Hi there, it’s Ash, aka the Still Life Nomad! What is a hostel? A hostel is a dorm situation with usually 6-12 bunks (give or take) of either separated gender or mixed gender rooms. These bunks can be pods built into the wall, as often seen in South Korea or Japan, or actual bunk beds. You’re usually given a locker to hold your belongings and anything that doesn’t fit goes under or beside the bed. This is absolutely perfect if you are traveling light with a carry-on and/or backpack!

What hostel in Queenstown is the best? That is a matter of opinion, but I will share with you my personal thoughts.

Nomads Queenstown Hostel

This hostel is located in the very heart of downtown Queenstown and 328 feet from the lake! These are 12-bed mixed gender dorm style with bunk beds. Residents get access to a cinema room, sauna, common room, communal kitchen, washer and dryer, and free Wi-Fi. It is currently $27 a night and is the cheapest, yet questionably one of the best, hostels in Queenstown. It is a 7.4, aka Good, rating and the location is a 9.3. This would be my top recommendation due to the price, location, and on-site laundry!

Southern Laughter Backpackers

This hostel is also downtown and features a 10-bed mixed dorm situation. Residents have access to a garden, guest lounge, kitchen, and laundry facilities. It is $31 per night and has a 6.8 or pleasant rating and 9.1 location rating.

LyLo Queenstown

LyLo is in the heart of downtown and right next door to the famous Skyline Gondola. Unlike the other hostels with bunk beds, this one consists of 12 pods or capsules built into the walls. This offers more privacy but may mean less space to put your luggage. This location has the basics, along with laundry facilities. This hostel is rated as good at a 7.5, with a 9.5 for location, making it the highest ranked location thus far. It is currently $33 a night making it a reasonable price.

Lakeside Backpackers

This hostel is my least favorite on the list, but still one of the best options in Queenstown. It comes with all the same amenities of the other hostels, including laundry. It is ranked as a 6.0 with 8.5 for location. It costs $35 per room and is right alongside the lake.

Tahuna Pod Hostel

This is another pod hostel, much like LyLo! This is an 8.6 rating and 9.5 location rating, making it the highest of any place thus far. It has a large balcony area, all the common features of the other locations, and laundry. It is the most expensive at $40 a night, but still cheaper than hotels.

So there you have it, my five top recommendations for hostels in Queenstown! If you are willing to spend twice as much as Nomads, I think Tahuna Pod Hostel is a great choice as it is known to be clean and welcoming. However, for affordability, location, and all the same amenities Nomads Queenstown Hostel is the perfect fit. What one do you prefer?

Love,

Ash