The 5 Best Hostels in Auckland

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand. Nestled within an hour’s drive of over a hundred beaches, Auckland makes for a great base for day trips.

While I wouldn’t spend a long time here (a couple of days should suffice), there’s plenty to keep you busy during your visit, from bungee jumping to lounging on the beach to visiting nearby Hobbiton (from the Lord of the Rings films).

And, while Auckland can be pricey, there are plenty of hostels here to help you lower your costs.

Below is my list of the best hostels in Auckland. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:

Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Auckland and why I’m recommending them:

1. Haka Lodge

There are Haka Lodges sprinkled around New Zealand and they’re always a reliable place to plant yourself for a few days. This hostel is located next to K Road, where there is always a party, concert, or festival. If you came 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 stocked kitchen, and laundry facilities.

The dorm beds are comfy with individual outlets and curtains so you can get a decent night’s sleep. The showers are a bit small, but overall the bathrooms are kept clean.

Haka Lodge at a glance:

• Ideal location in the heart of party central
• Ultra-friendly and welcoming staff
• Common room has lots of movies and games

Book here!
 

2. Hekerua Lodge Backpackers

Situated on Waiheke Island, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from central Auckland, Hekerua Lodge is an ideal escape from the urban bustle of New Zealand’s largest city. The lodge is laid-back and rustic and feels like a home you’re sharing with a bunch of (soon-to-be) friends.

If you’re looking to socialize, the hostel puts on plenty of social activities, including group dinners. There is also a communal BBQ area, roaming chickens, a vegetable garden, and a swimming pool.

The private rooms have shared bathrooms but are also comfortable and get plenty of natural light. There is also a four-bed dorm and a six-bed dorm that have their own private sun deck.

Hekerua Lodge at a glance:

• Nice location on Waiheke Island close to the beach
• Organizes social activities so it’s easy to meet people
• Swimming pool

Book here!
 

3. Verandahs Parkside Lodge

Set near the always-happening K Road, Verandahs is housed in two 120-year-old villas, with nearly every kind of room imaginable for a hostel. There are various shared rooms that range from three to five beds. The single beds — not bunks — are comfy and come with a nice duvet. The dorms are small so you’re never crammed in with a ton of people.

The bathrooms (and the hostel as a whole) are clean and the showers have really good water pressure. There’s a common room that feels like a living room in a home-away-from-home, and the huge kitchen is ideal for cooking.

Verandahs Parkside Lodge at a glance:

• Excellent location in the center of Auckland
• Family-run business with warm and welcoming service
• Extra-large common room and kitchen

Book here!
 

4. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel

If you’re seeking a less urban experience while in Auckland, make your way to Waiheke Backpackers Hostel, located 40 minutes from the center of the city on Waiheke Island (ferries run regularly).

The hostel is located on a hilltop that offers amazing views of the surrounding sea, so you can wake up in the morning to the sound of water lapping against the shore and seagulls chirping. Amenities include a large kitchen, an outdoor BBQ and dining area (with lovely views), and an entire island to explore.

The dorm beds not super comfy (they’re cheap metal bunks without thick mattresses or curtains), but the price, amenities, and location more than make up for that.

Waiheke Backpackers Hostel at a glance:

• Tranquil location on a beautiful island
• Outdoor seating and cooking options
• Comfortable common room with board games and a book exchange

Book here!
 

5. The Attic Backpackers Hostel

Situated on Wellesley Street in the center of town, The Attic is a top-floor property and a top-notch hostel (it was voted the best hostel in Auckland four years in a row). The location is excellent: it’s just around the corner from the iconic Sky Tower, a short walk from the main bus station, and right next door to an affordable food court.

There’s a covered rooftop terrace where you can take in the views and meet people. And, while the dorm beds are basic metal bunks with no curtains, the mattresses are thick, so you’ll still get a good night’s sleep.

The Attic at a glance:

• Great location
• Kitchen
• Rooftop terrace for great views and meeting people

Book here!
 
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From rustic hostels on Waiheke to party hostels right in the center of it all, you’ll find a wide variety of hostels in the city. The hostel scene here is pretty robust and, as the place everyone has to land when they enter the country, you’re going to find a lot of travelers here – and potential friends to travel the country with!