6 Best Backpackers Hostels in Takaka & Golden Bay 🎒 [2023]© Annies Nirvana Lodge
6 Best Backpackers Hostels in Takaka & Golden Bay 🎒 [2023]

5 Best Backpackers Hostels in Takaka & Golden Bay 🎒 [2023]

© Annies Nirvana Lodge

Where to Find Accommodation in Takaka and Golden Bay for Backpackers

With long stretches of stunning beaches, sand spits, luxuriant forests, cave networks, unique geological features, uncrowded access to Abel Tasman National Park, a huge amount of work opportunities, and more awesome Golden Bay must-dos, Golden Bay and its main town Takaka are a must-visit for backpackers. With that, there are plenty of backpacker hostels in Golden Bay to help you save money on your stay.

Hidden behind the Takaka Hill, the township of Takaka is the most happening place in the area and where almost all the hostels on this list are located but don’t be afraid to go off the beaten track, this is how you make the most of Golden Bay. Just ask any of the hostel owners to point you in the right direction.

Here is a short list of the hostels we like the most in the Golden Bay area.

1. Annies Nirvana Lodge

Annies Nirvana Lodge is worth a visit for its artistic vibe alone. With wooden art throughout the garden packed with lounging furniture and locally inspired mural paintings, you’ll love every second of your stay. This puts guests in a great mood and the atmosphere where everybody talks to everybody. The no-frills rooms consist of dormitories, as well as private single, double, twin, triple and family rooms – something for everyone! Plus, BBH members get a discount.

Check Annies Nirvana Lodge out:

6 Best Backpackers Hostels in Takaka & Golden Bay 🎒 [2023]© Annies Nirvana Lodge

2. The Innlet, Country Apartments and Cottages

Just a 30-minute drive from Takaka and just past Collingwood is the charming backpacker hostel and budget accommodation The Innlet! There are a variety of accommodation types on the property, from private cabins to a farmhouse hostel. The hostel is small so it will never feel overcrowded, which is just the vibe you’ll want when relaxing in this accommodation surrounded by lush native forest.

Check The Innlet, Country Apartments and Cottages out:

The Innlet© The Innlet

3. Barefoot Backpackers

Come for the Golden Bay, stay for the muesli! Barefoot Backpackers offers everything that travellers need in Golden Bay and more. With a free pool table, free Wifi and absolutely divine free homemade muesli every morning, there are plenty of drawcards to this hostel. Enjoy the very homely vibe with a cosy lounge with a fireplace connecting to the small yet functional kitchen. There’s also a deck with garden furniture to relax outside in the summer months too. Aside from dorm rooms of various configurations, there are caravans to stay in. Tents are also welcome in the garden.

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4. [UPDATE] Shambhala Retreat

[Update: Shambhala Retreat no longer offers backpacker dorms but private double and twin rooms. For more cheap stays with alternative types of rooms, head to the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Takaka.]

Far off the beaten track and on a private beach, Shambhala is a dream hostel – a real slice of paradise where backpackers from all over the world come to relax and unwind. It is no surprise that with such a setting, the eco-backpackers has become a relaxation retreat perfect for meditation and yoga lovers.

Shambhala© Shambhala

[CLOSED] Kiwiana Backpackers

Technically the closest hostel to the Abel Tasman National Park in the whole Golden Bay area, Kiwiana Backpackers is a quirky little place that thrives in summer. Gather around the BBQ or play table tennis. It’s like summer camp all over again.

[CLOSED] Gazebo Backpackers

Gazebo Backpackers provides a welcoming environment from all, which is not too many in this small but friendly hostel in Takaka town. There are only two private double rooms, a dorm room and tent sites, making dinner time in the modern kitchen and living spaces not too crowded. Plus with free walking tours, free bikes, free Wifi and located just a few minutes off the beach, it is a great-value hostel.

More About Hostels in Takaka and Golden Bay for Backpackers

That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Takaka and Golden Bay. Don’t miss any of the highlights in Golden Bay by having a look at the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Tasman and Golden Bay – Guide for Backpackers.

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.

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