For many backpackers in New Zealand, Auckland is just the first port of call before exploring the rest of the country. The gatekeeper, if you will, that you must pass through before you get to the good stuff.
But Auckland is a cool place, I lived there for 7 years of my life! Sure, the rest of the country will blow your mind with beauty, but Auckland is a city surrounded by sea and built on 52 volcanoes… so it’s got a lot to see before moving on.
The thing is, Auckland is a SPRAWLING city, so knowing what hostels are the best suited for you and what you want to do can be niggly. But, don’t worry, I got you!
In this guide, I’ve collated the best hostels you’ll find in Auckland and categorised them based on who they are best for, just to make things even easier for ya 🙂
So, let’s dive in.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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In a hurry? Here are my top hostel picks in Auckland
Let’s take a closer look at each hostel
I’ve listed my favourite Auckland hostels to make sorting your trip easier. I haven’t only listed them, though – I’ve divided them into different categories so you can spot your fave in an instant. As I mentioned above, the city isn’t small, so deciding where to stay in Auckland can be tricky.
Whether you’re a party-loving backpacker bouncing through Auckland or a digital nomad looking for the best Wi-Fi, here are the best hostels in Auckland:
1. Lylo Auckland – Best Overall Hostel
- Price: $$
- Best for: Solo travellers, digital nomads, city explorers
- Highlights: High-quality pod beds, multiple hangout spaces, coworking area, Miss Lucy’s bar & pizza, central location, great transport links, communal kitchen
- Dorms from: $30 USD
- Private rooms from: $60 USD
- Location: Cook Street, Auckland CBD (near Victoria Park & K Road).
Lylo Auckland has put heart and soul into making sure its space is welcoming to everyone. Whether you’re a couple looking for a private room, or a broke backpacker wanting to mingle. Miss Lucy’s is the bar downstairs from Lylo Auckland. Whether you’re having a couple of drinks before heading into town or munching back a meal with new friends, Miss Lucy’s will take care of you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Coworking friendly with dedicated workspaces & solid WiFi
- Miss Lucy’s downstairs is a great place to mix, mingle, eat and drink.
- Super central location, walking distance to some of the best places to visit in Auckland: K Road, Ponsonby and the Viaduct.
Enjoy a bit of privacy in the pod beds in dorms that sleep up to ten at Lylo Auckland. With the option to book out the whole dorm if you’re travelling with a crew. Transport links couldn’t be easier. You’ve got train, ferry, and bus connections all on your doorstep. She’s a winner!
2. The Attic Backpackers – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers
- Price: $$
- Best for: Solo travellers, long‑term backpackers, first‑timers landing in NZ
- Highlights: Calm, friendly atmosphere, locally owned, award‑winning, super central, rooftop‑style top‑floor setting
- Dorms from: $21 USD
- Private rooms from: $68 USD
- Location: Wellesley Street, Auckland CBD. Steps from Sky Tower & Queen Street
Friendly, relaxing, and centrally located, The Attic Backpackers is a top hostel (literally, top floor) in Auckland. There’s a large outdoor terrace for prime chill-out time, a sociable dining area which makes it super easy to meet new people. It’s run by three friends, rather than being part of a chain, and the welcoming, more personal touches really show.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super welcoming vibe – it’s locally owned by three friends, not part of a big chain.
- Unbeatable CBD location. Steps from Sky Tower, Queen Street, shops, bars, and transport.
- Social vibe without the chaos, easy to meet people, but quiet enough to actually sleep.
There is a community kitchen for those who want to whip up their own meals, and a metro nearby on Queen Street. But you’ll also be located close to some of the best restaurants (cheap and high-end) in the country! It’s more community vibes and less party, but there are plenty of bars nearby if you do want to dabble in the local nightlife 🙂
3. JO&JOE Auckland – Best for Social Travellers
- Price: $$
- Best for: Solo travellers, digital nomads, couples, design lovers
- Highlights: Stylish pod‑style dorms, rooftop bar, huge social spaces, modern design, great CBD location, on‑site food & drinks
- Dorms from: $24 USD
- Private rooms from: $64 USD
- Location: Central Auckland CBD. Walkable to Queen Street, Sky Tower, Britomart & the Viaduct
JO&JOE Auckland are newer kids on the hostel block, but they’ve solidified their place as one of the top backpacker pads in the city. It brings a fresh, playful, design-minded vibe – the interiors are bold, colourful and built with plenty of hangout spaces, making it super easy to meet people.
Why you’ll love this Hostel:
- Pod-style dorms that are private and comfy
- Rooftop bar and restaurant is the perfect place to meet people
- Funky, modern design makes it feel like a boutique stay
The rooftop bar is perfect for sunset drinks before heading out to explore the city. Located in a super central location, you’ll be within walking distance to the best of what Auckland CBD has to offer!
4. Verandahs Parkside Lodge – Best Hostel for Couples
- Price: $$
- Best for: Couples, mature backpackers, digital nomads, travellers wanting quieter comfort
- Highlights: Beautiful heritage villas, gardens, peaceful atmosphere, great kitchen, Ponsonby location
- Dorms from: $26 USD
- Private rooms from: $41 USD
- Location: Hopetoun Street. On the border of Ponsonby & the CBD, overlooking Western Park
Verandahs Parkside Lodge is close to funky bars, restaurants, op-shop shopping and up-market shopping. The hostel is split between two awesome historic villas. Dorms are small, sleeping four or five, and the single and double rooms make it great for privacy-loving solo travellers, too. Chill outdoors and admire the views from the spacious verandahs and the pretty garden, hang out in the lounge, and bliss out.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Large kitchen, so you can whip up your own meals and save while you’re travelling
- Great Location in Ponsonby, walking distance to boutique shops and cute cafes!
- Relaxed energy with lush gardens and quiet hang out spaces
In the heart of the city centre, not only is this hostel in a great location, but it’s surrounded by a garden. So you can have that bliss time, or really zone into your work and also know that everything you need is on your doorstep. There are lots of lovely big tables around to park up at; otherwise, if you need your own space, book a room with a desk.
5. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel – Best for a City Escape
- Price: $$
- Best for: Couples, mature backpackers, digital nomads, travellers wanting quieter comfort
- Highlights: Beautiful heritage villas, gardens, peaceful atmosphere, great kitchen, Ponsonby location
- Dorms from: $26 USD
- Private rooms from: $41 USD
- Location: Hopetoun Street. On the border of Ponsonby & the CBD, overlooking Western Park
If you’re more of a beach bum than a city sightseer, Waiheke Backpackers Hostel could be the perfect Auckland base for you. Around 40 minutes by ferry from Auckland’s city centre, chill on the sands of Onetangi Beach, enjoy surfing, hit up beachfront cafes, and tour local vineyards. Throw something tasty on the BBQ, prepare meals in the well-equipped kitchen, and chill in the shared lounge or on the terrace.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Located on nearby Waiheke Island, just 40 minutes by ferry from the CBD
- Ocean views and walking distance from the beach
- Fully equipped kitchen and BBQ
Waiheke is an island full of beaches, art and wine. And if that is more up your alley than staying in a big city, you will LOVE this hostel recommendation. You’ll be amongst native trees, swimming in the sea and drinking some of the best wine in the world. It’s a chilled-out but relatively social spot, so it won’t be hard to meet some new friends to explore with.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Auckland
You’ve gotta have good hostel insurance, especially in expensive countries like New Zealand.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Still not sure where to stay in Auckland?
By now, I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Auckland has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! There is a mix of backpacker pads for different types of travellers. Whether you want to be in the thick of the CBD at a social spot or you’d rather be living island life on Waiheke…
If you’re still deliberating which of these epic hostels to stay in, Lylo Auckland is probably the best typical hostel experience you’ll find. With their pod beds, co-working spaces and bar downstairs, Lylo Auckland is a big vibe. And a great hub to meet like-minded travellers to potentially continue on your trip with.
Wherever you decide to stay, whatever you decide to do, I’m sure you’ll have a ball in Auckland, and on your onward travels! New Zealand is a BEAUTIFUL country, full of magic and wonder – soak it all in.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments, I’d love to chat!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in New Zealand for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Auckland covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Auckland before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
