5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Whakatane 🎒 [2023]

Where to Find Hostels in Whakatane for Backpackers

Going to the island sanctuary of Moutohora, checking out the mountain bike trails, bushwalks or surfing spots? Whakatane is a must-stop on the Bay of Plenty coastline with heaps of things to do in this coastal city. But to make the most of all the activities, you’re probably going to have to save the cents on accommodation. We can help you there with this list of backpacker hostels in Whakatane!

We consider these your best accommodations with dorms and cheap private rooms in the Whakatane area with a couple of hostels in town, as well as hotels and holiday parks offering backpacker alternatives.

For more affordable ideas, however, be sure to check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Whakatane.

1. Whakatane Hotel

The Whakatane Hotel offers both hotel and backpacker accommodation in the heart of Whakatane. Check out the hotel above the Irish Bar “The Craic” with shared bunk rooms sleeping up to two or four, as well as a range of private rooms. Most rooms share a bathroom, but there is one private room with an ensuite, should you prefer. There’s free WiFi but not much in the way of shared facilities like kitchen, laundry, etc.

Check Whakatane Hotel out:

2. Karibu Backpackers

For a homely backpacker hostel ideally located in the centre of Whakatane, take a look at Karibu Backpackers. As well as dorms, private rooms and tent sites, Karibu Backpackers has all the essential facilities like laundry, lounge and kitchen as well as a few added extras such as free bike hire, vegetable garden, spacious outdoor areas and more. BBH members take advantage of the BBH discount. Note that they also offer a weekly rate for seasonal workers should you be on a working holiday working in the fruit picking industry.

3. The Windsor Lodge Backpackers

[Note that The Windsor Lodge Backpackers is now only accepting long-term/weekly stays].

A modern backpackers/motel accommodation in Whakatane city, The Windsor Lodge Backpackers is a great option for budget accommodation in Whakatane. The hostel has dorms, double rooms, as well as units and motel rooms. Shared facilities include a kitchen and lounge. Free bike hire and golf club hire are available.

4. Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Just outside of Whakatane is the Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Complete with hydro-slide pool, tennis/basketball court, beach volleyball, table tennis, mini-golf and much more! Accommodation includes powered sites and tent sites for camping, as well as budget glamping and glaravaning, cabins and self-contained units. There are shared facilities from barbecue areas to laundry and all the other essentials in between. What’s more, there’s free WiFi! Ohope Beach Top 10 is located a 17 minutes’ drive from Whakatane. For more backpacker alternative stays like this, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Whakatane.

Check Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

5. Awakeri Hot Springs

This basic holiday park accommodation provides another budget option in the Whakatane area with affordable cabins and tourist flats for couples or groups, on top of the usual tent and powered sites. Aside from the essential kitchen, laundry and lounge facilities, the draw-card for Awakeri Hot Springs are the hot pools with a large geothermally heated swimming pool and a smaller hot pool – one of the 18 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Whakatane. Be aware that bedding must be hired, as are cooking utensils if using the large communal kitchen. Otherwise, self-contained tourist flats have kitchen utensils. Awakeri Hot Springs is located 14 minutes’ drive from Whakatane. For more accommodations with kitchens, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Whakatane.

More Hostels in Whakatane

That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Whakatane. For more places to stay, as well as things to do, check out these recommendations:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Whakatane on a Budget.

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.

Contact Robin via our contact page