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It’s almost inevitable that you’ll stay in Auckland during your trip to New Zealand — it’s where almost all travelers start or end their vacation, which is why the city is known as the ‘gateway’ to the rest of the country. Meeting demand, the city is packed with awesome hostels and it’s well worth staying for more than one night in Auckland to explore the city and get a feel for local life. So we’ve made it easy for you, here are the best hostels in Auckland:
1. Haka Lodge
Haka Lodge is a top spot for backpackers who are looking for a bit of luxury, without the price tag. It’s a new hostel with well-kitted-out rooms that include bunk beds with their own charging point, a reading light, and a privacy curtain. The hostel has a variety of dorm rooms, ranging from smaller rooms through to rooms with twenty bunk beds. It’s got a great common area, with a large television and big DVD selection. The hostel boasts a great location, just a 15-minute walk from the city center.
2. Metro Adventurer Backpackers
Metro Adventurer Backpackers hostel boasts an amazing location, right in the city center with a great view of the city’s iconic Sky Tower. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the city’s bustling Queen Street, which is known for its shops and restaurants. The hostel has small and large dormitory rooms, alongside private rooms. Dorm rooms are well-equipped with private lockers and USB chargers next to each bed.
3. Yha Auckland City Backpackers
YHA Auckland City Backpackers is set in a perfect location in the heart of the city. The hostel has newly refurbished rooms and a fun communal area where you can meet like-minded backpackers. The highlight of the hostel is its sundeck that comes complete with a BBQ, so you can kick back with new friends and enjoy the sunshine. It’s also got a pool table, football table, and ping pong table, making it one of the most sociable hostels in the city.
4. Oakland Lodge
Oaklands Lodge sits within a beautiful Victorian building. It’s a relaxed hostel, with tons of fun activities and great ways to meet other travelers, such as movie nights, BBQs, and quizzes. Auckland’s famous Mount Eden volcano is just a short bus ride away, where you can walk to the top for a 360-degree view of the city.
5. Fat Cat
With such a fun name, it’s easy to see why Fat Cat is a popular choice. The low-cost hostel serves up delicious free breakfast and also has a kitchen serving free vegan meals in the evening — yes, really! So if you don’t mind giving up meat, this hostel works out as a great deal. As you might have guessed from its meal offerings, the hostel has a hippy vibe and is a great place to unwind. It’s an eco-friendly hostel with an organic farm, solar-powered showers and even a bicycle-powered washing machine.
6. Queenstreet Backpackers
Thought of as the best hostel for solo travelers, you’re guaranteed to have a great time at Queenstreet Backpackers. For those planning to check out the city’s nightlife, there are two ‘powder rooms’ which come complete with hairdryers and mirrors, so you can look your best without disrupting other guests and hogging the bathrooms. There’s a hostel bar where you can spark conversation with other travelers and a spacious common room where you can kick back after a busy day exploring. The hostel also has an up-to-date jobs board to help if you’re looking to stick around for longer and find work.