:: WHAT IS HOSTELLING?

For those who are unfamiliar with hostels or 'backpackers' as they are also known, we will give you the lowdown. Hostels are the main source of budget accommodation in New Zealand and are in essence a form of shared accomodation. In general, you will share a large room with 3-10 people sleeping on either single or bunk beds. Facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens and social areas are also shared and so its a great opportunity to meet other travellers. Twin and double rooms are available in some hostels. Like hotels, the majority of hostels are part of a chain and so if you pay to join the chain you get a discount off each night you stay at their hostel. When you stay at a hostel you are usually provided with: some or all of your bedding, somewhere like a locker to store your stuff, use of a fridge for food and friendly staff to help plan your trip and next stop!

:: HOSTEL LISTINGS

This hostel directory has been developed to give you comprehensive information on budget accommodation in New Zealand. Our listings let you see at a glance the rooms sizes available, hostel networks affiliated to, facilities on site, contact details and lets you contact the owners directly through the site. As always we list all the available entries so you can be sure you are seeing all the options!

:: HOSTEL NETWORKS

There are three main hostel networks in New Zealand which you can become a member of, either before you arrive or after you get there. Being a member of a network brings benefits of nightly bed discounts, special offers for other NZ operators and also cheap phone calls.

YHA - YHA New Zealand is part of the global network Hostelling International so you may already be a member in your home country. You don’t need to be a member to stay at YHA hostels in New Zealand, but doing so saves you $3 a night. You can also purchase a ‘pay as you go’ membership. A YHA card gives you discounts on transport operators and some activities and is valid worldwide. With high minimum standards throughout the YHA network you can be assured of a certain quality accommodation standard throughout New Zealand.

BBH - Budget Backpacker Hostels are a marketing network which serve many of the smaller and more homely hostels in NZ. Buying a BBH card will give you a $3 discount on each night you stay and also give you a cheap phone card with included credit. They also operate an independent hostel review service where backpackers give reviews of the hostels around the country. This is then released in their free 'blue book' and can help you decide where to stay.

VIP - VIP are another marketing network which serve many of the hostels across New Zealand. Having a VIP card gives you a $1-2 discount on nightly stays and gives you discounts on other things as well. VIP also operate in Australia so you can take your member ship over there as well.

In additon, there are also a number of smaller hostel chains such as Base/Beyond Backpackers.