{"id":254669,"date":"2023-01-13T09:00:37","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T14:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=254669"},"modified":"2025-05-25T10:15:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-25T14:15:58","slug":"best-hostels-queenstown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/best-hostels-queenstown\/","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Best Hostels in Queenstown"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the southern island of New Zealand<\/a>, Queenstown<\/a> is beautiful city set in an already beautiful country. With the Southern Alps looming as a backdrop and a shimmering lake in the foreground, Queenstown has a lot going for it. <\/p>\n Known as the \u201cadventure capital of the world,\u201d it\u2019s here where daring travelers come to get their blood pumping. It’s one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, especially for backpackers. <\/p>\n As such, Queenstown boasts a handful of fun, social, and affordable hostels!<\/p>\n Below is my list of the best hostels in Queenstown. If you don\u2019t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:<\/p>\n Want the specifics of each hostel? Here\u2019s my breakdown of the best hostels in Queenstown and why I love them:<\/p>\n The wooden bunks are spacious, with thick mattresses and privacy curtains so you can get a decent night\u2019s sleep. There are also lockers below the beds so you can keep your stuff safe.<\/p>\n Adventure Queenstown at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n Dorm beds come with phone-charging ports, privacy curtains, and reading lights right at your bed \u2014 plus under-the-bed lockers. The mattresses are decent too. (If you’re traveling with family, there’s also a sizable five-person private room.)<\/p>\n Absoloot at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n Some of the dorm rooms have en suite bathrooms and others shared bathrooms. The dorm beds are made of wood and each has a privacy curtain, a reading light, and an outlet so you can charge your electronics. The mattresses are decent and the lockers below each bed have outlets for charging your electronics while they\u2019re in storage. <\/p>\n The Flaming Kiwi at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n The hostel has a large common room and a big collection of DVDs for when you want to chill out. The kitchen is fully equipped, and there\u2019s always free coffee, tea, and cold filtered water available. <\/p>\n Haka Lodge at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n The dorms are spacious and the mattresses are decent but the beds are basic (they’re cheap metal bunks) and they lack privacy curtains.<\/p>\n Southern Laughter Backpackers at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n The dorms aren\u2019t super spacious and the bathrooms are a bit small as well. However, the wooden bunk beds are comfy enough and have privacy curtains, reading lights, and power outlets. <\/p>\n Black Sheep Backpackers at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n With free perks like bike rentals and GoPro cameras, tons of social activities, and stunning views of the lake, the above hostels can help you save money and ensure you have a fun, safe, and budget-friendly stay in New Zealand’s<\/a> adventure capital. <\/p>\n Get my best travel tips as well as FIVE FREE planning guides sent straight to your inbox and see more of the country for less!<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n1. Adventure Queenstown Hostel<\/a><\/h3>\n

\nAdventure Queenstown, located just off Camp Street, puts on a different event every night of the week, including quiz and boardgame nights, scavenger hunts, pub crawls, potluck dinners, and more. The hostel is very social and lively, so it\u2019s perfect if you’re looking to meet other travelers (but not the best choice if you\u2019re looking for a quiet stay). Tthe staff can book any activity you like, plus they offer free use of GoPros and bicycles, and they can even rent you skis and snowboards in the winter. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n2. Absoloot Hostel Queenstown<\/a><\/h3>\n

\nThe hostel has a large, fully equipped kitchen on the second floor (with more great views), so if you’re on a budget you’ll be able to cook some meals instead of eating out. The common rooms are spacious and have TVs, board games, a book exchange, and video game consoles. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n3. The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers<\/a><\/h3>\n

\nThis laid-back hostel has a homey feel to it. There are three kitchens and a BBQ grill so you can cook your own meals, plus free bikes and frisbees to use (so you can play frisbee golf at the nearby Queenstown Garden course). There’s also free coffee too and the common areas have lots of books, games, and DVDs for when you want to relax. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n4. Haka Lodge<\/a><\/h3>\n

\nLocated just a block from bustling Camp Street, all the dorm beds at Haka Lodge are wooden and have privacy curtains, reading lights, (small) storage lockers, and power outlets. The mattresses aren\u2019t super thick, but they are comfy enough for a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n5. Southern Laughter Backpackers<\/a><\/h3>\n

\nLocated within walking distance of the center of Queenstown, Southern Laughter has a few unique perks, including a hot tub where you can relax after a busy day of exploring. The hostel also has a lively common room with a large flat-screen TV, self-service laundry facilities, and a BBQ area for grilling when the weather is nice. It also offers free soup every night for dinner, which not only will save you money but makes for a great way to meet other travelers.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n6. Black Sheep Backpackers<\/a><\/h3>\n

\nThis fun hostel offers pod-type bunk beds with privacy curtains and power outlets. It also has a hot tub and a sauna, which is ideal if you\u2019re in Queenstown in the winter for skiing or snowboarding. The common room has a fireplace too, which makes it extra cozy when you\u2019re relaxing with a book. Plus, there are free frisbees, and every Wednesday there’s a free communal dinner.<\/p>\n\n
Plan your trip to new zealand like a pro<\/h5>\r\n
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