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Set on the shores of the huge Lake Taupo, the town of Taupo is actually set on a volcano (the lake is actually in its crater) which last erupted almost 2,000 years ago. It’s a great base for the amazing nature of the surrounding area.
The order for the day here is fishing, hiking in the woods, bungee jumping (of course), kayaking and there is some particularly PRIME cycling to be had around this area. And when you’re done, Taupo is a chill town with some decent restaurants and bars.
But do you want to get involved in the busy bars and restaurants of town? Or do you want to get stuck into the surrounding nature of Taupo? What’s best for you?
Whatever it might be, we got you. Thanks to our handy list of the best hostels in Taupo, we’ve made life easier for you when it comes down to choosing a hostel that’s right for you.
So let’s have a look and see what the top Taupo backpacker hostels have to offer!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Taupo
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Best Hostels in Taupo
If you’re into a bit of action but also a chilled vibe and good food, Taupo should be on your New Zealand backpacking list. To keep the accommodation costs low, check out the best Hostels in Taupo!
Haka Lodge Taupo
This place really does offer a pretty luxurious option for a Taupo backpackers hostel, we gotta say. It’s got a hot tub (wow), and a big modern kitchen, with plenty of space to hang out, too. Plus it’s super clean here. There are even BATHS here. Actual baths.
The purpose-built bunk beds are pretty nice too, not old and creaky. There’s sunloungers 0utside with views across Lake Taupo, too. Basically, this place and all its trimmings and extras definitely make it the best overall hostel in Taupo, for sure.
Finlay Jacks Backpackers
This Taupo branch of the Youth Hostel Association is a pretty solid option if you’re looking for a good budget-friendly stay in Taupo. In fact, it’s not typically backpackery or anything like that – it’s actually a pretty cool Taupo hostel if you ask us.
Rooms are spacious, clean and modern (just like your bedroom at home), and it’s very well maintained by housekeeping. The best hostel with a private room in Taupo, of course, these are gonna be very decent – they come with TVs and Netflix. There’s also a local pub nearby for dinner or – more likely – a drink. Plus if you like dogs, the hostel has one you can take for walks!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!Other Epic Budget Stays In Taupo
Still looking for the right Taupo hostel for you? Unfortunately you’re outta luck! The hostel scene in Taupo is pretty thin but don’t sweat it, I’ve rounded up the best budget stays in the area so you can keep within that backpacker budget of yours.
Taupo Pearl sparkling self – contained studio
This place has everything you need for a comfy stay—kitchenette, en suite, studio setup, a cosy two-seater couch, and a proper workspace if you need to get things done. Private entrance too, so no awkward lobby encounters. It’s so close to town, the lake, and all the best cafés and restaurants that your car might as well take a holiday too.
The bathroom’s spot on, the shower’s a dream, and the bed? Absolute bliss. Slept like a log. Loads of thoughtful extras—coffee pods, a solid selection of breakfast cereals, and those little touches that make all the difference. And if you fancy a fresh tomato, just grab one from the garden. Proper homely, proper handy, and just a short stroll to the lake.
Accent On Taupo Motor Lodge
This place is an absolute steal for the price, offering a cracking room in a wicked location. Immaculately clean and with Ross being an absolute legend of a host, you’re in good hands. The room is spacious enough, in a peaceful spot, and just a stone’s throw from a gorgeous lakeside walking path. Perfect for anyone after a comfortable, no-fuss stay.
For a bonus, the sailing club across the road is perfect for a cheeky pizza and drinks, and it’s even dog-friendly. Plus, there’s a lovely lakeside walk straight into town—couldn’t ask for more!
Cosy Kowhai Retreat
Karl’s guesthouse is a cracking place to stay—clean, private, and thoughtfully put together. As a solo female traveller, it feels properly safe, which is always something to consider when choosing the spot for you. The location is spot on, with a grocery store, the lake, and Taupo tandem skydiving nearby, plus town is only a quick 10-minute drive.
The studio itself is welcoming and well laid out, with a comfy bed and little thoughtful touches that make all the difference. Karl has the local tips covered, with plenty of recommendations for things to do and places to eat. Perfect for a quick overnight stay, especially with a morning coffee in the garden before heading off.
Silver Fern Lodge
Silver Fern Lodge isn’t exactly a hostel, but if you opt for a room with bunk beds, you can still dip into those hostel vibes. The room’s spotlessly clean, with your own bathroom and a solid shower to kick off your stay. There’s a communal kitchen too—spacious, tidy, and ready for you to whip up something quick. Everything’s in place for a comfy, hassle-free stay. The location’s spot on for grabbing food and coffee nearby, and the reception staff are as polite and accommodating as they come. The room’s warm, the linens fresh, and the towels just the right level of cosy.
Lakeland Resort Taupo
Located on the shores of the lake, and with plenty of grounds so you can wander about appreciating the scenery, this budget hotel in Taupo might be more expensive than a hostel but there’s also LOADS of stuff to do here.
It’s got tennis courts, swimming pool, two indoor spa pools, a restaurant, those landscape gardens we already mentioned, cable TV and loads more, so you actually get quite a bit for your money here. You can even get a real bargain and share a triple room with a couple of mates.
Berkenhoff Lodge
With a load of different rooms on offer from cool private rooms to dorms witen-suitete toilets and showers – and even camping is on offer if you fancy that – this place is the best hostel for digital nomads in Taupo.
There’s a lot of space for you and your laptop to get your heads down and email and type away like there’s no tomorrow. Plus when you’ve got your work done for the day, there’s a swimming pool at this recommended hostel in Taupo, plus a load of activities to enjoy, like mountain bike riding, hiking – or just heading down to the local fish ‘n’ chip shop!
Tiki Lodge
Offering free breakfast and affordable accommodation with lake views, this budget hostel in Taupo is a great option if you like value for money. Plus it’s nearby to a load of cafes and restaurants if you ever wanna head out for some food.
The big lounge area here is a decent place to get chatting to fellow travellers, plus the staff at this Taupo backpackers hostel will organise a load of activities for you if you feel like it – including bungee jumping. It’s fun, friendly and cosy.
Wellesley on the Lake
Just 1 min from the shores of Lake Taupo, plus a short walk to restaurants, shops and the bus station (convenient), this top budget hotel in Taupo is a wooden lodge style place that’s welcoming and friendly.
Besides making you feel at home, if you’re looking for a nice clean room that definitely ISN’T a dorm room, then this could be a solid option for you. Oh, and its restaurant has amazing views out over the lake. And in the winter months, you can cosy up in an armchair next to the open fire. Nice.
What to Pack for your Taupo 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Taupo
So there you have it, the best hostels in Taupo.
The backpacking game is pretty strong here, so all the hostels around town are pretty decent.
Whilst some are literally on the shores of Lake Taupo itself, some of the top hostels in Taupo are closer to the lively areas of town for those who might need a little bit of party atmosphere after a day of outdoorsy stuff.
Plus we’ve thrown in a couple of the best budget hotels in Taupo so now you’ve got even more choice!
But if you still can’t choose a place to stay…? No worries!
We’d say just book a room at Haka Lodge Taupo, the best overall hostel in Taupo and a great choice for anybody.
If you’re travelling further, there are some amazing hostels all over New Zealand, each promising a comfy bed and a safe place to rest your head.
The amazing views and stunning scenery of incredible Taupo await!
FAQ about Hostels in Taupo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Taupo.
How much does a hostel cost in Taupo?
The average price of hostels in Taupo starts from $24 – $25+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Taupo for couples?
Finlay Jacks Backpackers is an ideal hostel for couples in Taupo. It’s clean and near the city center.
What is the best hostel in Taupo near the airport?
Lakeland Resort Taupo, a budget hotel in Taupo, is just 5 minutes by car from Taupo Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Taupo
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 Taupo. If you’re looking for something a little more private and upmarket, then why not treat yourself to a Taupo Airbnb instead?!
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 Taupo 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!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in New Zealand for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in New Zealand if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in New Zealand before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
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