11 COOLEST Hostels in Queenstown (2020 • Insider Guide!)
QUEENSTOWN HOSTELS: Best Overall | Best for Solo Travelers | Best Cheap Hostel | Best Party Hostel
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Although it is New Zealand’s 27th largest city, Queenstown’s action-packed reputation has made a name for itself as one of the country’s premier travel destinations.
But as popular as Queenstown is, there are only a handful of well-reviewed hostels, and they can get booked very quickly, leaving other travelers having to book expensive hotels.
Which is exactly why we put together this guide of the best hostels in Queenstown, New Zealand.
With the help of this brutally honest review, you’ll know exactly which hostel in Queenstown you want to stay in, so you can book (before it fills up!)
Our guides are written for travelers, by travelers, so you know they are authentic, and written to get you exactly where you need to go.
We’ve organized the best hostels in Queenstown by YOUR needs, so you can easily book, and focus on what matters – enjoying this adrenaline-pumping city!
Let’s jump into the top hostels in Queenstown.
Table of Contents
- Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Queenstown
- The 11 Best Hostels in Queenstown
- What to Pack for your Queenstown Hostel
- Why you should travel to Queenstown
- More Epic Hostels in New Zealand and Oceania
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Queenstown
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- Overall Best Hostel in Queenstown – Flaming Kiwi
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Queenstown – Adventure Q2 Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Queenstown – Southern Laughter Backpackers
- Best Party Hostel in Queenstown – Adventure Queenstown Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Queenstown – Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Queenstown – The Black Sheep Backpackers
This is the best guide on the internet for the best hostels in Queenstown
The 11 Best Hostels in Queenstown
If you’re backpacking New Zealand on a budget and you want some action on your travels, staying in Queenstown for a bit will be a real treat.
We’ve done a ton of research to bring you the best hostels in Queenstown, making it easier for you to plan your awesome trip. The only thing you need to do on your own is to decide where exactly you want to stay in Queenstown – close to attractions, or in a peaceful area further outside the city?
We’ve only included the highest reviewed hostels. No poor hostels on this list, only the cream of the crop!
But we’ve also taken the list one step further and sorted the best hostels into different categories, so you can see at a glance the cheapest hostel in Queenstown, the best hostel for solo travelers in Queenstown, and so much more.
Psst! Heading to a hostel? Don’t forget to pack a padlock! It’s well worth having one so you can secure your locker and protect your stuff!
Overall Best Hostel in Queenstown – Flaming Kiwi
Cool and comfortable, Flaming Kiwi is our pick for the best hostel in Queenstown, New Zealand
– $$
– Tour Desk
– Bike Hire
– Laundry Facilities
Our pick for the overall best hostel in Queenstown in 2020, Flaming Kiwi is a friendly backpackers’ base where travellers can rest up for fabulous days of adventure, unwind after days out and about, and meet other cool cats. The facilities here are top-notch, with three spacious kitchens, a BBQ, and a lounge with TV, DVDs, books, and games. All beds have plugs and lights next to them and there are also sockets inside the lockers for greater peace of mind. Wi-Fi is free and you can also borrow bicycles for free. The location is great too, just a five-minute stroll from the heart of Queenstown centre. All in all, you can’t go wrong staying at this top hostel in Queenstown!
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Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Queenstown – Adventure Q2 Hostel
With tons of travelers and a big common room, Adventure Q2 Hostel is one of the best hostels in Queenstown for solo travelers
– $$
– Tour Desk
– Laundry Facilities
– Bike Hire
The award-winning Adventure Q2 Hostel is our choice for the best hostel for solo travellers in Queenstown. The regular evening events make it easy to meet other people and you can arrange a ton of incredible activities for fun and adventures during your days in Queenstown. Sleeping just 55 people it’s easy to put a name to a face. The hostel has fantastic common areas where you can bond with new mates, including a comfy lounge with sofas, bean bags, PCs, and a book exchange, a spacious kitchen with several cooking stations, a dining area, and a terrace with BBQ. No need to be stinky—there are laundry facilities too. Have sweet dreams in the custom-made bunk beds in the mixed six-bed dorms.
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Best Cheap Hostel in Queenstown #1 – Southern Laughter Backpackers
Southern Laughter is the best cheap hostel in Queenstown, New Zealand..
– $
– Tour Desk
– BBQ
– Luggage Storage
Southern Laughter Backpackers is the best cheap hostel in Queenstown. Boasting awesome views of The Remarkables from the BBQ decks, this Queenstown backpackers hostel also has TV lounges and kitchens for comfy homey vibes and convenience. There may be no free breakfast here but you can fall asleep content after a hearty and filling bowl of free veggie soup each evening. Bliss out in the spa pool and get discount in local bars for a cheaper night out with your fellow backpacking pals.
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Best Cheap Hostel in Queenstown #2 – Nomads Queenstown
Nomads is another one of the best cheap hostels in Queenstown.
– $
– Laundry Facilities
– Housekeeping
– Key Card Access
Nomads Queenstown is a posh backpackers hostel in Queenstown, perfect for flashpackers who like a bit of style and class. Kept clean and tidy by the housekeeping team, this Queenstown backpackers hostel boasts loads of great comforts and facilities. Spacious dorms and private rooms, a sociable hangout room with a pool table and foosball, a cosy lounging area with a fireplace, a movie room with bean bags, a sauna, laundry facilities, a large kitchen with plenty of space for all, guest computers, free Wi-Fi, a tour desk … you name it, you’ll find it all here! Plus, hungry backpackers can tuck into free grub each evening in the hostel’s bar in the town centre.
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Best Cheap Hostel in Queenstown #3 – Absoloot Hostel QT
Its great location and low prices make Absoloot Hostel QT another one of the best cheap hostels in Queenstown.
– $
– Games Room
– Tour Desk
– Laundry Facilities
With a good balance between cost and facilities, Absoloot Hostel QT is a fantastic Queenstown backpackers hostel. There are dorms for four and six and you’ll find little luxuries, like free toiletries in the bathrooms and a TV and fridge in most dorms. The lounge has a Wii, Xbox, TVs, board games, and books, and the big kitchen has lots of space to cook and eat. Other plus points include a tour desk. Laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, free hot drinks in the morning, a jobs board, 24-hour security, and luggage storage.
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Best Party Hostel in Queenstown –Adventure Queenstown Hostel
More of a chill pre-party, Adventure Queenstown is the closest thing to a party hostel in Queenstown
– $$
– BBQ
– Bike Hire
– Tour Desk
Although not truly a party pad as such—you’ll need to hit up Queenstown’s bars for raucous nighttime fun—the in-house events and activities at Adventure Queenstown Hostel make this our choice for the best party hostel in Queenstown. It’s easy to meet new people and there are plenty of places to relax and socialise, from the TV lounge and beanbag chill area to the terrace and spacious kitchen. Challenge pals to a playoff on the Wii or PlayStation. Other plus points at this awesome youth hostel in Queenstown include bike hire, a tour desk, a book exchange, laundry facilities, and a secure locker room.
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Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Queenstown –Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel
Great for any traveler willing to dish out the cash, Digital Nomads in particular will appreciate the wifi and workspace
– $$$
– Free Breakfast
– Café
– Laundry Facilities
Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel may be one of the pricier youth hostels in Queenstown, but it offers great value for money with the excellent facilities. A top place to work, rest, and play, it’s also the best hostel for digital nomads in Queenstown. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel and various indoor and outdoor common areas where you can find a secluded nook to work away in peace. The pod-style beds offer a great night’s sleep—no need to wake up bleary-eyed and stressing about deadlines! Each bed has a power outlet and reading light if you need to burn the midnight oil. Breakfast is free for a brain boost, and there’s an onsite café for refuelling throughout the day. Need to top up your travel funds? Check out the jobs board. Other features include lockers, parking, a tour desk, luggage storage, laundry facilities, a kitchen, and BBQ.
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Best Hostel with a Priavte Room in Queenstown – The Black Sheep Backpackers
Black Sheep Backpackers is the best hostel with a private room in Queenstown. Killer views!
– $$
– Laundry Facilities
– Bike Hire
– Tour Desk
No need to feel shy at The Black Sheep Backpacker; all beds have privacy curtains along with a personal reading light, power outlet, and under-bed lockers. There are private rooms for two and three two. The coolest hostel in Queenstown, it offers panoramic views of the mountains and is just a short saunter from the lake. There are heaps of opportunities to bask in the sunshine, with three gardens, a spa pool, and a deck with a BBQ. Indoors, you’ll find a large common room and a well-equipped kitchen with multiple spaces to cook up a delicious feed.
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Read our full review!
More of the Best Hostels in Queenstown
Haven’t spotted the perfect place to stay? No stress—here are even more of the best hostels in Queenstown. Once you’ve found the right place for you, make sure you plan your Queenstown itinerary too. There are so many epic things to explore, you don’t want to miss out on anything!
YHA Queenstown Central
– $$$
– Tour Desk
– Jobs Board
– 24-Hour Security
A well recommended hostel in Queenstown, YHA Queenstown Central is a sociable spot with gorgeous views over Lake Wakatipu. Looking to range some adrenaline-fuelled activities? The staff members can help. From skydiving and bungee jumping to boating and wine tours, have the perfect stay in Queenstown. The hostel is a comfortable base, with a homey lounge and a spotless kitchen. There are four- and five-bed mixed and female-only dorms, each with a bathroom and TV. All rooms also have tea and coffee making facilities, making it easier to make your morning brew.
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Haka Lodge Queenstown
– $$
– Laundry Facilities
– Tour Desk
– Book Exchange
Haka Lodge is a charming gem with a sociable atmosphere and plenty of homey feels. A small but top hostel in Queenstown, sleeping up to 50 people, there are enough people to make new pals but not so many that you forget who everyone is. The hostel is located on a quiet residential street yet close to all of Queenstown’s action. Modern and clean with a TV room, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a tour desk, a kitchen, and a BBQ deck, you’re sure to love staying here.
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YHA Queenstown Lakefront
– $$
– Laundry Facilities
– Free Parking
– Steam Room
Stay right at the edges of Lake Wakatipu and wake up to stunning views of the lake and mountains each morning when you choose YHA Queenstown Lakefront. A great youth hostel in Queenstown, it’s just a ten-minute walk from the heart of Queenstown. Book a range of activities to keep you busy and come back to unwind in the steam room, the movie room, or the lounge before crashing out in your comfy bed. There’s a sunny deck too if you want to chill outdoors. Keep costs down with some DIY meal prep in the huge kitchen.
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What to Pack for your Queenstown Hostel
Here’s some gear our editors take hostelling. Packing for New Zealand is just as important as planning your trip!
1. Playing Cards: These waterproof cards are essential kit for every backpacker. Play by the pool, beach or at your hostel after a long day with travel buds, without your cards breaking or getting soaked. And once you pull out those cards, the chance that you’ll be the hero of the night is pretty high (no promises though).
2. Active Roots Microfiber Towel: Having your own towel is a must when traveling since most hostels don’t provide them. Plus as a backpacker, use of a towel will extend further than just showers, it’s a minimalist yoga towel and a great beach blanket/towel combo! The Active Roots Microfiber Towel is really the best solution for backpacking.
3. TRTL Travel Pillow: Get rid of the red eyes and yawning with this TRTL travel pillow. It’s not just a normal neck pillow (I mean, look at it!), the ergonomic design gives your neck and head so much comfortable support that you’ll actually be able to have some decent rest. Super easy to carry and clean, it takes up so little space compared to a traditional travel pillow.
4. Active Roots Toiletry Bag: Keep your bath-and-beauty items organized and in the right place with this water-resistant bag. With large compartments, mesh and enclosed clear sections, you can fit everything you might need inside. Hang it up or let it stand on its own – this bag is a must-have for dorm-lifers.
5. Sea to Summit Travel Soap: When dirtbagging around the globe, hygiene sometimes comes a bit short. This Sea to Summit Travel Soap can wash your hands, clothes or anything else, wherever you are. The soap strips are dry and super thin but dissolve in contact with water, so you can even take it easily through security in a carry-on.
6. Headphone Splitter: Being stuck on a bus or plane with only one phone that has good music or shows downloaded can be pretty annoying if your travel buddy wants to share headphones. With this Headphone Splitter, you won’t have to listen with only one ear anymore. Your friend can plug in their headphones at the same time, so both of you are entertained (on both ears!).
Why you should travel to Queenstown
Queenstown is an absolute thrill of a time, and a must do if you are traveling to New Zealand.
This guide is designed to help you quickly find an awesome hostel, so you can book it (before it fills up!).
So which of the best hostels in Queenstown are you going to book? The best cheap hostel? Or how about the best hostel for solo travelers?
If you still can’t pick, we recommend booking at Flaming Kiwi. Not only do they have a totally kick ass name, but it’s reasonably priced, with a great location and plenty of value.
The flaming Kiwi is our pick for top hostel in Queenstown 2020!
Travel Safety Tips for Queenstown
Don’t forget to sort your travel insurance! We’ve put together a roundup of the best travel insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads now, our favourite travel insurance provider.
More Epic Hostels in New Zealand and Oceania
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Queenstown.
Planning an epic trip all across New Zealand or even Oceania itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Oceania, check out:
- Best hostels in Auckland
- Best hostels in Rotorua
- Best hostels in Nelson
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Queenstown has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
Yay for transparency! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, The Broke Backpacker will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the site going.
Need More Inspiration?
- Campervanning in New Zealand
- The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List
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