Where to Find Hostels in the Coromandel for Backpackers
One of the top beach paradise destinations in New Zealand has to be the Coromandel Peninsula! However, you don’t have to be loaded to enjoy it. There are plenty of backpacker hostels in the Coromandel spread among the towns so make the most of them and save some cents on accommodation.
Hostels can be found in the towns of Thames, Coromandel Town, Hahei, Whitianga and Whangamata. We’ve also added a holiday park to this list as an alternative option for backpackers. Find a more extensive list of holiday parks, as well as things to do, in The Coromandel – Guide for Backpackers.
1. Surf N Stay (Whangamata)
Surf N Stay is not just a backpackers in Whangamata but they also run a surf school. Your stay in Whangamata will be sorted, as they do kayak and surfboard hire. Meanwhile, the hostel has a beachy theme with loads of awesome places to hang out inside and out. Accommodation includes dorms and double and single rooms. These guys also rank in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel.
Check Surf N Stay out:
2. Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park (Hahei)
Hear us out; this attractive accommodation is not just a holiday park, but it also has its own backpacker hostel. Just a short stroll from Hot Water Beach and a short drive to Hahei, the Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers some fantastic options for budget travellers and backpackers. They have modern amenities blocks with communal kitchens, shower rooms (on five-minute timers), and surfboard, bodyboard, go-kart, bike and spade hire. For more stays with kitchen facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Coromandel.
Check Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park out:
- Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park on HostelWorld
- Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia
3. Tui Lodge (Coromandel Town)
It’s all about the garden at Tui Lodge, as you’ll never want to leave this outdoor haven with a gazebo and surrounded by native trees. Facilities include a sauna, barbecue and trampoline. Of course, there are all the essential backpacker facilities on the inside too with dorm rooms and private rooms. Plus, camping is welcome. This hostel is situated in Coromandel Town. For more lodge-style stays, check out the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Coromandel.
Check Tui Lodge out:
4. Tidewater Motel & Tourist Park (Coromandel Town)
More dorm beds can be found at the Tidewater Motel & Tourist Park. The holiday park-style accommodation features all the usual campsites, as well as male and female dorm rooms. If you don’t want to split from your group due to your gender, there are very affordable cabins too. Communal bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a barbecue area are also available. The low-key holiday park is just a two-minute walk from Coromandel Town centre.
Check Tidewater Motel & Tourist Park out:
- Tidewater Motel & Tourist Park on Booking.com
- Tidewater Motel & Tourist Park on HostelWorld
- Tidewater Motel & Tourist Park on Trip.com
- Tidewater Motel & Tourist Park on Expedia
5. Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park (Coromandel Town)
As alternative backpacker accommodation in the Coromandel, try the Coromandel Top 10 Holiday Park. Stay in cabins or make use of the powered and tent sites for campers in this large holiday park in Coromandel Town. There are communal facilities also, such as a kitchen, while the added extras like a swimming pool upgrade the hostel experience. If you’re new to holiday parks, check out our Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand.
Check Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park out:
- Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia
6. Tatahi Cove (Hahei)
Formerly the Tatahi Backpackers, Tatahi Cove has changed its style to an affordable lodge in Hahei, the closest town to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. The accommodation includes free use of spades for Hot Water Beach, free use of bikes, games for the beach, and a herb garden. They still have all the other communal facilities expected in a hostel, such as a kitchen and a lounge. Rooms consist of private double, king, triple and quad rooms; particularly affordable for groups. For alternative stays for groups, particularly families, take a look at the 11 Best Family Accommodations in The Coromandel.
Check Tatahi Cove out:
[CLOSED] On the Beach Backpackers Lodge
Stay on the beachfront of Whitianga in the On the Beach Backpackers. This cool and colourful hostel gives you lots of opportunities to feel the sea breeze with a spacious barbecue and outdoor areas. The hostel has all the essential facilities for backpackers, as well as free kayaks, bodyboards and spades for digging at Hot Water Beach.
More About Backpacker Hostels in the Coromandel
That’s it for our list of backpacker hostels in the Coromandel, including in Whitianga, Thames, Hahei, Coromandel Town and Whangamata. For more backpacker options, as well as things to do, check these out:
- 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel
- The Guide to the Coromandel on a Budget
- 16 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Coromandel – Guide for Backpackers.
Author
Robin C.
This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. He has now spent over a decade in the New Zealand tourism industry, clocking in more than 600 activities across the country. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides.