Published Date: 1/5/2023 | January 5, 2023 Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. Auckland is within an hour’s drive of more than a hundred beaches, making it a great base for day trips. While I wouldn’t spend too much time here (a couple of days should suffice), there is plenty to keep you occupied during your visit, from bungee jumping to lounging on the beach to visiting nearby Hobbiton (from the Lord of the Rings movies). And while Auckland can be pricey, there are plenty of hostels here to help you keep costs down. To help you save money and plan your trip, here is a list of the best hostels in Auckland. But, before we dive in, I want to share four things you need to remember before choosing a hostel: Location – Auckland is sprawling, so keep that in mind when looking for a hostel. Choose a neighborhood close to things you want to see and do. Price – As with anywhere, you get what you pay for. If you choose a really cheap hostel, you’ll likely end up with a hostel that’s small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service. Amenities – Every hostel in town offers free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many – but not all – include a free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs. Staff – All of the lodges listed here have great staff who are very friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up the reviews so you have helpful and friendly staff. They can make or break an inn! Here is a list of the best hostels in Auckland. If you don’t feel like reading the longer list below, here are the best in each category: Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Fat Cat Travelers’ Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: The Attic Backpackers’ Best Hostel for Couples: Hekerua Lodge Backpackers’ Best Hostel for Parties: Haka Lodge Best Hostel for Solo Travelers: Fat Cat Travelers Community Best All-Inclusive Inn: Verandahs Parkside Lodge Want details on each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Auckland and why I recommend them: Price legend (per night) $ = under 40 NZD $$ = 41-46 NZD $$$ = over NZD 47 1. Fat Cat Travelers’ Community Set on a Farm An old suburb of Sunnyvale, Fat Cat is a perfect place if you’re traveling on your own. In addition to a free breakfast each morning, there is a free (vegetarian) dinner each evening as well as a pizza night on Sunday. The staff also regularly put on campfire nights. The hostel also has an emphasis on sustainability: it’s home to organic gardens and chickens (and cats!). The staff also hosts workshops on baking, crafts, gardening, and more. The beds are basic but comfortable and it feels more like you are staying at a friend’s house than a hostel. Fat Cat Traveler Community At a Glance: Complimentary breakfast and dinner every day Wide range of organized social activities focusing on sustainability and community beds from NZ$27 per night. Book the Fat Cat Travelers’ Community here! 2. Haka Lodge There are Haka Lodges dotted all over New Zealand and are always a reliable place to plant yourself for a few days. This hostel is next to K Road, where there is always a party, concert or festival going on. If you come to Auckland to have fun, this is the place to do it. Haka has a lively common room with movies frequently on the TV, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. Soft sleeper beds with individual outlets and curtains so you can get a good night’s sleep. The shower is a bit small, but overall the bathrooms are clean. Haka Lodge at a glance: $$ Perfect location in the heart of the party center Very friendly and welcoming staff. The common room has plenty of movies and games. Beds from NZD47 per night, private rooms from NZD142. Book Haka Lodge here! 3. Hekerua Lodge Backpackers Located on Waiheke Island about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from central Auckland, Hekerua Lodge is the perfect getaway from the urban bustle of New Zealand’s largest city. The inn is cozy, rustic, and feels like a home you’d share with a group of friends (coming soon). If you’re looking to socialize, the lodge does plenty of social activities, including group dinners. There is also a communal braai area, roaming chickens, vegetable garden and swimming pool. The private rooms have shared bathrooms but are also comfortable and have plenty of natural light. There is also a four bed dormitory room and a six bed dormitory room which has its own sun deck. Hekerua Lodge at a glance: $ Beautiful location on Waiheke Island near the beach Organizes social activities so easy to meet people Pool beds from NZD 39 per night, private rooms from NZD 60. Book Hekerua Lodge Backpackers here! 4. Verandahs Parkside Lodge Located just off the always happening K Road, Verandahs are housed in two 120 year old villas, with almost every type of room imaginable for a lodge. There are several common rooms ranging from three to five beds. The single beds – not the beds – are comfortable and come with a nice duvet. The dorms are small so you won’t be crowded with a large number of people. The bathrooms (and the inn as a whole) are clean and the showers have really good water pressure. There is a common room that feels like a living room in a home away from home, and the huge kitchen is perfect for cooking. Verandahs Parkside Lodge Overview: $$$ Excellent location in central Auckland Family run business with warm and welcoming service Extra large common room and kitchen beds from NZD49 per night, private rooms from NZD130. Book Verandahs Parkside Lodge here! 5. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel If you’re looking for a less urban experience while in Auckland, head to Waiheke Backpackers Hostel, located 40 minutes from the city center on Waiheke Island (ferries run regularly). The lodge is situated on top of a hill with great views of the surrounding sea, so in the morning you can wake up to the sound of water lapping against the shore and the chirping of seagulls. Amenities include a large kitchen, outdoor grill, dining area (with beautiful views), and an entire island to explore. The dorm beds aren’t very comfortable (they’re cheap metal beds with no thick mattresses or curtains), but the price, amenities, and location more than make up for that. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel Overview: $ Quiet location on a beautiful island Outdoor seating and cooking options Cozy common room with board games and bed to exchange books from NZD40 per night, private rooms from NZD120. Book Waiheke Backpackers Hostel here! 6. The Attic Backpackers Hostel Located on Wellesley Street in the city centre, The Attic is a top floor building and first class hostel (it has been voted the best hostel in Auckland four years in a row). The location is excellent: it’s just around the corner from the famous Sky Tower, a short walk from the main bus station, and right next to an affordable food court. There is a covered rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the views and meet people. And while the dorm beds are basic metal bunk beds with no curtains, the mattresses are thick, so you’ll still get a good night’s sleep. The Attic at a Glance: $$ Great location Rooftop terrace kitchen for great views and meeting people Beds from NZD45 per night, private rooms from NZD120. Book The Attic Backpackers here! *** From rustic inns in Waiheke to party inns in the middle of it all, you’ll find a wide variety of inns in town. The hostel scene here is pretty solid, and since it’s where everyone should land when entering the country, you’ll find plenty of travelers here – and potential cross-country buddies! Book your flight to New Zealand: logistical tips and tricks Book your flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you will always know that no stone is left unturned! Reserve your accommodationYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they constantly show the cheapest rates for cheap guesthouses and hotels. If you’re looking for more places to stay, here’s a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand. Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you from illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It is comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everything I use to save money when I’m on the road. They’ll save you money when you travel, too. Want more information about New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust New Zealand destination guide for more planning tips!
