7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wellington 🎒 [2023]

1. The Marion Hostel

The Marion Hostel might be primarily for budgeting backpackers, but even more discerning travellers might like the rooms of this stylish city-centre hostel. Renovated with love inside a historical building, The Marion Hostel offers the ultimate “flashpacker” experience, boasting pod-style dorm beds with a privacy curtain, personal power sockets and a drawer-style locker. You’ll also find twin and double rooms for a little extra privacy, while the communal kitchen, indoor dining area and rooftop outdoor dining area are awesome places to relax. As an ultra-popular hostel, The Marion also makes it onto The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.

Check The Marion Hostel out:

• The Marion Hostel on Booking.com
• The Marion Hostel on HostelWorld
• The Marion Hostel on Trip.com
• The Marion Hostel on Expedia

© The Marion Hostel

2. The Dwellington Backpackers

Not only a ‘punny’ hostel, but this modern hostel established in 2013 also has some sweet services: free breakfast, free ferry drop-offs, and most importantly, free WiFi! The Dwellington Backpackers comes complete with modern furnishings, a sociable kitchen and its very own cinema room – all just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. As for accommodation, choose from various sized dorms with a female-only option, as well as private rooms in various layouts and something even for families. Note that there are no ensuite rooms.

Check The Dwellington out:

• The Dwellington on Booking.com
• The Dwellington on HostelWorld
• The Dwellington on Trip.com
• The Dwellington on Expedia

© Dwellington

3. Trek Global

A games area with foosball and pool table, bike hire and free fresh herbs in the foyer… You know you are stepping into a pretty epic hostel when you step into Trek Global. Located in the centre of Wellington, the hostel is split into different colours, each with its own kitchen and bathrooms, as well as an additional lounge and patio area downstairs. There’s plenty of room for all, with weekly social events in the hostel should you feel like mingling! Rooms consist of dorms, twin female dorms and private rooms with a double and a single bed. For alternative self-catering stays, take a look at the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Wellington.

Check Trek Global out:

• Trek Global on Booking.com
• Trek Global on HostelWorld
• Trek Global on Trip.com
• Trek Global on Expedia

© Trek Global

4. Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

It’s a hostel so good that it has hosted the Queen’s entourage! Albeit, this was in 1953 before it became a backpackers… Nevertheless, the essence of the hotel is still noticeable in Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers, formally known as Downtown Backpackers. Choose from private hotel rooms and dorm rooms where every guest has access to free WiFi, a pool table, a TV lounge and dining rooms, as well as a kitchen to spruce up your own meals. There is also an onsite cafe, The Duke of Wellington open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the bar is open on Fridays.

Check Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers out:

• Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on Booking.com
• Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on HostelWorld
• Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on Trip.com
• Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers on Expedia

© Hotel Waterloo and Backpackers

5. Moana Lodge

Prefer a quieter seaside suburb to the bustling Wellington city centre? Try Moana Lodge. Located in the coastal suburb of Plimmerton, close to Porirua, the hostel is 20 minutes north of Wellington and access to the city is easy by bus or train. Many of the rooms have ocean views, while there’s a homely feel about the place (but cleaner)! There are two separate kitchens, as well as a garden area with a barbecue, ensuring the place doesn’t feel too crowded. As for rooms, dorms are four-bed only, while private rooms have double, twin and family layouts. There’s also the option for long-term stays should you be looking for work in the area. Find out more about staying long-term in Wellington’s suburbs with our Wellington Region: A Guide to Cheap Long-Term Accommodation.

Check Moana Lodge out:

• Moana Lodge on Booking.com
• Moana Lodge on HostelWorld
• Moana Lodge on Expedia

6. The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers

For a touch of luxury without the luxurious prices, choose The Cambridge Hotel & Backpackers. This historic building gives a vintage feel to your stay in the capital city and is packed with activity, including an on-site pub and bistro open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a range of dorm rooms and private ensuite rooms with access to a self-catering kitchen. Guests also have access to free WiFi, while most private rooms have a TV, drink-making facilities and a personal fridge. For alternative but cheap hotel-style rooms, also check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Wellington City.

Check The Cambridge Hotel out:

• The Cambridge Hotel on Booking.com
• The Cambridge Hotel on HostelWorld
• The Cambridge Hotel on Trip.com
• The Cambridge Hotel on Expedia

© The Cambridge Hotel

7. Nomads Capital Backpackers

Super central by being just a few steps from Courtenay Place, Cuba Street and Willis Street, Nomads Capital Backpackers couldn’t have a more convenient location. What’s more, it’s a social place to meet fellow travellers, especially with its own Blend Bar with nightly meal and drink deals, as well as occasional entertainment. Most of the rooms are basic large bunk rooms, while you’ll also find private rooms with the option of an ensuite. Note that while there is a kitchen here, it’s quite small so get in there early (or late) to avoid the rush.

Check Nomads Capital out:

• Nomads Capital on Booking.com
• Nomads Capital on HostelWorld
• Nomads Capital on Trip.com
• Nomads Capital on Expedia

© Nomads Capital Backpackers

[UPDATE] Lodge in the City

[Update: Lodge in the City is now only providing long-term accommodation. For more tips on finding long-term stays in Wellington, check out Wellington City: A Guide to Cheap Long-Term Accommodation.]

You have all the essentials for your stay in New Zealand’s capital in this colourful backpacker hostel, with a choice of bunk rooms to self-contained rooms. Plus, the location is only a few minutes walk from all the main city centre attractions.

[UPDATE] The Setup on Dixon

[Update: The Setup on Dixon is now only providing long-term accommodation. For more tips on finding long-term stays in Wellington, check out Wellington City: A Guide to Cheap Long-Term Accommodation.]

This sleek and modern backpacker hostel in Wellington is another hostel with a great central location. The Setup on Dixon is ideal for getting away from crowded dorms, with 4-bed dorm, single and double room options.

[CLOSED] YHA Wellington

The location makes YHAWellington a good base for Wellington’s activities, such as the nearby Te Papa museum. The hostel organises some free social outings such as a guided walk up Mt Victoria and a tour of the street art in the central business district.

[CLOSED] Wild Zebra Backpackers

It’s hard to miss with this multi-story building covered in zebra stripes! Enjoy the spa pool, pool table and its convenient location a stone’s throw away from the city centre. Note that facilities are very basic, so don’t expect the “flashpacker” experience.

[CLOSED] Worldwide Backpackers

This BBH hostel is a smaller hostel in the centre with free fibre WiFi and free breakfast. Worldwide Backpackers is an ideal base for finding work in Wellington and getting to know fellow backpackers staying long-term.

[CLOSED] Base Backpackers Wellington

Newly refurbished, Base Backpackers in Wellington has a fresh and clean feel about it! If you are looking for a place to party, there is a cheap backpacker bar in the basement, keeping the drunkenness separate from the dry hostel. It has a great central location at the end of Courtenay Place and in short walking distance from Mt Victoria, so you can go check out those Lords of the Rings filming locations!