5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka 🎒 [2023]

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:

• Wanaka Bakpaka on HostelWorld

© 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:

• Wanaka Backpackers Bothy on Booking.com
• Wanaka Backpackers Bothy on HostelWorld

© 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:

• Mountain View Backpackers on Booking.com
• Mountain View Backpackers on HostelWorld

© 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:

• The Zula Lodge of Booking.com
• The Zula Lodge on Trip.com
• The Zula Lodge on Expedia

© 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:

• Hawea Hotel on Booking.com
• Hawea Hotel on HostelWorld
• Hawea Hotel on Trip.com
• Hawea Hotel on Expedia

© 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.