Where to Find Hostels in Hamilton for Backpackers
In Hamilton, you’re in the centre of all the action: Hobbiton, Raglan, the Blue Springs in Putaruru and so much more! Plus, the city has it’s own attractions like the Waikato Museum, New Zealand’s only tea plantation, and the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. Hamilton is a great place to base yourself when exploring the Waikato region. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the best backpacker hostels in Hamilton, so you can spend less on accommodation and more on awesome experiences.
For more things to do in Hamilton, be sure to check out our Hamilton – Guide for Backpackers. And to help you save the cents further, take a look at the 10 Free & Cheap Things to do in Hamilton.
1. Backpackers Central Hamilton
Stay right in the heart of Hamilton in the conveniently located Backpackers Central Hamilton. There’s plenty of space in this hostel with two kitchens and lounges, as well as a few welcome additions like free unlimited WiFi, free parking and free breakfast! Rooms include dorms, female dorms, male dorms, singles, doubles, triples, twins and ensuites. Basically, there’s something for everyone here looking to stay somewhere for cheap. The friendly vibe is just an added bonus.
Check Backpackers Central Hamilton out:
- Backpackers Central Hamilton on Booking.com
- Backpackers Central Hamilton on HostelWorld
- Backpackers Central Hamilton on Trip.com
- Backpackers Central Hamilton on Expedia
2. Microtel Lodge
Within walking distance of Hamilton city centre, Microtel Lodge is a small but quality accommodation with dorms, private rooms and self-contained studios. A cool feature of this hostel is that the dorms feature an ensuite, so there are no missions to the bathroom. Facilities also include a communal kitchen, a TV room, free on-site parking and laundry facilities. Plus, there’s free internet access! For more stays with cooking facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Hamilton.
Check Microtel Lodge out:
© Microtel Lodge3. YWCA Hamilton
An alternative hostel option in Hamilton with super cheap private rooms is the YWCA. With a hostel open to both females and males, rooms include private singles, twins (shared or private) and doubles. There are shared facilities such as a kitchen, lounge, bathrooms, laundry and free limited WiFi. The location of this hostel is also within walking distance of the city centre. Nightly and weekly rates are available. For more long-term options, head to Hamilton: A Guide to Cheap Long-Term Accommodation.
© YWCA Hamilton4. Hamilton City Holiday Park
A backpacker accommodation alternative is staying in a holiday park, which like hostels, has shared facilities like kitchens and laundry. The Hamilton City Holiday Park has self-contained units, as well as affordable cabins with doubles, twins and singles. There are powered sites and tent sites too. Kitchen utensils are available to hire for NZ$10. The holiday park is situated 3 km (1.9 miles) from the city centre. For more alternatives to backpacker hostels, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Hamilton and 10 Best Homestays in Hamilton.
Check Hamilton City Holiday Park out:
© Hamilton City Holiday Park[CLOSED] Eagles Nest Backpackers
Offering the cheapest dorm rates in Hamilton, the Eagles Nest Backpackers is worth considering. The hostel is just a short walk from the city centre and close to supermarkets. It has all the facilities expected in a hostel from a kitchen to a lounge, as well as some additions like a steam room and barbecue. Some rooms have their own balcony.
More Hostels in Hamilton
That’s it for our guide to the best hostels in Hamilton. For more accommodation options, as well as things to do, check these out:
- 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Hamilton
- 10 Best Homestays in Hamilton
- The Travel Guide to Hamilton on a Budget
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in Hamilton – Guide for Backpackers.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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