6 Best Youth Hostels to Stay in the North Island of New Zealand

Why do I stay in Youth Hostels in New Zealand? Well, one of the reasons is that you can save money and spend it on more adrenaline-fueled attractions in New Zealand. Read on and I’ll show you the Youth Hostels in the North Island of New Zealand I stayed in while travelling around the North Island, and why they’re perfect for your next holiday.

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All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.

Hostel Types and Facilities

Different types of Youth Hostels in New Zealand offer a variety of amenities, from basic dormitories to private rooms with en-suite facilities. You can find hostels that cater to all kinds of travellers, so whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful budget option or something a bit more luxurious, there’s something out there for everyone.

In Youth Hostels in New Zealand, you will have access to shared kitchen facilities. This is a great way to save money on food when travelling, as you can prepare your meals and store them in the refrigerator or cupboards provided. Just make sure you write your name and date on your food.

When in New Zealand, I shop at New World supermarkets. I find these have reasonable prices and can be found in most places you will be travelling to.

As Youth Hostels in New Zealand have communal spaces, like the kitchen, dining room and shared accommodation, these are the places where you are likely to meet like-minded travellers. It is also the place where you can catch up on everything on the internet, with free Wi-Fi offered in most hostels.

Benefits of Staying at Youth Hostels in New Zealand

Youth Hostels in New Zealand are a great way to save money when travelling and have a comfortable stay while on the road. It’s an excellent option for backpackers or those on a tight budget, as hostels tend to be much more affordable than other forms of accommodation. Youth Hostels in New Zealand also offer a variety of services, including various room sizes and shared facilities such as kitchens, as well as activities and a 24-hour reception. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and convenient way to travel, Youth Hostels in New Zealand are definitely worth considering.

All in all, Youth Hostels in New Zealand are not just an affordable and convenient way to travel but can also offer a truly immersive experience. With many Youth Hostels in New Zealand offering organised excursions, guests can gain a unique insight into the culture and history of the region they are visiting. Whether staying in cities or rural areas, hostels afford travellers a safe and low-cost way to explore the world.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Youth Hostels in New Zealand

Researching various Youth Hostels in New Zealand and booking well in advance can often result in the best deals. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or something more basic, it pays to do your research and plan. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from people you know who are familiar with the area. You can even check the hostel’s social media channels to get a better sense of the atmosphere. Once you’ve chosen the right hostel, secure your accommodation. With the proper planning, you can make the most of your stay while also securing the best prices and ensuring a safe booking.

Utilising online resources such as Hostelworld can help you compare prices and find the best options when booking Youth Hostels in New Zealand. Whether you’re looking for a hostel with private rooms, a shared dormitory, or a budget-friendly option, you can find what you need for your next stay. With reviews from other guests, you can get an idea of what to expect from the Youth Hostels in New Zealand and make sure you find the perfect option for your trip.

Similarly, joining loyalty programs such as Hostelworld Rewards or HI Membership is a great way to save money on future stays in Youth Hostels in New Zealand. By signing up for these programs, you can benefit from exclusive deals and discounts that would otherwise go unclaimed. These offers have the potential to make your stay even more affordable and give you even more incentive to make hostels a key part of your next vacation.

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Youth Hostels in New Zealand Where I’ve Stayed

Auckland International Youth Hostel, Haka House, New Zealand

Auckland has one of the best Youth Hostel in the North Island
The front of Auckland International on Turner Street.

I love Auckland City, and Auckland YHA International is conveniently located for a walk to Queen Street or Karangahape Road, with its pubs and clubs.

The Sky Tower, shops, Silo Park, the ferry to the Hauraki Gulf Islands and more are only a comfortable walk away. You can also take a walk to Mt Eden volcano to watch the sunset.

There are many room types to choose from, ranging from singles and doubles with en-suite facilities to dorm rooms with lockers and shared bathrooms on each floor.

Paid parking is offered, but it is limited, as is on-street parking. Please let the staff know if you require parking when booking.

  • 5GB of Free Wifi per day
  • Communal Lounge, TV including Sky TV and Free Movies
  • Book Exchange
  • Fully equipped kitchen (with food storage area) and Communal Dining area
  • Lockers in Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Recycling Stations
  • Laundry Facilities
  • 24-hour Guest Access
  • Luggage Storage
  • Paid on-site Car Parking

There is too much to do in Auckland for me to list here, so why not check out my blogs on the 25 Best Attractions to do in AucklandThe 2 Best of Auckland’s West Coast Beaches, and Historic and Scenic Karangahake Gorge – South of Auckland.

Sailing on Auckland Harbour under full sail on a fine summers day.
Go for a cruise on Auckland Harbour while you’re visiting.

Auckland International YHA is at 5 Turner Street, just off the top of Queen Street in the city. It is also a short walk to Auckland University and The Domain, which houses the Auckland War Memorial Museum, parkland and gardens.

How To Book

If you would like to stay at the Haka House Auckland, click on the link to start your adventure in Auckland.

Paihia Youth Hostel, Bay of Islands Lodge, Paihia

Paihia has a great youth hostel in the North Island.
The courtyard and front of the YHA Paihia.

If you want a place to relax while still having the option to get out and enjoy some awesome activities, then YHA Paihia, Bay of Islands Lodge, is the perfect choice.

Once again, you have your choice of dorm rooms with en-suite or private rooms. The kitchen is a spacious area, and best of all, this hostel is entirely solar-powered, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals.

It’s only a short walk to the beach, shops and wharf where you can catch the ferry to Russell or take one of the Bay of Islands cruises.

  • Solar Powered
  • Free Wifi
  • Free Onsite Car Parking
  • Communal Kitchen (with food storage area), Dining and Lounge Rooms
  • Recycling Stations
  • Herb Garden
  • Outdoor area with BBQ
  • Games and Book Exchange
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • 24-Hour Guest Access and After-hours Check-in on Request
  • Hair Dryers
  • Towel Hire
  • Hot Water Bottles
  • Travel and Activity Bookings

There is a wealth of activities to enjoy in Northland from this base in Paihia.

From cruising on the Bay of Islands, going to the top of New Zealand, exploring Kerikeri and taking in the history of Russell and Waitangi, as well as so much more.

You can read my blogs on the area, The Cream Trip, 1 Amazing Day Cruising the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, 1 Amazing Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand, 6 Top Attractions in KeriKeri, New Zealand, A 1 Day Trip to Waitangi, New Zealand, and Visit Historic Russell, Bay of Island, New Zealand.

The Bay of Islands and Russell from Paihia Beach.
View from Paihia into the Bay, just 100m from the YHA.

Located at 11 Macmurray Road in Paihia, just 100m up from the beach and on the corner of Kings and Macmurray Roads.

A small car park is available, but parking on the street is also permitted if needed.

How To Book

If you would like to stay at the YHA Paihia, Bay of Islands Lodge, click on the link to start your adventure in the Bay of Islands and the north of New Zealand.

Rotorua Youth Hostel, Haka House, New Zealand

One of my favourite Youth Hostels in the North Island, Rotorua.
The front of YHA Rotorua.

Rotorua is my favourite place in New Zealand, and this is one of the best Youth Hostels in the North Island. The hot pools, the Maori Culture and the smell of sulphur are all part of the experience of Rotorua, and when I’m here, I love to stay at Haka House Rotorua.

Dorm rooms with shared bathrooms or private rooms are available, along with spacious communal areas for relaxation.

The YHA Rotorua is a fantastic place to stay, with the city centre a short stroll away and Kuirau Park right across the road.

You can walk to most places in the city centre. Down to the Lake, Sulphur Point and the southern end of the shops at Amohau Street. For the Redwood Forest or further away, a car is preferable, but you can catch a bus.

  • Geothermal Power
  • 5GB Free Wifi a Day
  • Fully equipped Kitchen (with food storage area), Communal Dining and Lounge Room with TV
  • Free onsite parking
  • Bicycle Storage
  • Recycling Stations
  • Outdoor area with BBQ
  • Laundry Facilities
  • 24-Hour Guest Access
  • After-Hours Check-in on Request
  • Luggage Storage Options
  • Hair Dryers
  • Towel Hire

With so much to do in Rotorua, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Take a mud bath, witness the geothermal activity, or relax and take in the natural surroundings. You can read my blog on 12 Easy Rotorua Nature Walks and drive or take a tour down to One Wonderful Must-Do Tour of Hobbiton.

White Water Rafting Tutea Falls, the highest commercial waterfall in the world.
Rafters go over Tutea Falls, with the highest rafted waterfall at 10m.

The Rotorua YHA is located at 1278 Haupapa Street.

Parking is limited behind the hostel, but you can also park for free across the road on the corner of Haupapa and Ranalf Streets.

How To Book

If you would like to stay at the Haka House Rotorua, click on the link to start your adventure in Rotorua.

Taupo Youth Hostel, Finlay Jacks, New Zealand

You can't miss Taupo YHA with its mural on the street entrance.
The first sight you see of YHA Taupo.

My favourite is Finlay Jacks in Taupo. Its location is at the top of town, with it only taking about 10-15 minutes to walk down to the #LoveTaupo sign lakeside, where you can watch the sunset.

A real mix of rooms is here, all opening out to the courtyard. The Pod beds are new since I’ve been there.

If you like walking, there is an 8.5 km one-way walk to Huka Falls.

  • Free Wifi
  • Free Parking
  • Outdoor area with BBQ
  • Fully equipped kitchen (with food storage area), Communal Dining and Lounge Room with Netflix
  • Recycling Stations
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Book Exchange
  • 24-Hour Guest Access
  • Travel/Activity Bookings
  • Bicycle Hire
  • Luggage Storage Options
  • After-hours Check-in on Request
  • Hair Dryers
  • Towel Hire
  • Bicycle Hire

Join them on Sundays for Movie Night and Tuesdays for a pub quiz.

Taupo is the adventure capital of the North Island with something for literally everyone. From sedate cruising under sail to jet-boating, hot pools and hiking, family fun and solo traveller, Taupo has it all.

You can read my blogs on 5 Cruises on Lake Taupo and the Waikato River and 3 Ways to Get to Huka Falls, New Zealand by clicking on the links.

This is also a popular place for people to stay when doing the Tongariro Crossing. It’s a long day if you’re going to base yourself in Taupo and explore Tongariro National Park. Still, if you’d like to know more about walks you can do in the area that isn’t as strenuous as the Tongariro Crossing, you can read my blog 14 Easy Day Walks in Tongariro National Park. You could also stay at National Park YHA, but I haven’t as yet.

The best place to see the sunset is on the Lakefront where you can see  fantastic sunsets like this one looking over the Lake.
The sunsets over Lake Taupo rarely let me down. The colours are amazing.

Taupo YHA, Finlay Jack’s is located at 20 Taniwha Street, just up from Pak’n Save.

There is plenty of street parking.

How To Book

If you would like to stay at Finlay Jacks in Taupo, click on the link to start your adventure in Taupo.

Waitomo Youth Hostel, Juno Hall, New Zealand

Waitomo YHA amongst the bush.
The Waitomo YHA, Juno Hall.

Waitomo YHA, Juno Hall, makes you feel like you’re at your home away from home.

Set amongst the beautiful bush, it’s an excellent base for exploring the Caves and all the other natural attractions in the area.

Once again, you have private rooms or multi-share dorms with shared bathrooms and a kitchen, and a large dining/lounge with a fire for those winter nights.

  • Fully equipped Kitchen with Communal Dining and Lounge Room.
  • Free Wifi
  • Swimming Pool
  • Outdoor area with BBQ
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Recycling Stations
  • Breakfast Items for Sale
  • Luggage Storage Options
  • Hair Dryers
  • Bicycle Storage
  • Travel and Activity Bookings
  • Drying Room

I didn’t visit the Waitomo Caves this time, as I’ve seen them before, but they are worth visiting.

There are other natural attractions in the area to visit for free, and if you read my blog 5+ Attractions to See Near the Waitomo Caves, you’ll find them.

Beautiful Marokopa Falls just up the road from Waitomo YHA falling out of the bush into the river below.
Marokopa Falls has a great lookout to appreciate the falls and the river.

Waitomo YHA is located on Waitomo Caves Road, 6.4 km off SH3, just past the cafe.

There is free on-site parking.

How To Book

If you would like to stay at Waitomo YHA, Juno Hall, click on the link to start your adventure in the Waitomo region.

Wellington Youth Hostel, Haka House, New Zealand

Another one of the Youth Hostels in New Zealand is in Wellington. This is a shot of their entrance off a busy road at night.
The front of the Wellington YHA features a drive-through and short-term parking.

Wellington’s YHA, Haka House, is conveniently located on the edge of the city near the waterfront. It’s a short walk to downtown Wellington and its numerous attractions.

Just a 5-minute stroll and you’ll find yourself at Te Papa Museum and the waterfront.

They have dorms with en-suite as well as private rooms, and views across the harbour.

  • 5 GB Free Wifi per day
  • Solar Powered
  • Fully equipped kitchen (with food storage area), Communal Dining and Lounges on the Floors
  • Recycling Stations
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Laundry Facilities
  • 24 Guest Access
  • Games, Communal TV, Reading Room and Free Movies
  • A Lift (and Stairs for the Energetic)
  • After-Hours Check-in on Request
  • Luggage Storage Options
  • Bicycle Storage
  • Hair Dryers
  • Towel Hire

There is a lot to keep you entertained in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Read these blogs to learn more: 11 Attractions in Wellington, New Zealand on a Budget and The Inspiring Exhibition The Scale of Our War – Te Papa Museum.

The Wellington Cable Car returning to the bottom of the hill in Wellington City.
Great views of Wellington are at the top of the Cable Car.

Wellington YHA is located at 292 Wakefield Street.

There is no parking onsite, but you can pay to display a ticket for parking along the waterfront at Oriental Bay, a 10-15 minute walk away.

You have a drive-through area with limited parking, with enough time to check in and unpack your car.

How To Book

If you would like to stay at Wellington’s YHA, Haka House, click on the link to start your adventure in Wellington.

Conclusion

Of course, there are more sights to see in other parts of the North Island, and you can find links to my New Zealand blogs below under links.

Whether you’re a solo traveller or a family, Youth Hostels in New Zealand are the perfect option for budget accommodation. I hope you enjoy exploring New Zealand when you visit and take a rest in fantastic accommodation.

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The photos used on this blog were from the HostelWorld website.

Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at the following links: QueenslandSouth AustraliaNew South WalesVictoriaCamping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.

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12 comments on “6 Best Youth Hostels to Stay in the North Island of New Zealand

Ingrid says:

Great job on this post. I’ve always been curious about affordable travel stays in New Zealand 🇳🇿.

Thanks, Ingrid. There are so many options whether you’re solo or a family.

Josy A says:

I love your way of saving on the costs of accommodation so you can spend more on the NZ adventures! We stayed in a couple of hostels in NZ (as they were close to hikes we wanted to do…) they were clean and good value so I totally agree…they are a fab budget option.

I’m glad that you had such a great experience with the hostels you stayed in while you were in New Zealand. You can certainly save money to spend on more experiences while you’re there.

I am impressed by the cleanliness of the hostels. I have never stayed in one, but it looks like a great option for saving money while seeing the world.

They are great, Jolayne and you have so many options for accommodation.

Terri says:

I have never stayed in a hostel but I am impressed by the accommodations. NZ is so expensive.

It is, Terri but the Youth Hostels are a great way to go.

Sharyn says:

New Zealand hostels are a great to stay in when traveling NZ. They offer cheap and clean accommodation so you have somewhere homely to come home to at night. Then the savings you make on staying there let you spend your money on enjoying your time in NZ.

I couldn’t agree more, Sharyn. Add to that their convenient location and you win all round.

myfabfiftieslife says:

Excellent resources. I think it’s also really nice to see the photos…I know some people think of hostels as dingy places, but my experience is not that. Thanks for this, saving for later.

Thanks, Laureen. My experience with Youth Hostels is the same as you. They’re great places to stay.

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