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As New Zealand’s largest city (by far) and main entry point it should be no surprise that there are loads of hostels in Auckland to provide beds for the tens of thousands of travelers always coming and going. Hotels in the city tend to be quite expensive, especially if you are a budget traveler, but the Auckland hostels can be very reasonably priced.

One thing you should know early on is that nearly all hostels in New Zealand and Australia are known as “backpackers” instead of hostels. It’s true that this part of the world does have more than its fair share of backpacking going on, but these Auckland hostels really do welcome everyone, regardless of your luggage-type. Very few of them have any kind of age limit, and most of them offer private rooms for small groups or even singles. This can be a great way to save money and get some privacy along with all the social aspects of hostel life at the same time.

The downtown area of Auckland - known as the Central Business District in this part of the world – is dense and very much that of a major city. This can be either a blessing or a problem for visitors depending on their perspective. Since the majority of people staying in Auckland are either on their way in or out of the country, the CBD can be an ideal place to stay for those on foot. Most things are walkable and the public transportation system is quite good if you need to go a longer distance. But parking is a headache so if you’ll have a rented car or campervan while visiting the city you’ll definitely want to book one of the many Auckland hostels located in the outskirts.

The airport bus makes a loop through the city center and stops at or near several of the most popular hostels in Auckland. So if you will be on foot the center of Auckland is a great place to stay. There are plenty of restaurants and bars throughout the area, and many of the larger Auckland hostels have their own bars, restaurants, and nightclubs within their own walls.

If you’ll have a car or campervan during your stay be certain you are booking into an Auckland hostel nearer the edges of town. There are plenty to choose from so make sure you choose one that mentions parking in their description.

Base Auckland is part of a chain of hostels and this location has over 380 beds along with a bar and their own nightclub. This is like a little city for backpackers with internet terminals, laundry, a game room, and many other features. It’s right in the middle of everything so if you do decide to go outside there will be no shortage of other things to do. Beds in their 10-person dorms start around $NZ26 per night, with private doubles starting around $NZ45 per person.

Oaklands Lodge is not in the city center, but rather in a quiet suburb with available on street parking. They’ve got internet, a lounge, a game room, and dorm beds starting around $NZ21 per night, with private singles and doubles starting for not much more.

Hostels in Auckland