The Very Best Auckland Hostels
Looking for the best Auckland hostels? We know that finding a great hostel can be a hassle, so to make things a little bit easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best hostels in Auckland that are guaranteed to be clean, comfortable, and most importantly – fun.
Commonly mistaken for the nation’s capital, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most populated city. Its 1.6 million people make up a huge portion of Aotearoa’s population. Auckland is best visited in the summer months, where blue skies and pristine beaches become a holiday makers paradise.
Most people don’t visit New Zealand for its cities, but for the stunning scenery and natural environment not found anywhere else in the world. However, if you’re more of a city dweller you’ll still find plenty to do in the Auckland CBD. World class restaurants, museums and galleries, parks, and shops galore – there’s enough to keep you busy.
Auckland also has a dynamic arts and culture scene, with young contemporary artists hosting exhibitions every week along quirky K-Road, and innovative theater shows and gigs taking place every day all over the city.
There’s plenty of natural beauty in surrounding the city that you should definitely visit during your time there. Rent a car or a bike and explore some of Auckland’s most incredible beaches, including the black sanded Piha Beach (watch out for the rough seas, though), the more secluded Milford Beach, or relax on the picture-perfect golden sands of Orewa Beach.
Another must-see activity on your Auckland bucket list is a trip to Waiheke Island. Just a 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and you’ll arrive on Waiheke, which in the native Maori language means “cascading falls”. The island is a nature lover’s paradise, where you can spend the whole day hiking, swimming, and exploring the hidden coves of the island. New Zealand does wine really well – and the Auckland region has plenty of wineries which produce quality vino. A great activity for the day is to do a vineyard tour where you can sample some of the best wines in the country.
Now we’ve got your itinerary sorted, let’s sort out your accommodation. Out list of Auckland hostels is guaranteed to have something that grabs your attention, and if not… well, we tried. Auckland’s hostel game isn’t the most sophisticated one out there (if you want to see incredibly designer hostels you should definitely head to a city like Lisbon) but what Auckland’s hostels lack in style they make up for in substance.
We have put together this list based on what we personally expect out of a great Auckland hostel. Clean rooms, comfortable dorm beds with power outlets, secure luggage storage, friendly atmosphere that encourages interaction (but doesn’t force it), and a communal kitchen are all super important aspects in our eyes, and we prioritize them when suggesting a place to stay. All of these are factors when it comes to making our selection of the best hostels in Auckland, New Zealand.
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The Best Hostels in Auckland, New Zealand
Oaklands Lodge
- Address: 5A Oaklands Road, Mt Eden
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld, Booking.com
Located in the trendy suburb of Mt Eden, Oaklands Lodge is an Auckland hostel which offers everything you need for a relaxing stay in the city. Mt Eden is home to plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, and you can enjoy great views of the city from Mount Eden itself. A short and inexpensive bus ride will take you to the city center.
Offering dorms for 4, 6, or 11 people, each guest has access to a locker and power outlet to keep devices charged. Travelers can take advantage of the guest kitchen in order to save a few dollars by home cooking, rather than eating out all the time. The atmosphere is laid back and social, and while they do organize activities for guests to join in on, they’re by no means a party hostel – so you can still expect to get a good night sleep.
The super friendly staff at this Auckland hostel encourage guests to join shared meals, quiz nights, and movie evenings. If you’re looking for one of the best hostels in Auckland to base yourself during your stay, then Oaklands Lodge ticks all the boxes!
Best Party Hostel in Auckland – Nomads Auckland
- Address: 16-20 Fort Street, Auckland
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld, Booking.com
Nomads is an Auckland hostel that provides fabulous facilities, and a great atmosphere for travelers who want to experience the city’s lively nightlife. Although the hostel itself doesn’t sell alcohol, the staff are always organizing activities and outings to ensure guests experience the best side of Auckland’s party scene. Join them on a night out and receive discounts at various bars and clubs around the city. The central location and 24 hour reception means that you’ll never have to worry about finding your way home at night. Queen Street, with its numerous restaurants, bars, and shops is just around the corner, and Britomart train station is a 5 minute walk away.
Choose from mixed and female only dorm rooms, which provide lockers, charging facilities, and comfortable mattresses for each guest. Rooms are modern and clean, with everything you need for a comfortable night (or day) of sleeping after experiencing Auckland’s nightlife.
Some of the hostels fantastic facilities include a sauna (perfect for relaxing before or after a crazy night out), a travel desk for booking trips and tours, and a rooftop kitchen with breathtaking views of the city and harbor. The communal lounge is a great space for meeting fellow hostel mates to join your party crew, or for relaxing on the bean bags after a long day of exploring. If you love drinking, partying, and socializing then Nomads is one of the best hostels in Auckland for meeting like-minded people and finding the best nightlife spots in the city.
Best Boutique Hostel in Auckland – Brown Kiwi Travellers Hostel
- Address: 7 Prosford Street, Auckland
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld, Booking.com
Located in the trendy suburb of Ponsonby, Brown Kiwi Travellers Hostel is one of the best boutique hostels in Auckland for travelers on a budget. Situated in a beautiful, historic Victorian villa, this Auckland hostel is in the perfect peaceful spot to relax, while being able to explore the city and surroundings easily. With plenty of transport links, you can reach the city center in a short bus ride.
A boutique style hostel, Brown Kiwi Travellers offer double, twin, and dorm rooms. Relax in the tropical garden setting and listen to the sounds of the native birds, or share a meal with fellow travelers in the farmhouse style dining room.
Ponsonby is a great area for travelers who want to experience a taste of real Auckland living. You’ll find plenty of fashionable boutiques, quirky cafes, and top-class restaurants nearby. If you’re looking for a boutique style Auckland hostel, then Brown Kiwi Travelers the perfect place to enjoy a humble atmosphere and fantastic amenities.
Fat Cat Travellers
- Address: 2A Sherrybrooke Place
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld
Fat Cat Travellers is one of the best hostels in Auckland, although the experience you’ll have here is a bit different from a traditional backpackers. This unique travelers community is set in a sustainable homestead on an ecological farm just 30 minutes from the center of Auckland. If you value your creature comforts and are looking for a more modern, city-style hostel, then this might not be the place for you. Fat Cat Travellers hostel adheres to the “reduce, reuse, recycle” motto, and the sustainable farm features compost showers, a bicycle-powered washing machine, and an outdoor fire bath. We told you it was unique!
The old farm house is a quirky building with a homely, cosy vibe. The aim of the hostel is to cultivate a peaceful environment where travelers can feel at home, and at one with nature, while remaining in close proximity to the city center. On the homestead you’ll find adorable cats, clucking chickens, and organic gardens. They offer dorm rooms, as well as private double room in caravans.
The best thing about Fat Cat Travellers Hostel is the social, open atmosphere. The staff go to a lot of effort to ensure that their guests feel included and a part of the community. Every night you can share a huge vegetarian dinner with the staff and fellow guests, and it’s free! If the weather permits, you can sit around a campfire and share experiences and music. Sunday is pizza night, so grab a slice and make some new friends!
Breakfast is also included in the price of your room. As if that’s not enough, they also host a variety of workshops every week which guests can join and learn some new skills. You can join workshops about bread making, upcycling, arts and crafts, and organic gardening. You’ll end up taking a lot more from this hostel experience than you expected!
Waiheke Backpackers Lodge
- Address: 421 Seaview Road, Waiheke Island
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld
Waiheke Backpackers Lodge is an Auckland hostel providing a slice of peace and quiet away from the noise of the city. Waiheke Island is a tranquil haven in the Hauraki Gulf. The ferry terminal on the island, Matiatia, is 21.5km from Auckland’s central terminal. Although it’s not strictly in Auckland city, the island is spectacularly beautiful, with native flora and fauna that’ll take your breath away. The pleasant ferry ride is affordable and takes just 40 minutes. You won’t believe you’re in such close proximity to New Zealand’s largest city!
On the island itself you’ll find plenty to do and see. Home to vineyards, olive groves, and sandy beaches, if you love the outdoors you’ll love Waiheke. You can enjoy stunning sea views of the sea and the city skyline from the garden. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation is cosy dorm rooms. Each guest has access to their own locker and power outlet, and can make good use of the fully equipped guest kitchen. If you fancy heading out for a bite to eat there are plenty of local restaurants and bars serving up delicious locally-sourced food and drinks. There’s a BBQ that’s perfect for summer nights, and a huge lawn area where you can relax with a book while you take in the breathtaking ocean views.
A perfect spot for a breath of fresh air, if you’re visiting Auckland on a budget, but love a bit of peace and quiet, Waiheke is the perfect destination. Close to the city, and yet a world away – Waiheke Backpackers Lodge is the perfect place to begin exploring one of New Zealand’s most naturally pristine locations.
Best Party Hostels in Auckland – Ponsonby Backpackers
- Address: 2 Franklin Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld, Booking.com
Ponsonby Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Auckland for travelers looking for great accommodation without a hefty price tag. Ponsonby is one of Auckland’s liveliest residential neighborhoods, with plenty of popular bars, stylish boutiques, and trendy, millennial-friendly cafes serving up plate after plate of creamy avocado on toast. Head to Ponsonby central, an indoor market-like space, for a bite to eat and sample the variety of cuisines New Zealand has to offer.
This Auckland hostel is small and friendly. They offer private rooms and dorms, as well as a female only option. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with lots of space to move around. Guests have access to a locker for storing valuables, and a power outlet for keeping devices fully charged. Their communal spaces include a spacious TV lounge where you can relax after a long day of exploring, and a sunny outdoor terrace with a BBQ. Guests can also make use of the fully equipped kitchen, where you can find free tea and coffee all day long.
If you’re looking for a friendly, laid-back, comfortable hostel then Ponsonby Backpackers is guaranteed to impress. With weekly activities, you won’t struggle to meet fellow travelers and make new friends. The friendly staff are super helpful, and always on hand to give advice and recommendations about the city they call home.
Verandahs Backpackers Lodge
- Address: 4-6 Hopetoun Street
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld, Booking.com
Verandahs Backpackers Lodge is a stylish Auckland hostel located in the heart of the city. Operating from 2 stunning 1900s villas, you can enjoy sweeping views of Auckland harbor and Ponsonby from the hostels large verandahs (hence the name). With close transport links near by, it’s the perfect spot to base yourself for exploring Auckland and its wonderful surroundings.
You can choose from private rooms or dorm rooms for 4-5 people. Each room is super affordable and provides you with all the amenities you would expect from a good hostel, including a locker and personal power outlet. The rooms are spacious and airy, with humble minimalist decor. They have two huge, fully equipped kitchens where you can cook up a storm.
Relax and get some sun on the outdoor lawn, and join in the various activities at the hostel including shared dinners and movie nights. The chilled out atmosphere makes it easy to meet new people and feel at home, which is why Verandahs Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Auckland for travelers on a budget.
YHA Auckland International
- Address: 5 Turner Street
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld, Booking.com
Located in the heart of the city center, YHA Auckland International is one of the best hostels in Auckland for travelers who want to be right in the middle of the action. Situated on the top of Queen Street, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops nearby. Everything you need is right on your doorstep!
Offering a variety of modern, clean, and affordable dorm rooms for backpackers, YHA hostels are always top of their game in the hostel world. Clean bathroom facilities, lockers, and power outlets – you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable hostel experience. YHA Auckland International provides plenty of communal areas for guests to relax and socialize, including a basement chill-out zone, guest kitchen, and dining room. The friendly staff are always happy to help by providing advice, recommendations, and help with booking activities around the city.
A central city hostel that ticks all the boxes, YHA Auckland International is definitely one of the best hostels in Auckland for travelers seeking a great hostel experience without a hefty price tag.
The Attic Backpackers
- Address: 15-31 Wellesley Street, Auckland
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld, Booking.com
Located in the heart of the city, Attic Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Auckland for travelers seeking a comfortable hostel with a social atmosphere. Modern and stylish, the hostel provides guests with everything they might need for a hassle-free stay in Auckland.
A short walk from Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower, and just minutes from busy Queen Street, the location really can’t get more central than this. Situated on the top floor, Attic Backpackers features a rooftop terrace offering spectacular views of the city. Guests can enjoy access to a communal kitchen and dining room. The large, spacious dorms are popular with travelers of all types. A female only option is available too, and each guest has access to their own locker and power outlet, as well as free linen.
A new feature of this fantastic hostel is the travel and tourism desk that operates from reception. You can book all sorts of activities, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled thrill or a relaxing getaway, there’s something for everyone. Ask the friendly staff about booking bungee jumps, day trips, and camper van hire, and make the most of your New Zealand adventure.
Queen Street Backpackers
- Address: 4 Fort Street, Auckland
- Independent Reviews: Hostelworld, Booking.com
Centrally located on Queen Street, Queen Street Backpackers is one of the Auckland hostels guaranteed to impress. Providing modern, clean, and affordable accommodation in the center of the city, you can’t go wrong.
Guests can choose from mixed and female only dorms, which sleep up to 8 people. Safety lockers, personal charging facilities, and free linen are all part of the deal when you book a bed at Queen Street Backpackers. Indulge yourself in the free breakfast, which includes a selection of cereals, breads, juices, teas, and plenty of coffee.
Relax in the large communal lounge area, where you’ll find a TV with Netflix and a book exchange, or chill out in the in-house bar which offers a happy hour every night. Guests can also make use of the two fully equipped kitchens. Ideal for relaxing, socializing, and exploring the city there are plenty of reasons why Queen Street Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Auckland.
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