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13 BEST Hostels in Auckland For Backpackers (2023)

Choosing the best hostels in Auckland can be tricky.

Here’s why:

As the biggest city in New Zealand, there are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation. It can be overwhelming at times to know which hostels are good, and which ones are bad.

My guide to the top hostels in Auckland will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice about where to stay in the city.

Whether you want to stay in a party hostel, or you’re just looking for cheap accommodation in Auckland, there is something for everyone!

So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

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Best Hostels in Auckland

What to Consider When Booking a Hostel in Auckland

The majority of the best hostels in Auckland were reviewed highly already, which made the job of choosing them much easier.

However, there were a few other factors that were taken into consideration when compiling this list. These not only apply to Auckland hostels but any hostel you stay at!

  • Check out time – The standard time for check out in hostels is 10:00 am. This is generally the case in New Zealand too. It’s best to check with the hostel what your check out time is. You don’t want to be partying too late if you have to be out the door at 10 in the morning!
  • Free breakfast – This is always a factor when I book a hostel. Getting a free breakfast makes a massive difference, especially if you’re a penny-pinching backpacker. Staying at hostels that offer a free breakfast will save you a lot of money during your time in New Zealand. It’s always worth checking if the hostel offers this before you book.
  • Free wifi – It seems to be 50/50 in regards to hostels in New Zealand charging you to use their wifi. Finding a hostel that offers free wifi can be tricky, but it will also save you a lot of money! Double-check what the deal with wifi is before you book, otherwise, you could be lumped with a large bill just to get online!
  • Laundry services – It’s rare to find a hostel that offers free laundry, I’ve not come across one yet. However, going to a hostel that does have laundry facilities is a huge plus and will save you trekking around town trying to find a launderette!
  • Kitchen – A kitchen is simply a must when you are staying at a hostel. Without one, you will be paying a shedload of money to feed yourself. Virtually every hostel in New Zealand has a kitchen, but some are better than others.

Base Auckland

Base Auckland
Image Credit: © Base Auckland

The Base brand of hostels are good hostels to stay in if you’re looking for a combination of cheap accommodation and somewhere comfortable to sleep.

They are also sociable and ideal places to meet fellow travellers, and Base Auckland is no exception!

Base Auckland is located in the heart of the city not far from the Sky Tower. There is a large kitchen area, plus, a lounge area that has a TV!

The hostel has its own dedicated travel centre and there are three bars on the grounds too! So, you can get a quick drink after a hard day exploring Auckland!

Whether you’re in Auckland for 3 days, or you’re staying for longer, Base is a good place to stay in the city!

Bamber House

Bamber House
Image Credit: © Bamber House

Bamber House is a good option for budget accommodation in Auckland if you want to stay outside of the centre.

This hostel in the suburb is an ideal place to stay. It is close to Mt Eden, which is one of the best places to visit in Auckland, and it’s only a short bus ride away from the city centre!

The hostel is a comfortable place to stay, with clean and spacious rooms. There are regular activities throughout the week, which are a good opportunity to meet fellow travellers.

Bamber House is a good option if you want to be in a more chilled environment and away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Haka Lodge Auckland

Haha Lodge Auckland
Image Credit: © Haka Lodge Auckland

If you want a range of options for rooms, Haka Lodge is one of the best options for backpackers in Auckland!

The hostel has dorms that range from 4 people to a huge 20-bed dorm! If you want to get a good night’s sleep, I don’t recommend staying in this room! However, if you want a cheap place to stay in Auckland, it’s arguably the cheapest option in the city!

There is free wifi throughout the hostel and the rooms here are clean with large windows. While each bed comes with a power point to charge your electrical goods.

A big kitchen is present in the hostel, while there are also great showers and a big lounge. There is even a mini-cinema in the hostel, which is not something you find in most hostels!

Grafton House Accommodation

Grafton House
Image Credit: © Grafton House

Grafton House has been recently renovated and is one of the best options when you’re considering where to stay in Auckland.

The hostel has a large common area, dining area and a large kitchen. The rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious, with lots of space to relax.

Grafton House is located just outside of the centre, but it’s a short walk into the city, so it’s not too much of an issue!

There is a homely feel to Grafton House and I feel it’s one of the best hostels in Auckland if you’re looking for a cheap place to stay in the city.

Nomads Auckland

Nomads Auckland
Image Credit: © Nomads Auckland

Nomads is one of the best backpackers in Auckland to stay at.

Here’s why:

They have numerous free things on offer, such as free tea and coffee, sauna and travel advice. It’s not every day you come across a hostel with a sauna!

The hostel is located right in the centre of Auckland and is an ideal place to stay if you want to be right in the middle of the city.

Nomads is somewhat of a party hostel. It may not be the best place to stay in Auckland if you want to relax.

However, if you like a good time and want to meet like-minded travellers, it’s the place for you!

Oaklands Lodge

Oaklands Lodge
Image Credit: © Oaklands Lodge

Oaklands Lodge is on the site of an old Victorian lodge in the suburb of Mt Eden. It’s a great place to stay, especially if you want to be out of the centre.

The rooms are spacious and the bunk beds are a little bigger than usual. There are also big lockers in the rooms, so you’re able to secure your backpack safely.

The hostel organises a number of activities throughout the week, such as shared meals, movie nights and quizzes. These are a great way to meet fellow travellers!

If you want to stay in a relaxed hostel in Auckland, Oaklands Lodge is as good a choice as any!

Metro Adventurer Backpackers

Metro Adventurer
Image Credit: © Metro Adventurer

Metro Adventurer Backpackers is one of the newest hostels in Auckland and it’s a great option if you want to stay close to the centre of the city.

The hostel has two well-equipped kitchens and a TV/reading room for you to relax in too!

Metro Adventurer Backpackers has large and small dorms, all of which have lockers to store your valuables. Each bed also has a universal USB charger to keep your electronics fully charged!

If you want to stay in a comfortable and friendly hostel in Auckland, Metro Adventurer Backpackers is a place to check out!

YMCA Hostel

YMCA Hostel
Image Credit: © YMCA Hostel

The YMCA Hostel is an ideal option for people looking for cheap accommodation in Auckland, which is close to the city centre.

The hostel is located on the corner of Pitt Street and Grays Avenue, which is an ideal place to stay if you want to be close to the centre, but not right in it!

YMCA has a number of great facilities such as a kitchen, lounge and free foosball, pool and ping pong tables! The rooms are spacious and clean, with lockers located under the beds.

It’s a cheap hostel in Auckland that is a great place to meet fellow travellers. An ideal place to stay if you’re travelling by yourself!

Queen Street Backpackers

Queen Street Backpackers
Image Credit: © Queen Street Backpackers

Queen Street Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Auckland, and it’s located right on the busiest street in the city, Queen Street.

As it’s in the busiest area of the city, this hostel is always full of travellers and is a lively place to stay. If you’re looking for party hostels in Auckland, Queen Street Backpackers is up there!

The hostel has two fully equipped kitchens, free unlimited wifi for all guests and a large communal lounge with a TV and pool table. There is also an in-house bar, should fancy being more sociable!

Queen Street Backpackers is a great place to stay in Auckland if you’re looking to meet fellow travellers!

You’ll have a lot of fun at this place!

YHA Auckland International

YHA Auckland
Image Credit: © YHA Auckland

The YHA Auckland International is an ideal place to stay if you want to be close to the centre of Auckland.

The hostel has a large kitchen and dining room, plus, plenty of other facilities such as a lounge and TV room with SKY tv.

Rooms range from small multi-shared dorms to larger ones, and there are a number of private rooms to choose from as well.

It’s a big and friendly hostel, which is one of Auckland’s best hostels!

Ponsonby Backpackers

Ponsonby Backpackers
Image Credit: © Ponsonby Backpackers

Ponsonby Backpackers is housed in a beautiful building in the central area of Ponsonby.

There’s a range of facilities at the hostel including a kitchen, spacious outdoor area and a lounge area with Sky tv.

The rooms are big and comfortable with big lockers to keep your travel backpack safe! There is also fast internet and numerous activities organised throughout the week.

If you want to stay in a sociable hostel that is just outside the centre of the city, this is the place for you!

Waiheke Backpackers Hostel

Waiheke Backpackers

If you want to stay in a hostel that’s not in the centre of Auckland, but comes with a view, Waiheke Backpackers Hostel is the place for you!

It’s located on Waiheke Island, which is 25 minutes away from Auckland by ferry. It’s an ideal place to stay if you want a quieter hostel in Auckland.

The hostel itself is fantastic. There is a fully equipped kitchen, a BBQ area, and best of all, spectacular views of the ocean from the outside area of the hostel!

You may be away from the heart of the action, but Waiheke Backpackers is one of the top hostels in Auckland regardless!

The Attic Backpackers

The Attic Backpackers

The Attic Backpackers is one of the best hostels in New Zealand, and somewhere you should definitely consider staying when you’re in Auckland.

It’s a clean and modern hostel located in the centre of Auckland. The facilities here are excellent, there are large and small dorms, with the option to stay in an all-female dorm too.

The rooms are spacious and clean, and the beds are very comfy enabling you to get a good night’s sleep. There is a large kitchen area and there is also an area for you to relax and chill too.

The Attic Backpackers is without a doubt, one of the best hostels in Auckland, and a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action!

Concluding Thoughts

If you’re wondering where to stay in Auckland, it can be a difficult decision due to the number of hostels in the city. However, the above options are some of the best places to stay in Auckland, and offer great value for money too!

I would be hard-pushed to pick a ‘best’ hostel in Auckland. The term is relative and depends on what you want out of your accommodation. Be sure to carefully consider all the options before you book your hostel in Auckland!

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