The Best Backpacker Hostels In Wellington New Zealand

Sitting between the Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range of mountains is the New Zealand capital, Wellington – it’s a great place to base yourself if you’re travelling around the North Island on a budget.

At the North Island’s southernmost tip, Wellington is New Zealand’s cultural hub. More than anywhere else in the country, this is the place to delve into Maori and colonial history, but the abundance of quirky cafes and bars tucked away in the wackiest corners are also part of the city’s appeal. And no matter whether you’re staying at a poshtel with an on-site cinema or a cheap-and-cheerful bolthole with bunk-filled dorms, you’ll be sure to feel a sense of community. Here’s our pick of Wellington’s best backpacker hostels.

1. The Marion Hostel

Hostel

The epitome of a classy hostel, the Marion boasts brick walls and brick ceilings, polished marble tables, solid wood bunks and hardwood walls – and oddly shaped ceiling lights that add a futuristic touch. Kitted out with curtains and power sockets, the dorms sleep up to 10 guests. Need more privacy? Opt for the spick-and-span double or twin rooms. And when the stomach rumbles, you can socialise in the kitchen or traipse to the nearby Pastaria. A beer brewery, live music and cinema are also within easy reach.

2. The Cambridge Hotel

Hotel

Travelling on a shoestring? The Cambridge hotel close to Wellington’s vibrant nightlife – and a 15-minute walk from Oriental Bay – is very budget-friendly. You can’t miss its colonial-style façade and retro bistro, where mates rates and beer jugs are available. Hungover? Sleep in. Single, double and quad ensuite rooms offer privacy, while an 11am check-out is favoured by many. There are also mixed dorms with four, six and eight bunks, plus affable travellers to connect with in the shared kitchen and lounge, equipped with Sky TV.

4. Moana Lodge

Lodge

Snuggled into Plimmerton’s bay, Moana Lodge is 20 minutes north of Wellington. With only 14 rooms, the vibe is super laid-back. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, on-site computers, courtyard barbecue and dining room with a flat-screen TV. The communal lounge with sofas offers unbroken South Island views, while the family, double and twin rooms, plus four-bunk dorms, come with radiators, bedside cabinets and comfy single or double beds with electric blankets. Keen on waking to ocean waves lapping ashore? Ask in advance if a seaview room is available.

5. Nomads Capital Backpackers Wellington

Hostel

A lively dining room and bar at Nomads Capital Backpackers Wellington

Voted New Zealand’s number three hostel at the Hoscar Awards, Nomads Capital – adjacent to Cuba Street – is a cut above what you’d typically expect from a hostel. It’s made up of private rooms with king and single beds, a flat-screen TV and ensuite toilets. Bunk dorms are roomy and mixed, sleeping four, six, or eight people. The atmosphere is cosy – with an on-site bar, lounge and TV room, a courtyard with a barbecue area, fully equipped communal kitchen and activities lined up, you’re practically guaranteed to make new friends.

6. The Setup on Dixon

Hostel

The Setup on Dixon – in the heart of Wellington near Cuba Street – is a Qualmark-certified, no-frills hostel. Designed with zebra print, each private room comes with a flat-screen TV, minibar, radiator, desk, and free wifi – some even feature ensuite bathrooms. You can choose from single, double, twin and triple rooms. Even friendlier on the wallet are the mixed or female-only four-bunk dorms – there’s also a dining area, laundry, and shared kitchen on site.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Thalita Alves.

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