The Best Hostels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui for Backpackers
Tauranga and Mt Maunganui have the perfect combination for work and play. Take advantage of the beautiful beaches, get awesome views from The Mount, and explore the city. With much better things to spend your hard-earned cash on than accommodation, we’ve compiled some of the best backpacker hostels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui right here!
Because of the seasonal work opportunities in the Bay of Plenty, many of the hostels are offering weekly rates for people needing accommodation while they work, as well as help to find a job in what is known as a “working hostel“. It provides another great long-term accommodation option when working in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui.
So, here are what we think are the best backpackers hostels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui! By the way, have you seen our 20 Free & Cheap Things to do in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui?
1. Pacific Coast Lodge
There’s always something going on at Pacific Coast Lodge. Whether it’s a game night or pot luck dinner, you’re bound to get your social fix here. Situated in Mt Maunganui, it’s the perfect base for beachy activities (they offer free surfboard and bike hire), or stay long-term with weekly rates perfect for seasonal workers. With large dorms, premium four-bed dorms with an in-room sink (handy!) and twin/double private rooms also with a vanity area and sink, there’s surely something for everyone.
Check Pacific Coast Lodge here!
2. Loft 109
This smaller backpackers in Tauranga has a good central location for all your city excursions. Relax on the balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of the city and easily find a job and accommodation thanks to the hostel’s weekly rates for seasonal workers. As for facilities for an easy stay, Loft 109 has a full kitchen and barbecue area, a relaxed lounge with a gaming station and computers, free WiFi and more. For more self-catering options, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Tauranga.
Check Loft 109 out:
© Loft 1093. Wanderlust NZ
You can hardly do more central than Wanderlust NZ. Located on The Strand, this backpacker accommodation offers a range of dorm rooms, as well as private double and twin rooms either with or without an ensuite. There are shared facilities, such as bathrooms and a spacious kitchen, dining area and balcony to enjoy the harbour views. The hostel also has free WiFi, free bike hire, laundry facilities and offers free assistance in finding seasonal work.
Check Wanderlust NZ out:
© Wanderlust NZ4. Mount Backpackers
For an adventure in Mt Maunganui, check out Mount Backpackers. Get discounted surf and bike hire, and all your accommodation conveniences here. No group is too big or too small with its 16-bed dormitory, as well as many smaller options. There’s free WiFi available, as well as a barbeque area and this very social hostel that’s renowned for its party reputation.
Check Mount Backpackers out:
- Mount Backpackers on Booking.com
- Mount Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Mount Backpackers on Trip.com
- Mount Backpackers on Expedia
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Hugo & Carters Backpackers & Motel
A contemporary hostel and motel on the outskirts of the city, Hugo & Caters Backpackers & Motel is well worth considering for an alternative stay in Tauranga. Choose from large and small dorm rooms, private double and twin rooms, private ensuite rooms and self-contained motel units with a private bathroom and kitchenette. There’s an attractive courtyard and barbecue area where you can soak up the sun in summer, while the fireplace in the lounge is sure to keep you cosy in winter. Free car parking and WiFi are also available. For more motel-style stays, check out the 18 Best Motels in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.
Check Hugo & Caters Backpackers & Motel out:
- Hugo & Caters Backpackers & Motel on Booking.com
- Hugo & Caters Backpackers & Motel on Trip.com
- Hugo & Caters Backpackers & Motel on Expedia
![7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTcyNToyNjY=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNTEyIDc2OCIgd2lkdGg9IjUxMiIgaGVpZ2h0PSI3NjgiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
© Hugo & Carters Backpackers & Motel6. Apple Tree Backpackers
As the name suggests, this is a great option for seasonal workers needing a place to stay, as well as backpackers visiting the area. The newly renovated Apple Tree Backpackers is also a great base for exploring the wider Tauranga and Mount Maunganui area by being a little out of the city centre in the Otūmoetai suburb. Additionally, it is one of the rare hostels in Tauranga with ample free parking on-site, while other facilities include free WiFi in all rooms, tent sites, bike and kayak hire, movie nights with free popcorn and a homely homestay vibe.
Check Apple Tree Backpackers out:
- Apple Tree Backpackers on Booking.com
- Apple Tree Backpackers on Trip.com
- Apple Tree Backpackers on Expedia
© Apple Tree Backpackers7. ArtHouse Boutique Backpackers
Another fantastic hostel with a central location, Arthouse Backpackers is popping with colour and affordable rates. Stay in one of their dorm rooms, private twin or double rooms, all sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities. The kitchen is well-equipped for sprucing up your own creations, while other facilities include laundry, free WiFi and a Mac computer corner, a minimart shop and games. Note that the hostel has a “No Party” policy and it may also be housing locals as part of an Emergency Housing scheme. For more advice on finding long-term accommodation, check out Tauranga: A Guide to Cheap Long-Term Accommodation.
Check ArtHouse Boutique Backpackers out:
© Arthouse Boutique Backpackers8. Seagulls Guesthouse
Near Mt Maunganui‘s Main Beach, this is a perfect little base for exploring the seaside suburb in the short term. Although there are no dorm rooms, Seagulls Guesthouse offers affordable private rooms and plenty of comfortable common areas. This really is a place to enjoy your own space! For more cheap stays in a private room, take a look at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.
Check Seagulls Guesthouse out:
- Seagulls Guesthouse on Booking.com
- Seagulls Guesthouse on HostelWorld
- Seagulls Guesthouse on Trip.com
- Seagulls Guesthouse on Expedia
© Seagulls GuesthouseMore Backpacker Hostels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui
That’s it for our guide to the best backpacker hostels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui. For more accommodation options, as well as things to do, check these out:
- 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Tauranga
- 10 Free Camping Spots in Tauranga
- The Top Cheap Eats in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Tauranga on a Budget.
![5 Best Backpacker Hostels in New Plymouth & Taranaki 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTkzODozMzI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzAwIDIwMCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyMDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Queenstown 🏆 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MjA4Nzo3ODI=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDY3NSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2NzUiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)