5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka 🎒 [2023]© NZPocketGuide.com
5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka 🎒 [2023]

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka 🎒 [2024]

© NZPocketGuide.com

Where to Find Accommodation in Wanaka for Backpackers

Whether it’s the peace of the lakeside and stunning mountain surroundings that draws you to Wanaka or the adventurous hikes and ski fields that lure you in, you’ll want to save your money for the incredible activities and experiences Wanaka has to offer. A great way to stretch those dollars further is to stay in backpacker hostels in Wanaka!

Want to stay in Wanaka longer? Remember that many hostels in the area regularly look for WWOOFers to work for accommodation – another great way to save money on long-term stays. Find out more information in Everything You Need to Know About WWOOFing in New Zealand and 10 Lessons You’ll Only Learn When Working in a Hostel.

1. Wanaka Bakpaka

With the best views in town, Wanaka Bakpaka is more like a holiday home than a backpacker hostel. Relax in the spacious lounge or in one of the delightful nooks of the garden. It’s reassuring to know that you’re only a short stroll from town, where you can borrow the hostel’s umbrellas or even reusable shopping bags to make running errands easier. Dorms range from three to six beds, while the private twin and double rooms are well worth considering – especially the double ensuite with lake views from its private deck!

Check Wanaka Bakpaka out:

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

2. Wanaka Backpackers Bothy

Conveniently located in the centre of town, Wanaka Backpackers Bothy, or “the Bothy”, is an excellent base for exploring Wanaka. It has all your basic needs as a budget traveller and then some with funky communal areas and mountain-themed tidbits to discover across the hostel. Between the double rooms and four-, six- and eight-bed dorms, guests can enjoy bike hire, a ski/bike servicing area, ski storage, a barbecue area, board games and more. This is also the hostel to hit up if you’re looking for a long-term stay.

Check Wanaka Backpackers Bothy out:

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Mountain View Backpackers

This small hostel in the centre of Wanaka is a good escape from the busier hostels. Simple with all the amenities you’ll need, Mountain View Backpackers is a good choice for a short stay in Wanaka. Extra services include bike rentals, a TV lounge with streaming services, a drying room for winter gear and a welcoming garden with a barbecue. As for rooms, you have the easy options of shared four- or six-bed dorms or a private double room.

Check Mountain View Backpackers out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka© Mountain View Backpackers

4. The Zula Lodge & Backpackers

Just a five-minute drive from Wanaka town centre, The Zula Lodge is a small and friendly hostel with just two bunk rooms and two family rooms. Dorms have quality bunks attached to the walls (yay, less squeaking!), while the kitchen and lounge are super spacious. The lodge is just across the street from a supermarket – so self-catering is a breeze! For more lodges to consider, also check out the 10 Best Lodges in Wanaka, while our alternative self-catering picks are listed in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Wanaka.

Check The Zula Lodge out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka© Zula Lodge

5. Hawea Hotel

An alternative location in the Lake Wanaka area, the Hawea Hotel sits on the edge of the serene Lake Hawea. Aside from stylish hotel rooms, the accommodation also has a separate hostel lodge with two- and four-bed dorms and a private double room with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. There’s a comfortable lounge to relax in, while WiFi and even towels are included in the room rate. If you don’t feel like cooking, you also have the option of food from the hotel’s Eatery with options to take away. For more alternative yet cheap stays like this, also check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka.

Check the Hawea Hotel out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka 🎒 [2023]© Hawea Hotel

[CLOSED] YHA Wanaka

YHA members, get your discount in this backpacker hostel ideally situated in the centre of Wanaka. The ski chalet design is enough to get you pumped for the winter season but is a comfortable hostel all year round.

More About Wanaka for Backpackers

Now that you’ve found an awesome place to stay, check out what awesome things there are to do:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Wanaka – Guide for Backpackers or The Complete Travel Guide to Wanaka.

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:

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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