14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2024]

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!

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.

Check Adventure Queenstown Hostel out:

10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2023]

2. Absoloot Hostel QT

You can’t do any more central than Absoloot! 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.

Check Absoloot Hostel QT out:

10 Best Backpacker Hostels in 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. The modern facilities, awesome Maori artwork and the super friendly staff are the icing on top of the cake.

Check Tahuna Pod Hostel out:

4. The Black Sheep Queenstown 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.

Check Black Sheep Backpackers out:

5. Flaming Kiwi Backpackers

Flaming Kiwi 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.

Check Flaming Kiwi Backpackers out:

11 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown

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.

Check Adventure Q2 Hostel out:

7. Haka Lodge Queenstown

Within walking distance to just about anywhere, Haka Lodge 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.

Check Haka Lodge Queenstown out:

8. Hippo Lodge

Despite having to climb a hill to get to Hippo Lodge, 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.

Check Hippo Lodge out:

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.

Check Nomads Queenstown out:

10. Pinewood Lodge

Pinewood Lodge 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.

Check Pinewood Lodge out:

14 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2023]

11. JUCY Snooze Queenstown

It doesn’t get more contemporary or central in Queenstown than JUCY Snooze. The Queenstown branch of the hotel chain appeals to backpackers and flashpackers alike with sleek double and quad ensuites and innovative pod dorm rooms. Checking in is an event in itself by using electronic kiosks, while evenings are best spent at their rooftop pizzeria and bar.

Check JUCY Snooze Queenstown out:

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?! Find this cool little backpackers near the bottom of the Skyline Gondola and a short walk from the town centre.

Check Southern Laughter out:

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.

Check Aspen Lodge Backpackers out:

Aspen Lodge Backpackers on Booking.com

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). You can also make use of the luggage, bike and ski storage.

Check Alpine Lodge out:

[CLOSED] YHA Lakefront

A 10-minute walk from the town centre makes YHA Lakefront one of the quieter hostels in Queenstown. The hostel is a good option if you have a car to park, as free on-site and street parking is available. The accommodation is also popular for its facilities from the spacious kitchens to the secure bunk beds.

[CLOSED] Base Queenstown

If you want to be based on the most buzzing street in Queenstown, then Base is your option! This huge backpacker hostel on Shotover Street has all the essentials and is not too far from activity provider pick-up points, burger joints, bars and clubs. Easy!

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:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

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.

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