5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Paihia 🎒 [2026]

Last Updated: 17 September, 2024

Where to Stay in Paihia for Backpackers

Paihia is a top destination for backpackers, so much so that it has a whole street dedicated to backpacker hostels, Kings Road a.k.a “backpacker alley”. Alternatively, there are also a few hostel options away from the hustle and bustle of backpacker alley. Many of the hostels offer kayak hire for free or cheap so there’s no excuse not to explore the bay! Check out some of the awesome things you can do at 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Paihia.

Whatever Paihia hostel you decide, you’re bound to have a smashing time in the Bay of Islands. Check out what you can do with our Bay of Islands – Guide for Backpackers.

So, here are the backpacker hostels we love the most in Paihia.

1. Peppertree Lodge

This purpose-built backpackers has beds for every type of budget traveller, from the budgeting backpacker to families. The stylish hostel with its subtropical theme also offers a generous array of freebies, such as a barbecue, bikes, kayaks, tea, coffee, tennis courts and more. Their sun-filled mezzanine communal lounge is also an awesome place to relax.

Check Peppertree Lodge out:

2. Haka Lodge Paihia

Modernly refurbished with great views over Paihia Beach and pod-style bunk beds, no wonder Haka Lodge Paihia is so often highly rated. The highlight is their quality bunks with privacy curtains, power points and a lockable storage area for your bags. There are also private rooms, should you crave your own space. We also like how spacious the hostel is with free unlimited WiFi!

Check Haka Lodge Paihia out:

3. Centabay Lodge

Right smack-bang in the middle of Paihia, Centabay Lodge is an excellent go-to for backpackers looking for dorms or budget travellers looking for a cheap private studio room. The hostel has a generous array of inclusions, from WiFi to a games room. Take one of the ultra-cheap rental kayaks for the day, then relax in the spa pool in the evening! What’s not to love about this hostel?

Check Centabay Lodge out:

4. Bay of Islands Lodge

Centrally located in Paihia and a few steps away from the beach, Bay of Islands Lodge is another worthy go-to for your backpackers of choice! With attractive timber-lined rooms, bunks fixed to the wall in dorms (no squeaky bunk beds) and an array of affordable private rooms for couples and families, there’s something for everyone. What’s more, all rooms have an ensuite bathroom! Enjoy a barbecue in the undercover courtyard in summer or huddle in the homely lounge and kitchen area in winter. There’s also free WiFi, on-site parking and a nearby tennis court for hire.

Check Bay of Islands Lodge out:

8 Best Backpacker Hostels in Paihia ???? [2023]

5. Bay Adventurer

Another awesome hostel in Paihia is the Bay Adventurer. There’s plenty of space in this apartment/backpacker resort with a swimming pool, spa pool and tennis court. There is free WiFi, a book exchange and board games, as well as communal facilities such as a kitchen, laundry, terrace, courtyard and a lounge with Netflix. Choose from studios, apartments, dorm rooms, female dorms and tent/campervan spaces.

Check Bay Adventurer out:

[CLOSED] Paihia Ocean Club

Paihia Ocean Club knows how to bring backpackers together. With a complimentary drink at the Pipi Patch, the partner bar next door, there’s no excuse to not get out there and socialise. Have a dip in the spa pool and enjoy the cabin-style dorm rooms. Note that Paihia Ocean Club was formerly Base Bay of Islands.

[CLOSED] Saltwater Lodge

Modern, stylish, spacious: Saltwater Lodge is a Qualmark five-star rated backpackers, if that means anything to you. Many barbeques have been enjoyed on the large balcony while feeling the sea breeze. All rooms, even the dorms, have their own bathroom. Fancy!

[CLOSED] Cap’n Bob’s Beach House

Sit on the balcony or in the dining room with big windows overlooking the ocean! Cap’n Bob’s Beach House has a B&B feel. Expect a quiet but friendly atmosphere.

[CLOSED] Seabeds

This backpackers boasts itself on being an upmarket hostel. The 4 bed dorms are free from bunks, so you can have a break from climbing ladders to get to bed. The decor all the way to the patio area is stylish and modern.

More Backpacker Hostels in Paihia

That’s it for our list of the best hostels in Paihia but if you want more hostel-like stays, check out the following:

Finally, if there’s anything that we’ve missed, you’re like to find it in Bay of Islands – Guide for Backpackers or The Travel Guide to the Bay of Islands on a Budget.

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.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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