Top Picks for Hostels in Queenstown
Queenstown offers a variety of excellent hostels with unique features to suit different traveller needs. These top-rated accommodations provide comfort, social opportunities and convenient access to local attractions.
Absoloot Hostel Queenstown
Located right in the heart of Queenstown, Absoloot Hostel QT offers incredible lake views and is just steps away from restaurants, bars and adventure activities.
This modern hostel features clean dormitories and private rooms with ensuite options. Most rooms boast stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, making it a popular choice among backpackers.
The communal kitchen is well-equipped, and the lounge area provides a relaxed space for meeting fellow travellers. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Key Features:
- Prime waterfront location
- Modern facilities
- Spectacular lake views
- 24-hour reception
- Secure card access
The atmosphere is lively yet respectful, making it suitable for social travellers who still want a good night’s sleep.
Haka House Queenstown Lakefront
Haka Lodge Queenstown offers a more upscale hostel experience with its boutique feel and attention to detail. Located on Henry Street, it’s just a short walk from the town centre.
The accommodation ranges from shared dorms to private ensuite rooms. All beds feature individual power outlets, reading lights and privacy curtains, which guests particularly appreciate.
The communal areas include a well-designed kitchen, comfortable lounge and outdoor space for relaxing. The staff are known for being friendly and helpful with activity bookings.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Premium pod-style beds in dorms
- Hotel-quality linens
- Heated floors in bathrooms
- Free unlimited WiFi
- Secure luggage storage
Prices start from $33 NZD, making it excellent value considering the quality facilities.
Adventure Queenstown Hostel
This smaller, family-run hostel creates a homely atmosphere that many travellers seek. Adventure Queenstown Hostel is consistently rated as one of the best hostels in town for its cleanliness and friendly vibe.
The property features smaller dorm rooms (max 4 beds) and thoughtful touches throughout. Their spacious common areas include a modern kitchen, lounge with Netflix, and outdoor patio with BBQ facilities.
The location is central but just removed enough from the main nightlife streets to ensure a peaceful sleep. Daily activities organised by staff help solo travellers connect with others.
Guest Favourites:
- Small, intimate setting
- Extremely clean facilities
- Comfortable mattresses
- Free tea and coffee
- Helpful local advice from staff
The personalised service makes this an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Queenstown.
Adventure Q2 Hostel
Adventure Q2 Hostel is perfect for social butterflies. This lively hostel features a popular common room and regular events that make meeting fellow travellers easy.
The dorms are clean and functional with secure storage for valuables. Their pod-style beds provide extra privacy with curtains, personal lights and charging ports.
The centrally located kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, and the hostel also offers discount vouchers for local eateries. The friendly staff can help book activities around Queenstown.
Highlights:
- Social atmosphere with organised events
- Modern pod-style beds
- Central location
- Discounts on local activities
- Free breakfast items
This hostel suits energetic travellers looking to make connections and enjoy Queenstown’s famous nightlife scene.
The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers
The Flaming Kiwi offers a relaxed atmosphere just a short walk from the town centre. This medium-sized hostel provides a good balance between social activities and quiet spaces.
Rooms range from 4-bed dorms to private options. All beds come with individual power outlets and reading lights. Their sunny communal areas include a large kitchen, comfortable lounge, and outdoor garden space.
Free unlimited WiFi and breakfast items make this hostel excellent value. The helpful staff can assist with booking tours and activities around Queenstown.
Special Features:
- Free continental breakfast
- Outdoor garden with views
- Game room with pool table
- Book exchange
- Ski/snowboard storage
The Flaming Kiwi attracts a diverse crowd, from adventure seekers to those simply enjoying Queenstown’s scenic beauty.
The Black Sheep Backpackers
Black Sheep Hostel offers character and charm with its unique decor and friendly atmosphere. Its slightly elevated position provides beautiful views while still remaining within easy walking distance of town.
This hostel features comfortable common areas including a lounge with a fireplace—perfect for winter stays. The kitchen is well-equipped, and the outdoor terrace offers mountain views.
Dorm rooms are clean and spacious, with options for female-only dorms. Private rooms are also available for those wanting more privacy.
Why Travellers Love It:
- Cosy atmosphere with fireplace
- Stunning mountain views
- Quiet location but close to town
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Free parking
The Black Sheep is particularly popular among travellers seeking a more laid-back, homely environment.
Lylo Queenstown
Lylo represents the new generation of backpacker accommodation with its modern pod-style beds and contemporary design. This relatively new hostel has quickly gained popularity for its comfort and privacy features.
Each pod includes a privacy screen, personal light, power outlets, and secure storage. The custom-designed beds are more spacious than typical hostel bunks, providing a better sleep experience.
The modern common areas include a stylish kitchen, comfortable lounges, and work spaces with fast WiFi.
Essential Amenities for Comfort
When staying at hostels in Queenstown, certain amenities make all the difference between an average stay and a brilliant one. These key features help travellers feel at home while exploring this beautiful adventure hub.
Comfy Beds and Linen Quality
Let’s face it – after a long day of exploring Queenstown’s attractions or hitting the slopes, a good night’s sleep is essential. The best hostels offer quality mattresses that provide proper support for tired bodies.
Many top-rated Queenstown hostels now feature pod-style beds with essential amenities like charging points and personal lockers. These innovative sleeping arrangements give guests privacy without sacrificing the social hostel experience.
Clean linen is non-negotiable! Premium hostels change bedding regularly and provide fresh sheets for new guests. Some places even offer additional blankets during those chilly Queenstown nights.
Look for hostels that provide extra pillows or different firmness options – this small touch can make sleeping away from home much more comfortable.
Shared Kitchen Facilities
A well-equipped kitchen is a backpacker’s best mate. Most Queenstown hostels offer shared kitchen and laundry facilities where guests can prepare their own meals.
Common kitchen amenities include:
- Multiple hobs/cooktops
- Microwaves and toasters
- Basic cookware and utensils
- Food storage areas
- Dining spaces
Cooking your own meals not only saves money but creates opportunities to meet fellow travellers. The best hostel kitchens are cleaned regularly and have enough space to avoid overcrowding during peak meal times.
Some hostels even organise communal dinners or BBQs, perfect for socialising while enjoying a home-cooked meal. Tea and coffee making facilities are standard in most Queenstown hostels, with some providing these amenities in private rooms.
Ski Storage Options
Queenstown is famous for its world-class ski fields, so proper equipment storage is crucial for winter visitors. Many hostels understand this need and offer ski storage if you’re travelling in winter.
Secure, dry storage areas keep expensive equipment safe and prevent wet gear from damaging other belongings. The best hostels provide dedicated drying rooms where ski clothes and boots can dry overnight, ready for the next day’s adventure.
Some establishments go further by offering:
- Boot warmers
- Equipment tune-up areas
- Transport connections to popular ski fields
- Discounted lift passes
These thoughtful additions make a huge difference for skiing enthusiasts. When booking during ski season, always check if your chosen hostel caters specifically to snow sports participants.
Activities and Proximity to Attractions
Queenstown’s hostels offer prime locations for travellers seeking adventure and natural beauty. Many accommodation options are just minutes away from the stunning lake and thrilling activities that make this region famous.
Access to Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu sits at the heart of Queenstown, and many local hostels boast fantastic locations near its shores. Absoloot Hostel offers stunning lakefront views, with some rooms overlooking the crystal-clear waters.
Most centrally located hostels, including Adventure Queenstown Hostel, are just a 5-minute stroll from the lake. This makes it dead easy to enjoy sunset walks, picnics or quick dips during summer months.
The Queenstown Gardens peninsula extends into the lake and is accessible within 10 minutes from most hostels. Here, travellers can enjoy peaceful walks, frisbee golf, or simply relax with magnificent mountain views.
Nearby Adventures and Tours
Queenstown is rightfully called the adventure capital, and staying at hostels like Tahuna Pod Hostel puts you within walking distance of tour operators and booking offices.
Popular activities near the hostels include:
- Bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge (20-minute drive)
- Jet boating on the Shotover River (15-minute drive)
- Queenstown Hill hiking trail (starts from town centre)
- Skyline Gondola and luge (10-minute walk from most hostels)
Adventure Queenstown Hostel is an excellent choice for activity-focused travellers, as staff often help arrange discounted adventure packages. Many hostels also offer free or discounted transport to popular attractions.
Most hostels run social events like pub crawls or group hikes, making it easy to meet fellow travellers while exploring what Queenstown has to offer.
Booking Tips and Exclusive Deals
Finding the perfect hostel deal in Queenstown doesn’t have to be difficult. With a bit of planning, you can score some fantastic savings on your accommodation.
Booking.com often offers exclusive deals for Queenstown hostels, sometimes with up to 20% off regular rates. They also provide guest reviews to help you choose the perfect spot for your adventure.
The best prices are typically found when booking 3-4 months in advance. Many hostels offer discounts for longer stays, so consider this if you’re planning an extended visit to this beautiful region.
Don’t forget to check the official Queenstown tourism website for special promotions. They list hostels starting from just $33 NZD per night!
Use coupon codes from travel apps and websites for additional savings. The SuperSaver deals on these platforms can make a significant difference to your travel budget.
Booking midweek rather than weekends can also lead to lower rates. Queenstown gets busy on weekends with local tourists.
Most hostels in Queenstown offer flexible cancellation policies through sites like Hostelworld, giving you peace of mind when making advance bookings.
Compare rates across different booking platforms before finalising. Sometimes the hostel’s direct website might offer better deals than third-party sites.