For most of us, while Auckland isn’t the main destination, it is the unavoidable entrance when travelling to New Zealand.

Auckland is often the gate-keeper of New Zealand, but many people aren’t aware that in its own right, is, in fact, an awesome and fascinating city.

Too many travelers have a tendency to spend a quick night in Auckland before heading south, which is exactly why I made this post of the 20 best hostels in Auckland.

Auckland can be awesome, and if you are willing to spend a few days there, you’ll find a ton of interesting things to do and sites to see.

With the help of this post, you’ll get an idea of the where to stay in Auckland so you can spend less time stressing on lodging, and more time exploring this vastly underrated city.

Let’s look into the 20 best hostels in Auckland.

Quick answer: The best hostels in Auckland

Best Hostels in Auckland
Highly underrated – this is our list of the 20 best hostels in Auckland

What to look for in the Best Hostels in Auckland

Just like the rest of New Zealands hostels, all of the hostels on this list are great, so what is ‘best’ comes down to your specific needs. I’ve identified some of the most common backpacker/traveler needs, so you can book your hostel quickly. Here are some of the things I took into consideration while I was backpacking Auckland

  • Price – On the international scale, Auckland is on the higher end, but not quite Northern-Europe-Japan-USA prices. The Price of Travel puts Auckland at $61 a day, but if you book the right hostel and don’t party too much, you can get this down to the high 40’s, low 50’s.
  • Location – Auckland is not a small city by any stretch, and a lot of the activities are spread out across the city. If you have a specific itinerary, definitely make an attempt to be closer, but if you can’t, the city’s impressive public transportation has got you covered.
  • Amenities – While Auckland’s hostel scene is good, it’s not known for its freebies. In particular, the majority of hostels do not include breakfast or towels. This makes an already expensive city more difficult to budget, but it’s all a part of the experience!

The 16 Best Hostels in Auckland

We’ve listed our favourite Auckland hostels to make sorting your trip easier. We haven’t only listed them, though—we’ve divided them into different categories so you can spot your own fave in an instant. As we mentioned above, the city isn’t small, so deciding where to stay in Auckland can be a bit tricky.

Whether you’re a party-loving backpacker or a digital nomad, are looking for somewhere as cheap as chips, love the solo sociable vibe, or want to feel the love with a significant other, here are the 20 best hostels in Auckland.

Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf Auckland

Overall Best Hostel in Auckland – Haka Lodge Auckland

Haka Lodge Auckland best hostels in Auckland

A new addition to Auckland’s hostel scene, Haka Lodge Auckland is modern, comfortable, and appealing. One to keep an eye, this could very well become of the best hostels in Auckland in 2021. Suitable for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends, different-sized dorms sleep from five to 20. There are private rooms too. There’s no need to feel shy at bedtime; all beds have a curtain. There are ample power outlets and Wi-Fi is free. The extensive DVD selection and mini cinema is a nice addition to the communal areas. There’s a lounge and kitchen too. There’s a sociable vibe, yet plenty of peace and quiet at night.

Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Auckland – The Attic Backpackers

The Attic Backpackers best hostels in Auckland

Friendly, relaxing, and centrally located, The Attic Backpackers is a top hostel in Auckland. There’s a large terrace for prime chill-out time, a sociable dining area, a tour desk, a book exchange, and a kitchen. Wi-Fi is free and you can scour the jobs board for all the latest vacancies. Don’t worry about having to climb the stairs each time you go in and out—there’s an elevator. Laundry and luggage storage are available too, and there are female-only dorms as well as well as mixed dormitories. There’s an over-18 policy.

Best Cheap Hostel in Auckland #1 – Waiheke Backpackers Hostel

Waiheke Backpackers Hostel best hostels in Auckland

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 bus from Auckland’s centre, chill on the sands of Onetangi Beach, enjoy surfing (in season), 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. There’s free Wi-Fi at this Auckland backpackers hostel, though do note that towels are not available.

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Aether Backpack

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Best Cheap Hostel in Auckland #2 – Metro Adventurer Backpackers

Metro Adventurer Backpackers best hostels in Auckland
Metro Adventurer Backpackers is a favorite on our list of the best cheap hostels in Auckland.

The new Metro Adventurer Backpackers is a top hostel in Auckland for backpackers who want to stay close to the lively Queen Street without breaking the bank. Dorms are available for between four and ten and there are two shared kitchens to cater for a large number of guests. All beds have USB and regular charging points and each guest has a locker. Bedding is provided, though you’ll need to have your own towel or rent one at the hostel. Relax and meet other travellers in the common room, complete with a TV, board games, and a book exchange.

Best Hostel for Couples in Auckland – Verandahs Backpackers Lodge

Verandahs Backpackers Lodge best hostels in Auckland
Best hostel in Auckland with private rooms for couples

Calling all romance-seekers and flashpackers in Auckland! If you’re oversleeping in bunk beds and want a more stylish stay while still maintaining a modest budget, Verandahs could be just the Auckland hostel you’re looking for. Close to trendy bars, restaurants, and up-market shopping, the hostel is within 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 and couples too. Chill outdoors and admire the views from the spacious verandahs and the pretty garden, hangout in the lounge, and bliss out in the steam room.

Best Party Hostel in Auckland – Hekerua Lodge Backpackers

Hekerua Lodge Backpackers best hostels in Auckland
Hekerua Lodge Backpackers is a great party hostel in Auckland

Experience the enticing island life just 35 minutes from downtown Auckland with a stay at Hekerua Lodge Backpackers on Waiheke Island. Gorgeous beaches are right at your fingertips and nature is all around. The party vibe is strong here and there are loads of sociable activities, like pizza nights, yoga classes, quizzes, drinking games, and paddleboarding. Bliss out in the pool, steam room, and hot tub for a little TLC if the hangovers get a bit too much. There’s a kitchen where you can cook your catch after a day of fishing, a lounge, and a terrace.

Best Hostel in Auckland for Long Term – BK Hostel

BK Hostel best hostels in Auckland
BK Hostel is one of the best Auckland Hostels for long term stays (and short term!)

A clean, comfortable, secure and one of the best budget hostels in Auckland, BK Hostel is filled with friendly and homey vibes. Centrally located, there’s heaps to do from the moment you step out the door. Discounts are available for long term stays, making this a potentially great option for long-term travellers, digital nomads, and people working in New Zealand. Challenge your fellow travellers to a game of pool, stay connected with the free Wi-Fi, watch TV, and cook a tasty meal in the kitchen. No need to lug your backpacks up the stairs—there’s an elevator.

Best Cheap Hostel in Auckland #3 – Borders Beyond

Borders Beyond best hostels in Auckland
Borders Beyond is another one of the best budget/cheap hostels in Auckland…

A recommended hostel in Auckland for anyone hoping to work in New Zealand, the up-to-date jobs board alerts you of potential opportunities making your search a bit easier. There is free Wi-Fi and you can use the telephone to call about jobs. The friendly staff members might be able to give you a heads up too. Peaceful and secure, the hostel is located a five-minute bus ride from the centre of Auckland. There are tons of facilities, including lockers, kitchen, TV lounge, laundry facilities, book exchange, and terrace. Do note: a small payment is needed for hot showers and towels are not provided.

Borders Beyond is one of our favourites in Auckland but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Auckland – Grafton House Accommodation

Grafton House Accommodation best hostels in Auckland
Grafton House Accommodation is our top pick for Digital Nomad hostel in Auckland

Among the best hostels in Auckland for digital nomads, the recently refurbished Grafton House Accommodation offers free and unlimited Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and calm spaces where you can focus on your work. There are comfortable tables and chairs in the lounge and lobby-cum-TV area, and you’ll also find somewhere to sit up on the roof terrace. Some dorms have pod-style beds, with a curtain, lights, and power outlets. There’s a large kitchen and the vending machines help to chase away late-night munchies.

Grafton House Accommodation is one of our favourites in Auckland but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Best Auckland Hostel near the Airport – Lantana Lodge International Backpackers

Lantana Lodge International Backpackers best hostels in Auckland
Lantana Lodge is one of the best Auckland hostels near the airport

Situated near Parnell Village, the freshest thing about Lantana Lodge International Backpackers is, well, the fresh air! The dorms and private rooms all have special technology that keeps the air nice and crisp and fresh—no more dirty washing or sweaty feet smells! Accessible by direct airport bus which takes away the hassle of finding an Auckland hostel near the airport. Rent a car onsite for explorations or, alternatively, book trips via the friendly members of staff. Welcoming and warm, the hostel has a kitchen and a lounge. Wi-Fi is free. Security lockers and round-the-clock security provide peace of mind.

Lantana Lodge International Backpackers is one of our favourites in Auckland but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Best Hostel with a Private Room in Auckland – YHA Auckland City

YHA Auckland best hostels in New Zealand
YHA Auckland City is the cheapest and best hostel with a priavte room in Auckland.

A top hostel in Auckland, close to Queen Street and the vibrant city centre, YHA Auckland City has private rooms and both mixed and single-sex dorms for four or six. Meet others and mingle in the spacious kitchen and common room, head out to the deck for a BBQ in the sunshine, and relax in the steam room. A TV, DVDs, free Wi-Fi, and book exchange keep you busy in your downtime, and there are laundry facilities, luggage storage, lockers, and round-the-clock security. It has everything you could need for your stay in Auckland.

YHA Auckland City is one of our favourites in Auckland but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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More of the Best Hostels in Auckland

And that’s not all folks … keep reading to discover some more of our favourite hostels in Auckland. Make sure to check out all of the amazing things that Auckland has to offer too.

Fat Cat Travellers Community

Fat Cat Travellers Community

The low prices not only include free breakfast and all the usuals, like a common room, kitchen, Wi-Fi, etc. but hungry backpackers can also feast on healthy vegan meals each evening—for free. Just half an hour outside the city, it’s the cool experiences and hippy vibe that make this a real winner. Help out on the farm (though you don’t have to), learn more about sustainable living, and join tons of interesting workshops. Social issues, peace, and the environment reign supreme. Expect campfires, yoga, singing, dancing, music, nature, and friendship.

Queenstreet Backpackers

Queenstreet Backpackers best hostels in Auckland

Single, twin and double rooms are available at Queenstreet Backpackers in addition to dorms for between four and eight. Especially handy, the two extra “powder rooms” let guests use hairdryers, put makeup on, and use sinks without clogging up the bathrooms. With two kitchens too, there’s no need to hang around hungry and impatient. Start your day with a free breakfast, quite a rarity for Auckland’s hostels, and surf the net with free Wi-Fi. The onsite bar, spacious TV lounge, and pool tables, combined with the friendly vibe, make this a great hostel in Auckland for solo travellers to meet new buddies.

Nomads Auckland

Nomads Auckland best hostels in Auckland

A bustling and lively hostel in the heart of Auckland, Nomads Auckland may not be the fanciest hostel on the block but it’s one of the best cheap hostels for budget backpackers. The on-site hot tub and steam room are free to use, and you’ll also get free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee for the low price. Regular activities are arranged for a cheap price and you can save more dollars by cooking your own meals in the kitchen. There’s a big common room and an onsite restaurant/bar.

Frienz

Frienz best hostels in Auckland

With something happening every evening, backpackers staying at the cool Frienz hostel can look forward to pub crawls, movie nights, free ice cream, free BBQs, party nights, and more. It’s easy to make friends at Frienz! Probably the coolest hostel in Auckland, there’s a separate dedicated smoking area, a roof terrace, a kitchen, a travel kiosk, and a lounge. Designed to meet the needs of modern travellers, you’ll also find laundry facilities and lockers. While desktop internet access is free, you’ll need to fork out for Wi-Fi if you want to use your own devices.

YMCA Hostel

YMCA Hostel best hostels in Auckland

There’s no need to feel down at the YMCA Hostel in Auckland; free BBQ nights, a games room with ping pong, pool, board games, and foosball, a lounge with Sky TV, a book exchange, and basic fitness equipment will keep you and your new buddies entertained. You’ll find self-catering and laundry facilities too—you still need to take care of the practical stuff! Within walking distance of Queen Street, Karangahape Road, and Ponsonby, the location couldn’t get much better. A great youth hostel in Auckland, students are welcomed too. With no free Wi-fi though, this isn’t a particularly suitable hostel for digital nomads in Auckland.

What to Pack for your Auckland Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

Why you should travel to Auckland

Auckland has always been a bit under the radar, but if you are planning on traveling to New Zealand it comes highly rated. Hopefully, with the help of this list, you’ll be able to see the best hostels in Auckland and book yours specifically on your travel-needs.

And remember, if you are having a tough time deciding which hostel to book, our highest recommendation is Haka Lodge Auckland.

FAQ about Hostels in Auckland

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Auckland.

How much does a hostel cost in Auckland??

The cost of a hostel stay in Auckland depends on the room type and the location. The average price is $22 for dorm rooms, while private room costs range from $26-$45.

What are the best hostels in Auckland for couples?

Verandahs Backpackers Lodge is an amazing hostel for couples in Auckland. It’s comfy and a great location close to bars and restaurants.

What are the best hostels in Auckland near the airport?

Lantana Lodge International Backpackers is our pick for the best hostel near the airport in Auckland. It is accessible by direct airport bus.

Travel Safety Tips for Auckland

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.

More Epic Hostels in New Zealand and Oceania

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Auckland.

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:

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Auckland 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!

Looking for more info on travelling to Auckland and New Zealand?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!