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New Zealand is an adventure-lover’s paradise, and staying at a hostel or campground is one of the best ways to experience it without breaking the bank. Whether you're hiking glaciers, exploring vibrant cities, or road-tripping from North to South, these top-rated hostels and campgrounds offer affordability, comfort, and a social atmosphere for travellers.
North Island Hostels
Bay Adventurer, Bay of Islands
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Location: 28 Kings Road, Paihia 0200
Quality: A relaxed hostel in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering a pool, hot tub, and easy access to stunning beaches and water-based activities.
Bay of Islands Holiday Park, Paihia
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: 678 Puketona Road, Paihia 0293
Quality: A riverside holiday park offering campsites, cabins, and family-friendly facilities, perfect for budget-conscious travelers wanting to explore the Bay of Islands.
Rock Solid Backpackers, Rotorua
Google Rating: 4.1/5
Location: 1140 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010
Price Range: $30 - $100 NZD per night
Quality: A centrally located backpacker hub with unique features like an indoor climbing wall, a movie room, and great access to Rotorua’s geothermal attractions.
Haka House Auckland City, Auckland
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location: 373 Karangahape Road, Auckland 1010
Quality: A sleek and stylish hostel in Auckland’s vibrant K’ Road district. With comfortable dorms, private rooms, and a lively social scene, it’s a great option for those looking to explore the city’s nightlife and attractions.
The Attic Backpackers, Auckland
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Location: Level 5, 31 Wellesley Street West, Auckland 1010
Quality: This central hostel offers clean rooms, a spacious outdoor deck, and a friendly atmosphere. It's a great base for exploring Auckland on foot.
Must-do Tours from Auckland!
Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour from Auckland BOOK NOW
Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Te Puia Small Group Tour from Auckland
Visit our Auckland destination page for more activities and tours to add to your itinerary!
Haka House Wellington, Wellington
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: 123 Tory Street, Wellington 6011
Quality: A well-designed, comfortable hostel with a modern feel, great communal spaces, and an ideal location near Cuba Street. Perfect for city explorers and food lovers.
The Dwellington, Wellington
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Location: 8 Halswell Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Quality: A boutique-style hostel with a cozy, home-like atmosphere. Featuring a full-sized tennis court, free breakfast, and stylish decor, it’s one of the best-rated hostels in the capital.
Must-do Tours in Wellington!
Introducing Te Papa Tour
Lord of the Rings Full Day tour
Visit our Wellington destination page for more activities and tours to add to your itinerary!
Finlay Jacks Backpackers, Taupō
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Location: 20 Taniwha Street, Taupō 3330
Quality: This hostel offers a huge kitchen, a big common room, a spacious patio with BBQs, and a super friendly hostel dog. It's everything a backpacker or budget traveler would want from a hostel.
Juno Hall Backpackers, Waitomo
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: 600 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo 3977
Quality: Situated near the famous Waitomo Caves, Juno Hall offers a cozy atmosphere with a swimming pool and tennis court, making it a great place to relax after exploring the caves.
South Island Hostels
Haka House Christchurch, Christchurch
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location: 36 Hereford Street, Christchurch 8013
Quality: A modern and vibrant hostel located in the heart of Christchurch, offering comfortable accommodations and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for travelers looking to explore the city.
Jailhouse Accommodation, Christchurch
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: 338 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch 8024
Quality: This unique hostel is set in a historic former jailhouse, offering a quirky and memorable stay with modern amenities and a friendly vibe.
Tasman Bay Backpackers, Nelson
Google Rating: 4.7/5 Location: 10 Weka Street, Nelson 7010 Quality: Famous for its free chocolate pudding and ice cream every evening, this hostel offers a homely environment with free Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and a spacious garden. It's a short walk from Nelson's center, making it both convenient and cozy.
Must-do Experiences in Franz Josef!
Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)
Franz Josef Glacier Adventure
Haka House Franz Josef, Franz Josef
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: 2-4 Cron Street, Franz Josef 7886
Quality: A modern and stylish backpacker retreat in the heart of Glacier Country, offering cozy communal spaces, a sauna, and a movie room. It’s perfect for travelLers wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Glow Worm Accommodation, Franz Josef
Google Rating: 4.0/5
Location: 27 Cron Street, Franz Josef 7886
Quality: A friendly, welcoming hostel with free Wi-Fi, a hot tub, and a communal lounge. Guests love the free soup in the evenings and the relaxed atmosphere after a day of glacier hikes.
Chateau Backpackers & Motels, Franz Josef
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Location: 8 Cron Street, Franz Josef 7886
Quality: This cozy hostel has a log fire, free breakfast, and a social vibe. It’s a great spot to meet fellow travellers and unwind after exploring the West Coast wilderness.
Wild Kea Lodge, Franz Josef
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: 15 Cowan Street, Franz Josef 7886
Quality: A peaceful escape surrounded by stunning scenery. With free Wi-Fi and storage for gear, it’s ideal for hikers and nature lovers looking for a comfortable stay.
Rainforest Backpackers Retreat, Franz Josef
Google Rating: 4.3/5
Location: 46 Cron Street, Franz Josef 7886
So quiet and close to nature - you can't beat the sound of the birds first thing in the morning! Shared kitchen is huge, has everything you need and there is a great vibe with other travellers.
Must-do Experiences in Queenstown!
Mt Cook Small Group Tour from Queenstown
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
Bumbles Backpackers, Queenstown
Google Rating: 4.3/5 Location: Cnr Lake Esplanade & Brunswick Street, Queenstown 9300 Quality: Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Bumbles Backpackers provides stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, and a tour desk to assist with adventure bookings.
Each of these hostels offers a unique experience, catering to various traveler preferences. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, New Zealand's hostels provide the perfect base for your Kiwi journey.
Adventure Queenstown Hostel, Queenstown
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Location: 5 Athol Street, Queenstown 9300
Quality: Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, this hostel is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, and a cozy lounge area, making it a perfect base for adventure seekers.
Haka House Queenstown, Queenstown
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location: 6 Henry Street, Queenstown 9300
Quality: A stylish and modern hostel offering top-notch facilities, including comfortable dorms, a social lounge, and a prime location in the heart of Queenstown’s bustling adventure scene.
JUCY Snooze, Queenstown
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Location: 47 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300
Quality: A fun and modern hostel with sleep pods for extra privacy. The rooftop bar and communal spaces make it an ideal base for meeting fellow adventurers in the adrenaline capital of the world.
North Island Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park: Situated on the banks of the Whanganui River, this park offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins and camping sites, with amenities like an outdoor heated pool and a games room.
Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park: Located near Lake Taupo, this park is family-friendly and offers a range of activities, including a thermal plunge pool, heated swimming pool, children's playground, and BBQs.
Auckland North Shore Holiday Park: Located just outside Auckland, this park offers easy access to the city's attractions while providing a peaceful, scenic setting with a variety of accommodation options.
Raglan Holiday Park Papahua: Situated in the Waikato region, this park offers beachfront camping and a range of accommodations, all within walking distance to the surf beach and town.
Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park: Known for its geothermal features and natural beauty, this park offers a mix of powered sites, cabins, and self-contained units, with easy access to the city's famous hot springs and adventure activities.
Waikato River TOP 10 Holiday Park: This park is located near the Waikato River and provides a peaceful setting for relaxation, with a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, walking, and cycling.
Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park: Located in a beautiful coastal area, this park provides access to stunning beaches, hiking trails, and water activities, making it a perfect base for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula.
Lake Ferry Holiday Park: Set on the South Coast of the North Island, this park offers camping and cabin options near the lake, ideal for fishing, cycling, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Bay of Islands Holiday Park: Situated near Paihia in the Bay of Islands, this park offers a relaxing spot for exploring the region's stunning beaches, island hopping, and local cultural sites.
Papamoa Beach Resort: Located on the beautiful Papamoa Beach, this park offers a relaxing coastal experience with a range of accommodations, perfect for families looking to enjoy the beach and local attractions.
South Island Holiday Parks & Campgrounds
Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park: Located in the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, this park offers a range of accommodations and is renowned for its proximity to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.
Lake Rotoiti Holiday Park: Situated within Nelson Lakes National Park, this park provides scenic lakeside camping and easy access to outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
Lake Tekapo Regional Park: Located at the eastern end of Lake Tekapo, this park offers camping facilities amidst stunning natural beauty, including views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Ahuriri Conservation Park: Situated near Omarama, this protected area offers camping and access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Riverside Holiday Park: Located in the heart of Westport, this park offers a range of accommodations and is close to local attractions, including the historic Coaltown Museum.
Punakaiki Beach Camp: Situated near the famous Pancake Rocks, this beachfront campground offers stunning ocean views and easy access to local natural attractions.
Kaiteriteri Reserve Camping: Located near the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park, this park offers camping facilities just a short walk from the beach and is ideal for exploring the park's golden beaches and clear waters.
Marlborough Top 10 Holiday Park: Situated in Blenheim, this park offers a range of accommodations and is a great base for exploring the Marlborough wine region.
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park: Located in Queenstown, this park offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and is within walking distance of the town center's shops and restaurants.
Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park: Situated in Te Anau, this park offers easy access to Fiordland National Park and the Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
These parks provide a variety of accommodations and are strategically located to offer easy access to some of the most iconic natural attractions and outdoor activities.
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