Famous for being the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown attracts TONs of travellers into it’s welcoming arms each year. Home to world-class mountain biking, epic ski fields, ski-diving, bungee jumping and the Remarkables rising out of the lake – it’s easy to see why!
Queenstown is also the perfect place to come for a reset and relax. Home to stunning views, lakeside beaches, delicious cuisine and local vineyards – you can really get the base of both worlds in this corner of New Zealand.
Given Queenstown’s popularity among backpackers, it does mean that the best hostels get booked up fast – especially over the summer months. Most of the hostels have amazing views, big kitchens and a decent social scene given the number on travellers around.
As a Kiwi who’s done many a trip down to Queenstown, I’ve stayed in most of the hostels in town. From action-packed skiing and hiking trips to weekends away with the girls – I’ve done it all and I’m here today to spill the beans on my top picks. So, let’s get into it!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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In a hurry? Here are my top hostel picks in Queenstown
Let’s take a closer look at each hostel
If you’re backpacking in New Zealand, staying in Queenstown is a real highlight. As a Kiwi gal myself, I’ve taken many trips down to this beautiful town and stayed in most of the top backpacker joints. This is a list of the creme de la creme of hostels in Queenstown – let’s go!
1. Adventure Queenstown Hostel – Best Overall Hostel
Price: $$
Best for: Solo travellers, adventure‑seekers, sociable backpackers
Highlights: Nightly social events, custom timber bunks with privacy curtains, great kitchen, balconies with mountain views, super central location, friendly staff
Dorms from: $35 USD
Location: 36 Camp Street. Right in the heart of Queenstown, steps from bars, cafés, and the lakefront
Adventure Queenstown takes the cake for my favourite hostel. It’s one of those places that you feel welcomed from the moment you arrive. They have nightly events from pub crawls to quiz nights, and even the odd Mario Kart battle, making it the perfect place to rock up solo and meet people fast.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- The fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to whip up your own meals
- Nightly social events make it easy to meet people
- Balconies that are ideal for sunset beers and mountain views
The location of the hostel is unbeatable! You’re smack bang in the middle of the action. Just minutes from the lake, bars and bus stops, which makes it the perfect base for most of the top things to do in Queenstown – skydiving, skiing, hiking, you name it!
2. Adventure Q2 Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers
Price: $$
Best for: Solo backpackers, sociable travellers, long-term stayers,
Highlights: Nightly social events, super comfy custom bunks with privacy curtains, solid kitchen, cosy lounge, balcony views, unbeatable central location
Dorms from: $35 USD
Location: 5 Athol Street. Right in central Queenstown, a minute from the bars, shops, and lakefront
Adventure Q2 is the sister hostel to Adventure Queenstown and has a similar warm, social vibe to it – the only difference is that it’s got a slightly calmer environment. The staff run nightly events to make it easy to meet new friends, and it has a community feel, without the pressure to party.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Nightly social events
- Free use of sports gear, bikes (in the summer), GoPros, and more
- Ski rental service in the winter
The location is also top tier, right in the centre of Queenstown. You’ll be within walking distance of most of the things on your itinerary. It’s a small hostel with super comfy custom-designed timber bunks with privacy curtains.
3. Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – Best Hostel for Couples
Price: $$
Best for: Couples, chill backpackers, convenience
Highlights: Absolute lakefront location, modern kitchen overlooking the water, comfy beds, friendly staff
Dorms from: $35 USD
Private rooms from: $123 USD
Location: 50 Beach Street. Directly on the lakefront in central Queenstown, steps from cafes, bars, and the waterfront
This hostel offers up-front row seats to the stunning Lake Wakatipu from the kitchen. You can literally cook up your pasta while marvelling at the Remarkables (which are, in fact, incredibly remarkable). It’s not a party spot, but it’s got a social vibe that makes it easy to meet people.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free coffee, tea and hot choccy!
- Beautiful views of the Remarkables from the kitchen window
- Bangin’ location
It also has really lovely private rooms that are ideal for couples travelling on a budget, or those who want some privacy but still want the shared spaces offered by a hostel. Absoloot is also super convenient – step outside the door and you’ll have Fergburger on one side and the lake on the other. You can’t get much more central than that!
4. Lylo Queenstown – Best for Digital Nomads
Price: $$
Best for: Solo travellers who want privacy, digital nomads, design-loving backpackers, light sleepers
Highlights: Fancy pod beds, super modern facilities, great coworking spaces, social but not rowdy
Dorms from: $40 USD
Private rooms from: $130 USD
Location: 47 Camp Street. Right in central Queenstown, a short walk to bars, shops, and the lakefront
Lylo Hostels is a chain throughout New Zealand that caters to the modern backpacker or the nomadic traveller. With competitive hostel prices and pretty flash amenities, they’re changing the game for hostels. Lylo Queenstown offers epic views, capsule-style beds in your dorm room for the ultimate sleeping experience and solid Wi-Fi you need to work.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Proper coworking areas and fast Wi‑Fi
- The vibe is social but chilled
- The pod beds are insaaanely comfy
The staff are super friendly and can help you with any questions about Queenstown you might have, including booking trips. If you’d rather explore things on your own, simply ask the staff for recommendations on what to do in the city. New Zealand can be expensive – so it’s always handy to have some insider tips!
5. Haka House Queenstown Lakefront – Best for Long Stayers
Price: $
Best for: Chill backpackers, couples, budget backpackers
Highlights: Stunning lakefront location, comfy beds, great social vibe without the party vibes, pool table
Dorms from: $30 USD
Private rooms from: $90 USD
Location: 88-90 Lake Esplanade. Right on the lakefront, a short walk from central Queenstown.
Haka House on Lake Wakatipu, lakefront, is an absolute treat for a stay in Queenstown with insane views of the Remarkables there to greet you each morning. Expect a relaxed, welcoming vibe, stunning views of the lake and friendly staff. The common areas are bright and spacious, the kitchen is properly equipped, and the dorms have solid beds with everything you need for a good night’s sleep.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Unreal views of the Remarkables
- Short walk along the lake into the Queenstown action
- Big kitchen to whip up your own meals
It’s a short, scenic walk into town, so you get the best of both worlds: peaceful lakeside mornings and Queenstown’s energy whenever you want a dose of it. The social vibe is there if you want it, but if you don’t, you can just chill out and take in the views!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Queenstown
Everyone needs good hostel travel insurance – especially broke backpackers! Queenstown is famous for being the best place for adventure in the world… so it does come with a risk or two. Grab yourself some solid insurance before you depart.
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 Queenstown?
That concludes my guide to the best hostels in Queenstown. I hope it has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! If you haven’t already noticed, many of the Queenstown hostels are central and scenic with amazing views across the lake and the Remarkables. Most hostels are fully set up with cosy common spaces and fully equipped kitchens, so it’s easy to see why so many travellers end up staying for longer than expected.
If you’re still not sure which Queenstown hostel is for you, take a look at my overall favourite again: Adventure Queenstown Hostel. This hostel offers solid bang for your buck, in a central location close to all the action, and a friendly and social vibe.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments 🙂
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in New Zealand for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Queenstown before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
Hi Chris,
Just a note, Absoloot Value Accommodation has been Absoloot Hostel QT for around 6 months now.
Thanks for the correction! We have updated the name of Absoloot Hostel QT. Cheers!