Accommodation in Whangarei for Backpackers
So you’re heading northwards and you need a place to stay? Try Whangarei! With glowworm caves, a magnificent waterfall, diving trips to the Poor Knights Islands, and more, you’re bound to keep yourself entertained in this Northland city. To save your money to do awesome activities and travel longer, we suggest staying in one of the backpacker hostels in Whangarei!
Whangarei is lucky to have various hostel experiences, from a holiday park by the city’s key natural attractions to a renovated prison. There have been a few recent hostel closures, but we’ll update this list when more hostels become available.
Additionally, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Whangarei for alternative stays.
Staying in a Whangarei Hostel Long-Term
If you are looking to stick around a little longer, enquire about working for accommodation in a hostel, otherwise known as WWOOFing.
For more information, check out Everything You Need to Know About WWOOFing in New Zealand and 10 Lessons You’ll Only Learn When Working in a Hostel.
Table of Contents
1. Whangarei Falls Holiday Park
Situated right by the iconic Whangarei Falls and walking track up to the Abbey Caves, Whangarei Falls Holiday Park has an ideal location for Whangarei’s free attractions. The holiday park is kitted out with bunk rooms, as well as your usual holiday park facilities.
Relax in the hot tub after a day’s exploring or fire up the barbecue. You can take advantage of the outdoor pool, laundry facilities and free WiFi throughout the park. There’s also a TV in reception and a computer station if you need to catch up online.
Whangarei Falls Holiday Park is a 10-minute drive away from the city centre.
Book Whangarei Falls Holiday Park:
![5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Whangarei 🎒 [2026]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Whangare-Falls-Holiday-Park-1024x682.jpg)
© Whangare Falls Holiday Park2. The Cell Block Backpackers
The funkiest backpackers in town has been renovated from a 1960’s jailhouse to a colourful hostel. With The Cell Block Backpackers‘ ideal location right in the heart of Whangarei, it couldn’t be more convenient.
Most rooms are refurbished jail cells with their own basin and toilet, creating a quirky stay with a Mexican ambiance throughout.
Facilities include free WiFi, shared kitchen and shower facilities, a barbecue area in the courtyard, a rooftop garden with outdoor areas, a guitar and music dock, a female-only dorm and on-site parking.
Book The Cell Block:
© Cell Block3. YWCA Whangarei
“It’s fun to stay at the YWCA!” The YWCA offers nightly and weekly rates on single and twin share rooms for both women and men. The 24-room hostel provides communal bathrooms, kitchens and lounges across three separate wings.
Each wing has its own shared facilities, giving the place a nice communal feel without feeling overcrowded.
WiFi is available for NZ$10 per week, and there are coin-operated laundry facilities on-site.
You’ll also find free vehicle parking, which is handy if you’re travelling with your own wheels. The hostel sits just five minutes from the city centre and bus terminal.
© YWCA WhangareiMore About Hostels in Whangarei
Now that you know the best backpacker hostels in Whangarei, plan more of your visit with these guides:
- Whangarei – Guide for Backpackers
- The Travel Guide to Whangarei on a Budget
- 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Whangarei
Finally, if there’s anything else we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Whangarei.
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:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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