Where to Stay in Hamilton on a Budget
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, here are the best backpacker hostels in Hamilton!
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 10 Free or Cheap Things to do in Hamilton.
For more affordable ideas, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodation 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.
Check Backpackers Central Hamilton out:
- Backpackers Central Hamilton on Booking.com
- 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 and private rooms. Facilities include a communal kitchen, free on-site parking and the dorms are ensuite. Plus, there’s free Internet access.
Check Microtel Lodge out:
3. 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.
4. 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 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.
5. 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 3km from the city centre. They don’t have free WiFi but don’t worry, we’ll give you some tips here.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.