8 best hostels in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand is an adventurers paradise with plenty of exciting activities available year round including rafting, jet boating, hiking, bungy jumping, skiing and more. On top of that, it's known to be a fantastic golf destination but also has an abundance of spas, restaurants, and places where you can relax, and it's home to lovely vineyards as well.

If Queenstown is your next vacation destination you'll have no shortage of things to do. Since you'll be spending most of your time outside exploring the nature around the city along with its marvelous attractions, why not save money by staying in a cheap hostel instead of paying full price for a hotel room or Airbnb? Below we've listed some of the best hostels in Queenstown and it will also give you the chance to meet other travelers as well.

Since hostels usually have multiple guests staying in one room, we recommend finding a luggage storage facility in Queenstown where you can keep your bags. Bounce partners with many local hostels, but if your chosen accommodation does not have that service, Bounce has plenty of convenient locations to take advantage of during your vacation.

The Black Sheep Backpackers

You'll find The Black Sheep Backpackers on Frankton Road just a short walk away from the city center. You won't be too far from the main attractions of the city, plus landmarks like the Queenstown Bay Beach and Queenstown Mall.

It's a friendly, social hostel although all of the dorm beds have privacy curtains for your comfort. Your bunk will also come with a reading light, power outlet, and a space for you to leave your luggage under the bed. Everyone staying here has access to a fully equipped kitchen and BBQ grill out on the deck so you can make your own meals. They have several room types including dorm rooms with pod beds, triple rooms, family rooms, double and twin rooms or king rooms.

What makes The Black Sheep Backpackers unique

Guests are spoiled at this Queenstown hostel. On site, they have a spa pool and sauna where you can go to unwind after sightseeing all day, plus a garden, deck, and lounge room. You can even take advantage of their free bike hire if you want an easy way to get out and explore the city.

The Black Sheep Backpackers pricing

The approximate price for staying in any of the dorms at The Black Sheep Backpackers is NZ$79.00 per night, and the deluxe king room is NZ$279.00.

Pinewood Lodge

Welcome to Pinewood Lodge, which does backpacker hostels a little bit differently. Instead of one big building with dorms, this facility is made up of a small village of houses, apartments, dorms and cabins, each with access to its own kitchen and bathroom so it's less crowded.

Located only a 7 minute walk away from the city, this alpine lodge is also the perfect hostel for those who are looking to go sightseeing. It's in an unbeatable location surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures nearby, like Queenstown Bike Park and the Skyline Gondola.

Other amenities include two laundry facilities that are open 24/7, a restaurant, a communal lounge with a TV and DVD player, included linen and towels, and everything else you could need.

What makes Pinewood Lodge unique

Some extra perks of staying at Pinewood Lodge include bike storage, a spa pool, plus free parking on site which will definitely come in handy if you're driving yourself around Queenstown. There are also outdoor areas and a BBQ grill that you can use free of charge.

Pinewood Lodge pricing

With so many options, Pinewood Lodge has accommodation for every budget. Staying in one of their dormitories will only cost NZ$68.00 and prices can go up to NZ$638.00 per night for a two bedroom house.

The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers

This Queenstown hostel is located just 5 minutes away from town which can be reached easily by foot or even on two wheels if you take advantage of their free bikes for hire. Because they aren't located inside the city you can enjoy a much quieter atmosphere, but you will not be too far away from all of the attractions either. Nearby is the gorgeous Lake Wakatipu, the biggest supermarket in the city, and some great hiking and biking trails. If you're a digital nomad who needs to get some work done, they also offer free wifi and cozy spaces where you can work.

All of the beds have access to a locker where you can store your things, a power outlet, and a reading light. Whenever you get hungry you can head to one of their 3 kitchens, each fully equipped with an oven. You'll find a laundry room, drying room and BBQ, and their sleeping accommodations include dorm beds and private rooms.

What makes The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers unique

Guests can enjoy free tea and coffee at any time plus access to a TV lounge equipped with board games, books and puzzles. They have frisbee golf discs that you can use which are perfect for having fun on the Queenstown Garden's course.

The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers pricing

The average price for a bed in The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers dorm rooms is NZ$41.00 per night, and the double or twin cabin costs about NZ$121.00.

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

This is one of the best hostels for meeting people and having fun, making it the perfect choice for social travelers. They have a spacious kitchen, laundry facilities, a locker room, and bikes available for rent. As for sleeping, take your pick between shared dorm rooms, female-only rooms, or private ensuite rooms. Comparing all the hostels in Queenstown, this one is fairly small, meaning that you can enjoy a quiet and homey atmosphere.

They are situated inside the city but not near any bars or clubs so it isn't too noisy at night, although you'll be close to the SKYCITY Queenstown Casino, the Queenstown Recreational Park and the James Clouston Memorial Park.

What makes Adventure Queenstown Hostel unique

This hostel in Queenstown has plenty of places to mingle with other travelers and make friends, like their terrace, TV lounge with a Wii and PlayStation, or bean bag area.

Adventure Queenstown Hostel pricing

Adventure Queenstown Hostel may be the right option for you. Their dorm beds are priced at about NZ$62.00 each night but if you'd rather have your own private space you can rent their queen ensuite room for NZ$185.00.

Absoloot Hostel Queenstown

The location of Absoloot Hostel Queenstown in central Queenstown is definitely a bonus and you'll find them right on the coast of Lake Wakatipu and close to Earnslaw Park. The well-maintained facilities include free wifi and a fantastic kitchen, and the rooms are either shared dorms between 4 and 6 people or double, queen, or family ensuite rooms.

It's one of the top Queenstown hostels for families and even offers a little activity pack with games and coloring pages to entertain the kids. Most dorm rooms have their own TV and fridge. In the morning you can enjoy a hot drink like tea or coffee for free before heading out into the city.

What makes Absoloot Hostel Queenstown unique

It's very hard to be bored in Queenstown but if you ever have some free time on your hands you can hang out in the Absoloot Hostel lounge room which has a TV with a Wii and Xbox as well as books and board games.

Absoloot Hostel Queenstown pricing

Staying in the 6 bed ensuite will cost you around NZ$59.00, and the family, queen, quad or private 3 person ensuite is NZ$248.00 per night. They offer discounts if you stay for a week, so if you're planning to spend a lot of time in Queenstown you should definitely check them out.

Nomads Queenstown Hostel

This is one of the cheapest hostels in Queenstown and a great choice for budget travelers. Lots of the people who stay here like to enjoy the nearby active nightlife which is perfect since it's within walking distance of some great bars and restaurants.

They have a handy kitchen for preparing meals and, although it's small, it will suit your needs perfectly. They also have a laundry room, guest computers and free internet access. A variety of rooms are available whether you want to stay in a small or big dorm with or without an ensuite bathroom. They also have private rooms that are fully equipped with fridges, tea, coffee, and large TVs.

What makes Nomads Queenstown Hostel unique

Nomads Queenstown has some fantastic modern facilities including a cinema room, a sauna, and a lounge with games tables like foosball and pool. These common rooms are the perfect place to meet and chat with fellow travelers.

Nomads Queenstown Hostel pricing

Ready to book your room at Nomads? Prices range between NZ$85.50 for a bed in a 12 bed dorm to about NZ$244.15 for a private deluxe double ensuite.

YHA Queenstown Lakefront

This is a nice, quiet hostel that is situated just a short walk away from the city center giving you the best of both worlds. You'll love waking up to the gorgeous views of the mountains and water on the Lake Wakatipu shore. They have a spacious kitchen where you can cook your own meals as well as workspaces where you digital nomads can get some work done in peace. At YHA Queenstown Lakefront, fast and reliable internet access will help you get the job done without any hassle and when you're done you can ask their friendly staff for some help booking local attractions.

When it comes time to sleep you'll be in either a 3, 4, 6 or 8 person dorm room or a single, twin, double, or queen private room. Some of the rooms have a shared bathroom and others are ensuite, and female-only dorms are an option, too.

What makes YHA Queenstown Lakefront unique

This hostel features free on site parking which is great if you have a car, plus other extra amenities like a steam room, a lounge, a movie room, and a sunny deck where you can take in all the views.

YHA Queenstown Lakefront pricing

This is one of the most affordable cheap hostels with accommodations starting at just NZ$35.00 for the 8 person dorm and only NZ$ 165.00 for the queen ensuite with a lake view.

Hippo Lodge Backpackers

This might be the best hostel for you with its central location and small, cozy atmosphere. You'll have a good night's sleep at Hippo Lodge Backpackers in one of their three houses and, although you have to climb a hill to get here, the views are worth it.

They offer different types of rooms like small or large dorms, single rooms, standard or deluxe double rooms, or ensuite rooms. The amenities change slightly depending on which house you stay in but each one has a lounge room and a kitchen, and two of the houses have a designated dining space as well. The property has several laundry facilities as well as storage for big bags or skiing gear. You'll have access to limited free wifi each day that you stay with them.

What makes Hippo Lodge Backpackers unique

All guests staying at Hippo Lodge Backpackers can enjoy free tea and sugar. If you're looking for somewhere with a nice view to relax with a cup of tea, you really can't do much better than this hostel in Queenstown.

Hippo Lodge Backpackers pricing

The price for staying in the 8 person mixed dorm is NZ$42.00 per night, and the double ensuite is NZ$156.00 per night. Hippo Lodge Backpackers hostel is a popular choice.

Finding a hostel in the adventure capital

There are several things to consider when you're looking for that one hostel that is perfect for you. All of the great hostels mentioned above have something special to offer whether it's a great location, free extras, or common spaces where solo travelers can meet up and make friends. Ready to book your ticket to Queenstown Airport? Read about Queenstown on a budget at the same time.