Taupo. Finlay Jack’s Backpackers offers a warm and friendly atmosphere for travelers exploring this lakeside town on the North Island.

What You Get: Finlay Jack’s Backpackers offers spacious communal areas, including a cosy TV lounge and outdoor garden, a fully equipped kitchen, and lots of off-street parking. The hostel has some of the best staff ever, and for them, everything revolves around making sure the guests enjoy their stay. They also offer free Netflix for quieter nights. Finlay Jack’s provides a range of accommodation options, with modern and new POD beds in the dormitories and private ensuites. They have something to suit every traveler.

Accommodation Type: Mixed dorms, private rooms, and POD beds.

Vibe: Friendly and chill

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$50 to NZD$60, private rooms from NZD$70 to NZD$190

Location: 20 Taniwha Street, Taupo

Website: https://finlayjacks.co.nz/

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Haka Lodge - Taupo

For those venturing to the Great Lake Taupo, Haka Lodge offers a boutique hostel experience right by the lake’s edge.

What You Get: Stunning views, a modern design, and a range of activities to book directly through the hostel. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Accommodation Type: Modern dorms, private rooms, and exclusive suites.

Vibe: Chic and tranquil

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$24, private rooms from NZD$60

Location: 56 Kaimanawa St, Taupo

Website: https://hakalodge.com/taupo/

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Waiheke Backpackers Hostel - Waiheke Island

Just a short ferry ride from Auckland lies Waiheke Backpackers Hostel on the stunning Waiheke Island. The hostel offers the perfect calm getaway surrounded by vineyards, beaches, and native bush. The hostel has a breathtaking ocean view and is walking distance to some of the best beaches in New Zealand.

What You Get: As if that introduction wasn’t enough to make you want to visit this paradise gem, they also offer an outdoor lawn, a communal kitchen and lounge, and lots of guided tours to explore the island's wineries, art galleries, and scenic trails. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel also has a BBQ deck where you can cook delicious food while soaking in the panoramic ocean views. On top of this, this hostel is very affordable too. The Waiheke Backpackers Hostel has a two-bed mixed dorm that you can share with only one other person, a four-bed mixed dorm, and private rooms, all of which are set in a lush garden.

Accommodation Type: Two-bed mixed dorm, four-bed mixed dorm, and private rooms.

Vibe: Laid back and scenic

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$25 to NZD$30, private rooms from NZD$70

Location: 421 Sea View Road, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/stay-at-park/Pages/waiheke-backpackers-hostel.aspx

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Haka House Christchurch – Christchurch

Located just a stone’s throw from art galleries, museums, gardens, and the city’s food and music scene, Haka House in Christchurch is the perfect place to stay when exploring the beautiful city. The hostel offers a modern design in a stunning heritage building with clean and comfortable facilities.

What You Get: Haka House Christchurch has a big kitchen and a pool table where you can play with fellow travelers. The hostel has a large lounge and an outdoor garden. The staff is incredibly accommodating and will help with tips and free booking. This hostel is the perfect oasis to wind down after a long day of exploring the beautiful garden city that is Christchurch. The rooms vary from 3 up to 8-bed dorms, both mixed, female and male dorms. They also offer stunning private rooms.

Accommodation Type: Mixed dorms, female dorms, male dorms, and private rooms.

Vibe: Modern and calm

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$47 to NZD$57, private rooms from NZD$115 to NZD$210

Location: 36 Hereford Street, Christchurch

Website: https://hakahouse.com/christchurch/

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YHA Wanaka – Wanaka

The friendly atmosphere and the cabin feeling of this hostel are what make it so unique. In addition, the location near Lake Wanaka and the mountains makes this the perfect hostel for exploring Wanaka's natural beauty. The staff working at YHA Wanaka are very excited to help, whether it's for travel advice or for booking activities.

What You Get: YHA Wanaka offers open-plan communal areas with a log fire, pool table, reading area, and movie room. Could it get any cosier than that? Don’t think so. YHA Wanaka also provides convenient facilities such as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry services. YHA Wanaka offers many different accommodation options, including dorms and private rooms. The rooms are cosy and have been designed with privacy in mind.

Accommodation Type: Dorms and private rooms.

Vibe: Cosy and friendly

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$80 to NZD$92, private rooms from NZD$218 to NZD$530

Location: 94 Brownston Street, Wanaka

Website: https://www.yha.co.nz/hostels/south-island-hostels/yha-wanaka

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LyLo Auckland – Auckland

This hostel knows how to take a modern design and still make it unique. Located in the middle of Auckland, it is a perfect place to call home away from home. The hostel puts on lots of events to keep its travelers happy, and the staff members are super lovely.

What You Get: Whether you are looking for a chilled time or to party it up, LyLo Auckland has something for all travelers. The hostel is designed with everyone in mind and has an onsite bar, workspaces, and a rooftop terrace. The hostel features modern and comfortable sleeping pods for the dorms as well as more spacious private rooms with double beds.

Accommodation Type: Sleeping pods in dorms and private rooms.

Vibe: Social and unique

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$75 to NZD$104, private rooms from NZD$123 to NZD$210

Location: 54 Cook Street, Auckland

Website: https://www.lylo.com/auckland/

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Bridge Backpackers - Nelson

This hostel has a stylish and modern design that will make you feel right at home. It was created by travelers, for travelers, and has everything you might want or need. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the hostel is located right in the heart of Nelson.

What You Get: Bridge Backpackers in Nelson offers large outdoor spaces and fun common areas, all for you to connect with other travelers. The common areas include a TV room, darts, and beanbags to lounge in. Bridge Backpackers offers different accommodation types, from dorms to private rooms.

Accommodation Type: Dorms and private rooms.

Vibe: Modern and laid back

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$34 to NZD$42, private rooms from NZD$69 to NZD$120

Location: 8 Bridge Street, Nelson

Website: https://www.bridgebackpackers.co.nz/

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Haka House Mt. Cook – Mt. Cook

You got to save the best for last! Nestled in the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, Haka House Mt. Cook offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This boutique hostel combines comfort with breathtaking surroundings, making it the ideal base for exploring the Southern Alps.

What You Get: Haka House Mt. Cook boasts spacious communal areas with panoramic views of the mountains, a cozy lounge with a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. The friendly staff are passionate about helping you make the most of your stay, offering free maps and booking assistance for local activities. The hostel also provides complimentary Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and a gear drying room for those returning from a day of hiking or skiing.

Accommodation Type: Mixed dorms, private rooms, and family suites.

Vibe: Tranquil and adventurous

Average Price per Night: Dorms from NZD$45 to NZD$55, private rooms from NZD$120 to NZD$250

Location: 20 Alpine Ave, Mt. Cook Village

Website: https://hakahouse.com/aoraki-mt-cook/