6 Youth Hostels in New Zealand That I Love

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

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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.

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Hostel Types and Facilities

Different types of Youth Hostels in New Zealand offer a variety of amenities, from basic dormitories to private rooms with ensuites. 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 own 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 Pak n Save or Countdown supermarkets. I find these are the cheapest 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

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 a great 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, from various room sizes and shared facilities such as kitchens to activities and 24-hour reception. So if you’re looking for a cheap and easy 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 are able to 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 Hostels

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 ahead. 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 right planning, you can make the most of your stay, while also getting the best prices and ensuring a secure booking.

Utilizing online resources such as Hostelworld can help you compare prices and find the best options when it comes to 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 are great ways 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 International YHA entrance in one of the best Youth Hostels in New Zealand.
The front of Auckland International on Turner Street.

I love Auckland City and Auckland YHA International is a convenient walk to Queen Street or K Rd with the 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, from singles or doubles with ensuites to dorm rooms with lockers and shared bathrooms on the floor.

Paid parking is offered, but it is limited as is on-street parking. Make sure to let the staff know if you require parking when you book.

  • 5GB of Free Wifi per day
  • Communal Lounge, T.V. including Sky T.V. 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 how about you just check out my blogs on 25 Best Attractions to do in Auckland, The 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.

Paihia Youth Hostel, Bay of Islands Lodge, New Zealand

Paihia YHA entrance with courtyard, picnic tables and stairs to rooms off the balcony above.
The courtyard and front of the YHA Paihia.

If you want a place to relax but still have the option to get out and do some awesome activities, then YHA Paihia is the place for you.

Once again you have your choice of dorm rooms with ensuites or private rooms. The kitchen is a large space and best of all this hostel is fully solar-powered, great for sustainably-minded people.

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 so much to do 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 by clicking here or seeing the area through my photos here.

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.

There is a small car park, but you can park on the street if needed.

Rotorua Youth Hostel, Haka House, New Zealand

Rotorua YHA entrance one of the best Youth Hostels in New Zealand.
The front of YHA Rotorua.

Rotorua is my favourite place in New Zealand. The hot pools, the Maori Culture and the smell of sulphur, is all part of the experience of Rotorua.

Dorm rooms with shared bathrooms or private rooms are here along with large communal areas to relax in.

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, see all the geothermal activity or relax and take in nature. 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 park across the road on the corner of Haupapa and Ranalf Streets for free also.

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.

This is my favourite Youth Hostel, Finlay Jacks 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 the 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 place where people 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, but 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.

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 a great 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 kitchen and a large dining/lounge with 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 do the Waitomo Caves this time as I’ve seen them in the past, but they are worth going in.

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 river.

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

There is free on-site parking.

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 Wellington YHA shows the drive-through with short parking.

Wellington’s YHA is conveniently located on the edge of the city near the waterfront. It’s an easy walk to downtown Wellington and its many attractions.

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

They have dorms with ensuites 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 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 isn’t any parking onsite but you can pay to get tickets to display for parking along the waterfront at Oriental Bay, a 10-15 minute walk.

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

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 rest up in fantastic accommodation.

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

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12 comments on “6 Youth Hostels in New Zealand That I Love

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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