5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Rotorua 🎒 [2023]

1. Rock Solid Backpackers

So-called for the view of the 17m climbing wall from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge and reception area, the Rock Solid Backpackers is a darn cool place to hang out. Not to mention, there’s a free pool table, table tennis, video games and unlimited WiFi! As for accommodation, the hostel in the city centre offers a range of dorms, including female-only dorms, as well as private single, double, twin and family rooms, some with an ensuite shower. As such as “solid” backpackers, we also list this one in Where to Stay in Rotorua: 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Rock Solid Backpackers out:

• Rock Solid Backpackers on Booking.com
• Rock Solid Backpackers on HostelWorld
• Rock Solid Backpackers on Trip.com
• Rock Solid Backpackers on Expedia

© NZPocketGuide.com

2. Rotorua Downtown Backpackers

Rotorua Downtown Backpackers is right in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal hub with the i-SITE and bus stop just down the road and all the shops and services at your fingertips. The hostel has a friendly vibe and at least you won’t starve with free rice and pasta available! As for the rooms, choose from four to 10-bed dormitories, a female-only dorm and private double and twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Check Rotorua Downtown Backpackers out:

• Rotorua Downtown Backpackers on Booking.com
• Rotorua Downtown Backpackers on HostelWorld
• Rotorua Downtown Backpackers on Trip.com
• Rotorua Downtown Backpackers on Expedia

© Rotorua Downtown Backpackers

3. Rotorua Central Backpackers

What? No bunks? That’s right! Another thing to get excited about is that Rotorua Central Backpackers has baths! How long has it been since you had a long soak in a bath? Alternatively, in the true spirit of Rotorua, you can bathe in the spa pool in between using other facilities, such as the large communal kitchen, relaxing in the lounge and making use of the free WiFi. Rooms consist of four to six-bed dorms, including a female dorm, as well as private single, double, twin and family rooms all with shared bathroom facilities.

Check Rotorua Central Backpackers out:

• Rotorua Central Backpackers on Booking.com
• Rotorua Central Backpackers on HostelWorld

© Rotorua Central Backpackers

4. Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park

A holiday park offering a backpacker dormitory amongst other budget-friendly forms of accommodation, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is worth considering. You’ll find it on the outskirts of town and close to attractions like Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, so it is recommended that you have your own vehicle. The holiday park has a great choice of private cabins with communal facilities like bathrooms and a kitchen. You can also relax in their free on-site thermal pool surrounded by bush or battle it out in the games room! Due to its great family cabins, we also list it in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park out:

• Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park on Booking.com
• Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park on HostelWorld
• Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park on Trip.com
• Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park on Expedia

© Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park

5. Astray Motel & Backpackers

Not a backpacker hostel in the traditional sense – there are no dorm rooms – yet Astray Motel & Backpackers is ideal for backpackers wanting a private room. Room types include single and double rooms with shared bathrooms, various studios with ensuite bathrooms and self-contained apartments. There is a small shared kitchen to cook your own meals. Plus, there’s free WiFi and free on-site parking, which is ideal for its central location. For alternative cheap stays, take a look at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Astray Backpackers & Motel out:

• Astray Backpackers & Motel on Trip.com
• Astray Backpackers & Motel on Expedia

© NZPocketGuide.com

[CLOSED] Funky Green Voyager

It doesn’t get funkier than the Funky Green Voyager. This small but homely hostel is famous for its super helpful staff, but we really dig the conservatory and backyard for proper Kiwi barbecues.

[CLOSED] Planet Backpackers

With super friendly and knowledgeable staff, Planet Backpackers has heaps of info on what to do in the Rotorua and Taupo area. Make use of the spacious kitchen and dining area, as well as a pool table, dartboard and free unlimited WiFi!

[CLOSED] Crash Palace

Free tea and coffee, plus rice, pasta, herbs and oil, a social activity each night including beer pong and movie nights, and a spa pool: it’s the perfect place to crash! And yes, WiFi is free and unlimited!

[CLOSED] Cactus Jacks

The fun-themed backpacker hostel is not exactly easy to miss! Step into the colourful and creative Cactus Jacks for all your basic facilities needed in a hostel, some funky places to hang out and a geothermally-heated spa pool.

[CLOSED] YHA Rotorua

The purpose-built backpacker accommodation has plenty of space to stretch your legs, whether it’s in the kitchen and dining area or through the plant-filled courtyard to your room.

[CLOSED] Spa Lodge

It’s a hippy’s paradise! Spa Lodge is a backpacker hostel in Rotorua which is full of character with paintings all over the walls from past guests. There are plenty of cool places to lounge, including the natural hot spa!