5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Raglan 🎒 [2026]

Last Updated: 17 September, 2024

Where to Find Accommodation in Raglan for Backpackers

It’s a difficult choice! Some of the best hostels in the country are right here in New Zealand’s most famous surf town. So when you’re trying to save the cents, which of the backpacker hostels in Raglan do you choose?!

We’ll list all your backpacker accommodations for an awesome stay in the North Island’s bohemian getaway. While you’re in this coastal paradise, make sure you check out some of the 15 Best Things to Do in Raglan including surfing, canyoning, kayaking to the pancake rocks, hiking and much more! When you’re done in Raglan, plan what’s next in the Waikato region with our Waikato – Guide for Backpackers.

1. Raglan Backpackers

This characterful hostel is a surfer’s paradise. Some rooms surround a garden courtyard complete with hammocks, a sauna and a spa pool. There’s also a selection of rooms in a separate waterfront cottage available in summer. Either way, travellers have access to social events almost every night with pizza nights, movie nights, yoga and more. Plus, if you want to go for a surf, the Raglan Backpackers has all the gear for hire. Room types include three- to eight-bed dorms and private double and twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Those travelling in a campervan can also stay on-site and use the communal facilities for a small fee.

Check Raglan Backpackers out:

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2. Karioi Lodge

Stay off the beaten track in this lodge nestled in native forest! While Karioi Lodge is 10 minutes drive from Raglan, daily shuttles take you to town or popular surf spots – so be sure to organise this at reception if needed. As well as backpacker dorms and private quad rooms (double bed and a bunk), Karioi Lodge also has a surf school for some “surf n’ stay” combos. Campervans are welcome too in their powered sites. Other facilities include two fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms and a sauna.

Check Karioi Lodge out:

3. Raglan Holiday Park

An alternative budget accommodation for backpackers in Raglan is the Raglan Holiday Park. Stay in affordable cabins or powered sites/tent sites while making use of shared facilities like a huge kitchen, games room, barbecue area, laundry and more. (If you haven’t stayed in a New Zealand holiday park before, here’s what to expect). The holiday park is only a 10-15 minute walk from the town centre.

4. Harbour View Hotel

If all of the hostels in Raglan are booked out, then the next cheapest rooms you’ll find are the private rooms of the Harbour View Hotel. Choose from a single, double, twin, triple and quad room with shared male and female bathrooms down the hallway. There is also a communal TV lounge with tea and coffee available. Although there are no self-catering facilities, you can always pop downstairs for a bite at the restaurant and bar.

Check Harbour View Hotel out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Raglan ???? [2023]

5. Raglan West Accommodation

One final cheap accommodation option in Raglan is Raglan West Accommodation. Located in the suburb of Raglan West, next door to The Food Department serving Raglan Roast coffee and cheap eats, these simple units are just a short walk away from town. Each unit sleeps up to three guests across a double and a single bed and features an ensuite shower and kitchenette with drink-making facilities and a microwave.

Check Raglan West Accommodation out:

Raglan West Accommodation on Booking.com

[CLOSED] Lazy Stayz

Ideally located in the centre of Raglan, Lazy Stayz is a warm and homely hostel. The surf hostel provides boards and wetsuits for free, as well as all the essential facilities for your stay. Free WiFi is a bonus!

[CLOSED] Solscape Eco Retreat

With some of the most unique accommodation in the whole country, Solscape is definitely worth considering. Solscape pride itself on being environmentally friendly with their recycled railway cabooses, tipis in the forest, glamping tents and earth domes in their off-the-beaten-track location (10 minutes drive from Raglan). There’s also self-contained accommodation, as well as powered sites and tent sites. You’ll be entertained the whole time with Solscape offering surf schools, yoga classes and massage therapies. What’s more, the hostel is a member of BBH and YHA.

More About Backpacker Hostels in Raglan

That’s it for our list of the best backpackers hostels in Raglan. For more Raglan tips, take a look at these other handy guides:

And if there’s anything else we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Waikato – 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 [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin C.

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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