Accommodation in New Zealand

Places to stay at various locations all around New Zealand

A World Travel Article

As being a backpacker means travelling on a limited budget, the likelihood of you staying in a five star resort is practically non-existent, so this article will focus on accommodation within a backpacker budget.

Backpacker hostels in New Zealand are of a very high standard and like those in Australia, are very much a hub for backpacker services including internet access, laundry, tours and general information.

Many of the major hostels in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown even have welcome packages that include a few nights accommodation and a few tours and activities thrown in. These can be great value and also a good way of meeting fellow travellers in a new city.

Hostel prices vary according to location and the style of rooms available at the time, with dorm rooms obviously being the cheaper options. Some p people do prefer to stay in single rooms, though by staying a four bed or three bed room you will save on the price of a single bed room.

Youth Hostelling Association (YHA) Hostels only accept members, but it is easy to become a member either in your home country or at one of the YHA hostels in New Zealand. The price of becoming a member varies according to your home country.

This is the current prices for a year’s membership.

England and Wales:          £16 (over 26)

                                    £10 (under 26)

Scotland:                       £8 (over 18)

Eire:                              €20 (over 18)

USA:                             US$28 (18-54)

Canada:                        C$38 (over 18)

Australia:                       A$52 (over 18)

New Zealand:                 NZ$40 (over 18)

Private Backpacker hostels are all over New Zealand as well, with usually the same facilities as the YHA hostels and in some cases even more. You will find these places very friendly and meet people from all over the world with the same idea's as you, that is to backpack around New Zealand, on a similar bidget.

The average prices for staying in Backpacker style accommodation is as follows:

Dorm:                       NZ$15 to NZ$20 a night

Singles:                    NZ$25 to NZ$30 a night

Twins:                      NZ$30 to NZ$35 a night   

Triples and quads:      NZ$42+                 

Remember these prices are just a guide and prices can change. We recommend that you always look into prices of accommodation and travel, as these can change without notice. There is nothing worse than getting to your destination and finding that your budget is inadequate.

The Youth Hostel Association website (each individual country's website) has extensive information on its accommodation throughout New Zealand and the world. The website also gives advice to travellers on where to go and how to get there.

Getting around New Zealand