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14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© The Black Sheep Backpackers
14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© The Black Sheep Backpackers

15 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown

© The Black Sheep Backpackers
Article Single Pages© NZPocketGuide.com
Article Single Pages© NZPocketGuide.com
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Last Updated: 14 April, 2026

The Ultimate List of Queenstown’s Best Backpacker Hostels

Most backpackers travelling New Zealand will find themselves eating a Fergburger or signing up for a bungy jump in Queenstown at some point. Save money for the fun stuff by staying in one of the backpacker hostels in Queenstown.

Whether it’s a sociable hostel you are looking for or somewhere cheap to base yourself while job-hunting, you’ll find a decent variety of hostels in Queenstown.

Before we jump into the best hostels in Queenstown, be sure to bookmark the 30 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown to save even more dough!

Table of Contents

1. Adventure Queenstown Hostel

You’re made to feel right at home in Adventure Queenstown Hostel with personalised welcome messages left on every bed in every dorm.

The hostel offers (often) sundrenched balconies to relax on with fellow travellers, while room types include dorm rooms, female-only dorms and private queen rooms with an ensuite (and views of The Remarkables mountains).

This stay even earns a place on the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Queenstown. Don’t forget to check out their little sister hostel too, Adventure Q2 Hostel.

Book Adventure Queenstown Hostel:

10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown ???? [2023]© Adventure Queenstown Hostel

2. Absoloot Hostel Queenstown

You can’t do any more central than Absoloot Hostel Queenstown! If convenience is your king, then this is the hostel for you. Positioned on the lakefront in downtown Queenstown, it could be argued that this backpackers has the best views in town.

What’s more, Absoloot comes with free WiFi, well-maintained facilities and friendly staff to help you get the most from your stay.

Dorms come with privacy curtains, while other traveller types will also be made to feel right at home here with private double rooms, family rooms with activity packs for the kids and more. Speaking of families, you might also be interested in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Queenstown.

Book Absoloot Hostel Queenstown:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© Absoloot Hostel Queenstown

3. Tahuna Pod Hostel

No more squeaky bunk beds! We love the pod concept of the Tahuna Pod dorms, making it a top contender for the best hostels in Queenstown.

Get your own isolated bed and shut the curtains when you want to get a proper night’s rest. Choose from king-single and queen pods, or snag one of the private rooms if you’re travelling as a couple.

The modern facilities, awesome Māori artwork and the super friendly staff are the icing on top of the cake.

Plus, there’s a large balcony area with stunning views over the city, perfect for unwinding after a day’s adventures. Limited on-site car parking is available for a fee.

Book Tahuna Pod Hostel:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© Tahuna Pod Hostel

4. The Black Sheep Backpackers

It’s not as far as it seems! The Black Sheep Backpackers have a great facility along Frankton Road, just a five-minute walk from town.

We love the social atmosphere of this hostel along with heaps of free inclusions, including WiFi, a spa pool, sauna and ski storage.

Dorm beds have privacy curtains, while there are some pretty awesome places to relax between the extensive deck and gardens and the cosy lounge with a log fire.

Book Black Sheep Backpackers:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© The Black Sheep Backpackers

5. The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers

The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers is a homely hostel that is a 5-minute walk from town. We like the fact that they offer free bike hire so you can make the most of the bike trails on the lakefront (or get to town quickly).

They also have golf discs so you can make the most of the frisbee golf course in the Queenstown Gardens – see the 30 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Queenstown.

Just like Queenstown’s other hostels, dorms feature a semi-privacy curtain, while private single, twin and double rooms are also available.

Book The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers:

11 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown© Flaming Kiwi Backpackers

6. Adventure Q2 Hostel

The sister hostel of the acclaimed Adventure Queenstown Hostel, Adventure Q2 Hostel offers the same friendly service and quality rooms on a boutique scale, a good backup if the other hostel is fully booked!

Following suit with dorm beds featuring curtains and your own USB charging port, reading light and *gasp* two pillows, you’re likely in for a good night’s rest at Q2. That’s not to say the hostel is a bit of a snooze fest, as there are nightly activities to get involved in, whether it’s a pub crawl or a quiz night.

Book Adventure Q2 Hostel:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© Adventure Q2 Hostel

7. Haka House Queenstown

Within walking distance to just about anywhere, Haka House Queenstown is a worthy option! This large yet homely hostel does the pod dorm concept well complete with privacy curtains, personal reading light and USB charging ports, while the twin and double rooms ensure extra privacy.

They even have a one-bedroom apartment if you want even your own kitchen and bathroom! But like all the hostels in Queenstown, there’s sufficient space to relax in the communal kitchen and lounge.

For more accommodations with self-contained options, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Queenstown.

Book Haka House Queenstown:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© Haka House Queenstown

8. Hippo Lodge Backpackers

Despite having to climb a hill to get to Hippo Lodge Backpackers, this BBH hostel has a chilled yet sociable atmosphere. The hostel is split into three houses, which is ideal if you’re looking for a less crowded vibe.

Tent sites are available if the holiday parks in Queenstown are full (which they often are).

Plus, the views over the town make it worth the climb! For more places to camp, check out Where to Camp in Queenstown.

Book Hippo Lodge Backpackers:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© Hippo Lodge Backpackers

9. Nomads Queenstown

A central location means it’s easy to stagger home after experiencing Queenstown’s famous nightlife, which is the case for many clientele at this social hostel.

The purpose-built Nomads Queenstown is spacious and features modern facilities, including a sauna, cinema room, a lounge with games tables and an admittedly small kitchen considering the size of the hostel, so you might want to head to the kitchen early or late to avoid elbows.

Book Nomads Queenstown:

10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown ???? [2023]© Nomads World

10. Pinewood Queenstown

Pinewood Queenstown is divided into separate units with their own kitchen and bathrooms, making less of a battle for refrigerator space!

The little accommodation village in parklike surroundings features backpacker dorms, houses, cabins and apartments. You might also like their bike storage, spa pool hire and free on-site parking.

They offer cheap weekly rates if you plan to stick around, if so, you might also like the Queenstown: A Guide to Cheap Long-Term Accommodation.

Book Pinewood Queenstown:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown ???? [2023]© Pinewood Lodge

11. Lylo Queenstown

For backpackers who after a modern base right in the centre of Queenstown, Lylo Queenstown ticks all the boxes. This hostel sits within walking distance of restaurants, shops and the town’s buzzing nightlife.

Accommodation ranges from innovative pod rooms, a private sleeping space in a shared room, complete with charging points, fan, mirror and personal locker, to hotel-style rooms with ensuites for those wanting a bit more privacy.

Wake up to epic mountain views, then head to the rooftop hangout on Level Four for morning coffee, self-pour pints in the afternoon or board games with fellow travellers.

With 24-hour reception, self-check-in terminals, luggage storage and fast WiFi that actually works, Lylo makes it easy to explore the South Island.

Book LyLo Queenstown:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© LyLo Queenstown

12. Southern Laughter Backpackers

Southern Laughter is all about the free stuff: free soup, free weekly bar crawl and BBQ, free WiFi, free spa pool and more! What more could you want from one of the best backpacker hostels in Queenstown?!

You can choose between a lively dorm room or the comfort of your own private room, all with linen and heating included. Some rooms even feature private bathrooms for added convenience.

The hostel offers a fully equipped shared kitchen, self-service laundry facilities and BBQ areas perfect for meeting fellow travellers. Find this cool little backpackers near the bottom of the Skyline Gondola and a short walk from the town centre.

Book Southern Laughter:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© Southern Laughter Backpackers

13. Aspen Lodge Backpackers

A cheap and cheerful hostel just a short walk from the town centre, Aspen Lodge Backpackers offers standard dorm rooms (no pods, we’re afraid) and a mix of private rooms – some with an ensuite.

The BBH hostel has a homely atmosphere with various lounge areas to relax with Netflix and a log burner, while the kitchen is a little pokey so get there early or late to avoid the cooking rush.

Book Aspen Lodge Backpackers:

10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown ???? [2023]© Aspen Lodge Backpackers

14. Alpine Lodge

Certainly one of the cheapest hostels in Queenstown, Alpine Lodge isn’t anything flashy but it still provides a cheap and functional place to stay.

You’ll find private family, twin and double rooms, six-bed dorms, a two-bedroom apartment and all the usual hostel facilities (plus a quiet reading room).

We appreciate the free WiFi throughout, along with the sun terrace and communal lounge, perfect for meeting fellow travellers. The shared kitchen is handy for budget-conscious backpackers, and there’s an outdoor seating area and picnic spot if you fancy dining alfresco.

You can also make use of the luggage, bike and ski storage (there’s dedicated bicycle parking too). Other perks include streaming services, mountain views, a hairdryer and a TV.

Book Alpine Lodge:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2026]© Alpine Lodge

15. The Last Resort Hostel

The Last Resort Hostel is a solid choice for backpackers looking for a comfortable and well-equipped base in Queenstown.

The hostel features a shared kitchen where you can whip up your own meals, a communal lounge to meet fellow travellers and free WiFi to keep you connected. There’s also a lovely garden where you can unwind after a day of adventure.

Rooms come with handy amenities like a shower, wardrobe and electric kettle. Some rooms offer private bathrooms with garden views. The ground-floor unit has its own private entrance, which is a nice touch for those who value a bit of extra privacy.

Laundry service is available on-site, making it easy to freshen up your gear during longer stays.

Book The Last Resort Hostel

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown© The Last Resort Hostel

Now That You Have Found Your Favourite Hostel in Queenstown…

… Plan yourself an epic stay! Check out these articles about backpacking in Queenstown:

Finally, see which of the best backpacker hostels in Queenstown made it into The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown.

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:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin C.

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

About Robin About Our Team

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