30 Best Backpacker Hostels in Auckland 🎒 [2023]

Where to Find the Best Accommodation in Auckland for Backpackers

Where to stay in New Zealand’s largest city? And, of course, this means Auckland has the largest choice of backpacker hostels. Here at NZ Pocket Guide, we have done the hard work of separating the hostels not fit for a tramp and the marvellous mansions to rest your head at night. Literally, there is a mansion! We go through it all, right here, in the ultimate list of backpacker hostels in Auckland!

Need some budget activities to go with your backpacker accommodation in Auckland? Check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Auckland and Auckland City Centre – Guide for Backpackers.

1. Haka Lodge Auckland

Featuring pod beds for ultimate privacy, this modern Auckland hostel is built around the backpacker. Haka Lodge Auckland is refreshingly spacious for a city hostel, not to mention that the decor is pretty swarve. Whether you’re looking for a dorm bed or a private room with an ensuite, there’s something to suit most travellers on a budget. However, the secret is out about this hostel situated on Karangahape Road (K Road), so you’ll want to book a little in advance to get a bed!

Check Haka Lodge Auckland out:

2. Verandahs Parkside Lodge

On the edge of the Ponsonby and Freemans Bay suburbs, Verandahs Backpacker Lodge is in close proximity to some of the more characterful areas of Auckland. Also nearby is K Road, known for its alternative nightlife, awesome bargain stores and a whole lot of culture! As for Verandahs, it boasts itself as a more “peaceful” alternative to the party hostels in the city centre. Find the hostel just 2 km (1.2 miles) away from the city centre.

Check Verandahs Parkside Lodge out:

3. Attic Backpackers

Well-hidden inside a long corridor, up an old lift, behind a locked door and whatever else, this jewel in Auckland Central is often fully booked and for good reason. The Attic Backpackers boasts cool places to kick back and relax with fellow travellers between the large undercover balcony, the spacious kitchen and dining area and the lounge. The accommodation with secure with coded entry and luggage storage available. We like this hostel so much that it ranks pretty high in Where to Stay in Auckland: 50 BEST Accommodations in Auckland.

Check Attic Backpackers out:

30 Best Backpacker Hostels in Auckland 🎒 [2023]

4. Metro Adventurer Backpackers

Another fresh hostel in Auckland is the Metro Adventurer Backpackers on Hobson Street. It’s so central that you can see the Sky Tower from many of the rooms! Relax in the newly kitted-out lounge or large kitchen then retreat to one of the dormitories or private double/twin rooms. Note that there is free WiFi in all rooms; not just at reception like many other hostels in Auckland!

Check Metro Adventurer Backpackers out:

5. Newton Lodge

Located on the edge of Auckland Central at the lower end of Queens Street, Newton Lodge offers convenience in many forms! Not only does it provide all your essential hostel facilities, from an upgraded communal kitchen to storage lockers, but they are a popular choice for those starting a working holiday in New Zealand as their staff can provide a bit of advice to get you started. In true city centre style, dorms are pretty cramped but do the job.

Check Newton Lodge out:

10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Auckland 🎒 [2023]

6. YMCA Auckland

A popular spot for backpackers and long-termers such as those on a working holiday and students, YMCA Auckland offers affordable rooms and beds just minutes from Queen Street and K Road. Choose from a range of single, twin or double rooms or share the space in mixed and female-only dorms. The communal space has a kitchenette, dining area and games tables. Breakfast is only NZ$5 extra a day, so treat yourself!

Check YMCA Auckland out:

7. Choice Backpackers

A super central hostel in Auckland, Choice Backpackers is a good go-to for ultra-cheap dorm beds, as well as private single, twin and double rooms. WiFi and air-conditioning are available on all nine floors of this multi-storey hub, while the fully equipped communal kitchen, pool billiard table and multi-lingual staff are welcome additions. Handy for those on a working holiday, the team can also assist with IRD numbers, bank account set-up, CV building and a mail storage service.

Check Choice Backpackers out:

8. K Road City Travellers

Another option on the infamous K Road, K Road City Travellers offers a cheap stay with a choice of dorms and double-bed private rooms all with shared bathroom facilities. They have all the essential facilities you need right down to laundry machines and a fully equipped kitchen, while the outside balcony area offers an alternative area to relax. This basic hostel will meet your basic needs.

Check K Road City Travellers out:

9. Piha Beachstay Accommodation

Getting out of the city, stay at Auckland’s most popular surf beach at the Piha Beachstay Accommodation! Piha is famous for its black sand beach, waterfalls and hikes leading into the Waitakere Ranges. The accommodation gets a lot of sunlight and great views of the wild west coast of Auckland. Plus, surf gear can be hired on-site. We recommend getting surf lessons on Piha Beach if you are a beginner as the rips are strong. Piha is about 40 km (25 miles) west of Auckland city.

Check Piha Beachstay Accommodation out:

10. No. 9 Hotel

Based in one of Auckland’s most popular shopping precincts, No. 9 Hotel doesn’t just provide affordable private rooms but backpacker dorms with a touch of class. Bunks come with a curtain for added privacy, as well as a USB power point and reading light. Dorms also have an ensuite bathroom. Newmarket has great bus and train transport connections with most of the city, plus, lots of shopping opportunities. No. 9 Hotel is about 5 km (3 miles) from the city centre.

Check No. 9 Hotel out:

11. Orewa Pillows Lodge

You’ll never believe you are in Auckland when staying at the Orewa Pillows Lodge. This backpacker hostel situated in the north Auckland seaside town of Orewa gives you access to the walks, epic op-shopping and long-stretching Orewa Beach, approximately 40 km (25 miles) north of Auckland city centre and easily accessed by public bus or by car. As for the hostel itself, you have a variety of dorms and private rooms to choose from, while communal areas are made up of a sun-soaked courtyard, as well as bathrooms, a kitchen and laundry facilities.

Check Orewa Pillows Lodge out:

12. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel

Visiting Waiheke Island? Don’t miss the Waiheke Backpackers Hostel. The hostel offers fantastic views of Onetangi Beach – one of the most popular beaches on the island. Most rooms here have just one bunk per room, while the outside deck and grassy seating area with its barbecue and awesome views are where most like to hang out. Check out more things to do on Waiheke at 9 Glorious Things to Do on Waiheke Island.

Check Waiheke Backpackers Hostel out:

13. Fat Cat Eco Hostel

About a 30-minute drive from Auckland city centre (and accessible by public bus or train), the Fat Cat Eco Hostel, formerly the Fat Cat Travellers Community, offers a unique hostel experience in Auckland. Join the friendly team on their eco-friendly homestead, which offers workshops on sustainable living. This Auckland hostel is situated on the western edge of the city in Sunnyvale with proximity to the Waitakere Ranges. What’s more, dinner is free every night for everyone to eat together.

Check Fat Cat Eco Hostel out:

14. Surf ‘N’ Snow Backpackers

A long-established hostel right in the heart of Auckland city, Surf ‘N’ Snow Backpackers is moments away from the Sky Tower and all of your city centre highlights. All of the facilities are pretty basic, from the communal kitchen to the mattresses in your dorm, but at least they offer some of the cheapest dorm rates and private rooms in town.

Check Surf ‘N’ Snow Backpackers out:

15. Queen Street Backpackers

Another veteran of the Auckland hostel scene, Queen Street Backpackers offers another super central hostel! Their large reception area with a TV lounge, pool tables and reading area is where most of the action happens, while the dorms and private double and single rooms are, well, just a bed for the night. Despite the basic facilities, they are not the cheapest, so if you’re looking to save the cents, look elsewhere.

Check Queen Street Backpackers out:

16. City Lodge Accommodation (YMCA)

A hostel without dorm rooms? The heresy! All jokes aside, if you like the idea of staying somewhere cheap with the conveniences of communal facilities, like a kitchen and dining area with WiFi, but would prefer a private room, then City Lodge Accommodation is well worth considering. Run by the YMCA, there’s still a friendly hostel vibe here but provides something a little more “flashpackery” than some of the other hostels in Auckland. For similar stays with private budget rooms, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Auckland City.

Check City Lodge Accommodation out:

17. HIT Hostel

One of the latest hostel additions to K Road, HIT Hostel offers basic accommodation for backpackers and budget travellers. For privacy, choose a double room with an ensuite or a double or twin room with a shared bathroom. Otherwise, all your usual dorms are available, including female-only dorms. The facilities are a little cramped but functional. You can get some fresh air in the outside courtyard.

Check HIT Hostel out:

18. Fort Street Accommodation

Formerly Nomads Auckland, Fort Street Accommodation has swapped out the dorm rooms for private single and double rooms with a choice of ensuite or shared bathrooms. They offer some of the cheapest private rooms in the city! The accommodation has kept its cool rooftop kitchen and sundeck with a spa pool so you can make your own meals with the best views.

Check Fort Street Accommodation out:

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19. Uenuku Lodge

Staying in Auckland for a while? This hostel in the trendy suburb of Ponsonby will welcome you with its friendly staff and long-termers, either looking for jobs in Auckland or about to study. Uenuku Lodge offers basic facilities, including a communal kitchen and a charming courtyard area, while rooms are private single, twin and double rooms to 10-bed dorms. This hostel is also part of the BBH network. If you want to stay in this hostel for a while, check out the 10 Tips to Be a Great Long-term Roommate in a Hostel Dorm for tips!

Check Uenuku Lodge out:

20. City Garden Lodge

Another excellent choice for long-termers or those wanting to live the city life for a while, stay at this homely hostel in the suburb of Parnell. City Garden Lodge is set in a grand historic villa that was built to house the Queen of Tonga. It now offers a mix of dorms and private rooms, as well as a kitchen and a nice sunny lounge and outdoor dining area. This Auckland hostel is also on the BBH network.

Check City Garden Lodge out:

21. BK Hostel

Offering very affordable private single, twin and double rooms, BK Hostel is certainly worth considering if you want your own space. Alternatively, their four-bed dorms and female-only dorms certainly don’t feel too crowded. This hostel just off K Road and a short walk from lower Queen Street features free WiFi, a perfectly functional kitchen and a lounge with a large TV and pool table.

Check BK Hostel out:

22. Lantana Lodge

For a more “boutique” hostel stay in Auckland, check out Lantana Lodge in Parnell. With a maximum of 25 guests across dorms and private twin, double and triple rooms, this hostel has a homely feel to it. The hostel offers a 24-hour shuttle from the airport to the lodge, free WiFi, help with working holiday set-up, as well as on-site parking.

Check Lantana Lodge out:

23. Kiwi Airport Backpackers

The most obvious reason to stay at the Kiwi Airport Backpackers is the extreme convenience of being so close to Auckland Airport. Otherwise, enjoy the numerous walks and attractions on offer in the South Auckland area – check out Auckland Suburbs – Guide for Backpackers for ideas. As for the accommodation, you have fairly packed dorm rooms, while the pool table games room and functional kitchen are a welcome touch.

Check Kiwi Airport Backpackers out:

24. Silver Fern Backpackers

Located mere minutes away from the Sky Tower, this very central independent no-fuss hostel has an unbeatable location even if it isn’t winning any style points. The lounge and kitchen are well-equipped, while the rooms are a little cramped. Nevertheless, Silver Fern Backpackers is fine for a short stay in Auckland.

Check Silver Fern Backpackers out:

25. [CLOSED] Grafton Backpackers

Boasting (some) dorm rooms with privacy curtains and bunks similar to the pod hostel concept, Grafton Backpackers offers something a little different in Auckland. You’ll find a mixed crowd of backpackers and students at this social hostel with short-term and long-term accommodation available. The hostel is located in the suburb of Eden Terrace, which is a short walk from Queen Street and K Road.

26. [CLOSED] Haka Lodge Ponsonby

The best hostels are often the hardest to find. Haka Lodge Ponsonby is well hidden in the heart of Auckland Central’s closest suburb, Ponsonby just in case the name didn’t make it clear enough. Book early to get a spot!

27. [CLOSED] Oaklands Lodge

Mt Eden is Auckland’s quietest and most relaxed suburb. This hostel is a large Victorian house only 3km (2 miles) away from the city centre. It’s well worth considering if you are looking for a location away from the hustle and bustle.

28. [CLOSED] The Brown Kiwi

This small hostel in one of Auckland’s most popular inner-suburbs is well worth considering. Brown Kiwi is based in Ponsonby and is close to all the essentials – motorways, buses, city centre, cafes, banks and supermarkets. Enjoy free unlimited internet, a secret sunny garden, farmhouse kitchen and free parking!

29. [CLOSED] Base Auckland

Socialites who want to be in the centre of it all, Base Auckland is the perfect option. With a rooftop bar, Hello Sunshine, at the top of the hostel and a partner bar, Habana Joes, at the bottom, you’ll always be close to the party!

30. [CLOSED] Bamber House

Another hostel in the quiet Mt Eden area, this backpackers is built in a large colonial mansion. With activities almost every night, it is a true home away from home.

More Hostels in Auckland for Backpackers

That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Auckland. For more tips for your Auckland stay, check out the following:

Now that you know the best backpacker hostels in Auckland, see which ones made it onto the list of The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland.

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.

Contact Robin via our contact page