What You Need to Know – Backpacker Accommodation
A Trekker Travel Guide to Accommodation in New Zealand!
Throughout this guide, we will navigate the different accommodation options popular among backpackers with special mentions to our highly recommended spots! Whether you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent, or a bed to rest your head, we’ve got you covered!
Types of Accommodation Available in New Zealand:
Hostels:
Approx. $25 to $60 NZD per night
Backpacker hostels are one of the most popular accommodation choices for visitors to New Zealand on a working holiday. They’re budget-friendly, social and have a friendly atmosphere. Whether you want to meet new people and socialise in a dorm room or enjoy a bit of privacy in a private room, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find them in all the major towns and cities.
Trekker Travel highly recommends:
Duck’s and Drakes Boutique Motel and Backpackers – New Plymouth
https://www.ducksanddrakes.co.nz/
Duck’s and Drake’s is a warm, friendly, and spacious accommodation. Located in central New Plymouth it boasts a fantastic community vibe, sauna and fireplace. Full of life and quirky décor, it’s a beautifully maintained option for people who want either a private boutique cottage accommodation or a more typical backpacker dorm-style set-up. It’s surrounded by ‘not to be missed’ destinations including, Mt Taranaki, Surf Highway 45 and Pukekura Park which is within walking distance.
Peppertree Lodge – Paihia
Surrounded by incredible natural beauty, Peppertree Lodge is a home away from home for guests visiting Northland. Only a short walk to the beachfront and close to destinations such as Waitangi, Haruru Waterfall and one of New Zealand’s great coastal walks it’s a brilliant location to experience an incredible region of NZ. With a clean, comfortable, cosy atmosphere and affordable pricing for travellers on all budgets, Peppertree is a fantastic option for exploring Northland and its surroundings.
Wanderlust – Tauranga
https://www.wanderlustnz.co.nz/
Situated in the amazing Bay of Plenty, Wanderlust is located on The Strand, central Tauranga. With incredible views of Tauranga Harbour and surrounded by local cafes, shops and Mount Maunganui Beach, there’s loads to see and do within a short walking distance. Wanderlust has an incredible social atmosphere, with a roof-top balcony, inside areas to relax and hang out throughout, and three well-equipped modern kitchens, if you’re looking for a clean, friendly and welcoming place to stay, look no further!
Global Village – Greymouth
https://globalvillagebackpackers.co.nz/
Covered in global art and decor and surrounded by the lush West Coast’s unforgettable nature. Global Village is a fantastic stay. With opportunities to surf, hike and raft on its doorstep and the glaciers, beaches, rivers and rainforests all within driving distance, Global Village is a top stay for adventurers! With thrill seekers in mind, Global Village is stocked with equipment available including bikes, fishing equipment, kayaks and a sauna and spa pool for chilling out at the end of the day!
The Villa – Picton
The Villa is a stunning renovated character hostel, with beautiful gardens and outdoor areas. Located in the centre of Picton, it is a welcoming home for those crossing into the South Island or a fantastic final stop for those heading over to Wellington via ferry. Known as the gateway to the Queen Charlotte Sounds, The Villa boasts unparalleled access to some of New Zealand’s unmissable nature experiences.
Freedom Camping:
Free
Freedom camping in New Zealand is camping in areas that are not designated campgrounds either in a tent, campervan or motor vehicle on public land for free. Managed by the Department of Conservation and local councils, you can freedom camp on much of the public conservation land, including beaches, reserves, or forests, without paying a fee but you cannot freedom camp on Department of Conservation Reserves or areas where the land is listed as a prohibited camping location.
Some locations are only available for use, with campers that are certified self-contained vehicles (meaning it has facilities for waste disposal, fresh water, and a toilet).
While freedom camping, you must follow specific rules and regulations to protect the environment, other visitors, and New Zealand.
- If an area only allows self-contained vehicles you must not camp there in tents or in a vehicle that does not have a self-contained certificate.
- You must always dispose of rubbish using designated waste disposal locations.
- You must avoid contaminating water sources.
- You must read the freedom camping guidelines for each location you visit. This includes any local bylaws, the DOC instructions relating to the location and any limits on how long you can stay at a Department of Conservation site.
- You must only freedom camp in designated freedom camping zones.
You can research information regarding Freedom Camping by visiting the local council website of your planned location, the Department of Conservation website to find out locations that are prohibited or have restrictions, and iSites or tourist information centres which are located in most towns.
Hiking Huts:
Approx. $0 to $30 NZD per night
The Department of Conservation manages a network of almost 1000 huts throughout New Zealand along hiking trails and walking networks. They are utilised by hikers and trampers as a rest point during walks. Basic huts may just provide shelter but often have a fireplace and firewood, whereas larger huts may come equipped with bunks, bedding, kitchens and toilets.
Huts located on popular walking tracks may require booking in advance and you should always check to avoid disappointment on arrival.
Campsites and Holiday Parks:
Approx $15 to $65 NZD per night
For a truly Kiwi holiday experience, camping is an awesome way to connect with nature! Unlike freedom camping, campsites and holiday parks offer amenities you won’t typically find at free spots, including camp kitchens, toilets, hot water, communal areas, BBQs, showering and laundry facilities. With options to upgrade to cabins and on-site motel units, there are accommodation types to suit all types of travellers.
Prices are affordable, generally ranging from $15 to $65 NZD per night depending on the location, site type (powered or unpowered) and facilities available at each location.
Trekker Travel highly recommends:
Top 10 Cambridge – Cambridge
https://www.cambridgetop10.co.nz/
Located in the picturesque town of Cambridge in the Waikato, Top 10 has a range of cabins of varying sizes and a generous amount of on-site powered and unpowered sites for tents. Close to shops, supermarkets and a drive to the world-renowned Hobbiton experience, Top 10 is the perfect spot to explore the Waikato region. Surrounded by abundant walking tracks, caving experiences and stargazing locations, this is a location not to be missed!
Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park – Whakatāne
https://www.whakataneholidaypark.co.nz/
Whakatāne Holiday Park offers a luxury camping experience with a myriad of facilities including e-bike and pedal-kart hire, and sports facilities including a swimming pool and volleyball court. Situated adjacent to the Whakatāne River, and with a range of accommodation types available, it’s a perfect spot for people visiting the Eastern Bay of Plenty area.
Top 10 Timaru – Timaru
https://top10.co.nz/park/canterbury/timaru-top-10-holiday-park/
Situated in South Canterbury, Timaru Top 10 is a social, vibrant and friendly holiday park. With communal barbequing areas, large open spaces and a friendly team, it’s a great spot to enjoy a relaxed stay whilst touring the region or before heading into the Otago district.
Pukenui Holiday Park – Pukenui
https://pukenuiholidaypark.co.nz/
Whether you’re looking to do the Cape Reinga Coastal Walk, or sand surf on the Te Paki Sand Dunes, Pukenui Holiday Park is a prime location at the top of Northland. With a range of accommodation types available and rescue animals that live in the holiday park, this spot is a must-do whilst you’re visiting the Northernmost point of New Zealand.
Alpine Pacific Holiday Park – Kaikōura
Based on the rugged East Coast of the South Island in Kaikōura, Alpine Pacific Holiday Park is a marine animal lovers’ dream. With easy access to some of Kaikōura’s best attractions, including whale watching, dolphin encounters, sea bird and seal viewing, this clean, friendly and relaxed accommodation provides the ultimate stay and it has a heated pool and hot tubs on-site!
Farm Stays, Home Stays and Rural Retreats:
Approx. $70 to $150 NZD per night
Looking to escape the busier cities and towns? Farm stays and rural retreats offer the ultimate Kiwi adventure! You’ll experience life on a working farm, and the New Zealand countryside firsthand. Whilst some locations offer a bed and breakfast style set up, others offer a cheaper stay in exchange for farm work. Homes Stays are accommodations provided by hosts. Guests stay with hosts and share the home’s domestic facilities with the family, this generally includes meals.
WWOOFing
Work Exchange
WOOFing stands for ‘Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms’ and is an international network that connects volunteers and travellers to positions on farms, homestays or horticultural businesses in an effort to promote sustainable living.
WWOOFing entails joining prospective hosts and exchanging help or labour for accommodation and meals. You can find out more about WWOOFing opportunities by visiting the official WWOOFing NZ website.
Hotels and Motels:
Approx. $60 to $150 NZD per night
If you’re after a bit more comfort without breaking the bank, budget hotels and motels are a great choice. They offer comfy rooms at reasonable prices, typically around $60 to $150 NZD per night. Perfect for when you need a little extra space or on return from a hiking and tramping experience.
Trekker Travel highly recommends:
Rainforest – Franz Josef
Located in the luscious rainforest at the base of the Southern Alps, Rainforest is a lush retreat and the gateway to glacier country. The cosy lodge-style accommodations, close to Franz Josef provide a great base if you plan to hike the glacier or take on some of the surrounding walking tours.
Skotel Alpine Lodge – Tongariro National Park
Based in Whakapapa Alpine Village, Skotel is the closest hotel to Mount Ruapehu ski field and the world-renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing. With a plethora of facilities and incredible views of the volcanic peaks of Ngāuruhoe, Skotel is the number one stay for people looking to have an authentic NZ adventure.
Luxury Accommodation:
Approx. $150 to $700 NZD per night
If you are feeling fancy, New Zealand has some incredible luxury accommodations, from boutique hotels to stunning lodges. With high-end amenities, breathtaking views, and world-class service.
Trekker Travel highly recommends:
The Hermitage Hotel – Mt Cook
An iconic destination for travellers looking to experience the world heritage alpine region, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The Hermitage Hotel offers exceptional luxury accommodation in Aoraki village. With incredible views of the highest mountain in New Zealand, and access to the Mueller Hut Route. It’s also a fantastic location for stargazing, based at the heart of the biggest International Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere.
No matter what kind of experience you’re after, New Zealand has a fantastic range of accommodation options for every type of backpacker. Whether you are staying in a tent, a hostel or a 5-star hotel, there is something for everyone!
Most importantly, when travelling Aotearoa, you should remember, that New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now, and for future generations.
Kia Au Te Moe, Kia Reka Te Moemoea! – Sweet Dreams, and Goodnight!
