Backpacking in Auckland

If you are on a backpacking adventure in this part of the world or just travelling on a budget Auckland has a lot to offer in the way of hostels and backpackers.

I have focused on a select few in or reasonably close to Auckland city that have received great reviews – however there are a large amount to choose from, check out the AucklandNZ site for more options.

Frommer’s called this hostel one of the best in the country with over 50,000 guests per year – opened in 1999 the hostel is just a 5 minute walk to the city and offers a range of accommodation options from multi share rooms to twin, double and ensuite rooms.  There is a large fully equipped kitchen, a spacious lounge with SKY TV and pool table, it offers WiFi, 24 hour a day facilities, bicycle hire and luggage storage!  Bed prices start at NZD$23 with rooms starting at NZD$82.

This lodge has wonderful reviews with not one even ‘so so’ one among them.  Located in Ponsonby, one of Auckland’s more ‘exclusive’ suburbs, the Verandah advertise themselves as for the ‘peace seeking traveller’.  Their accommodation offers a mix of double, double ensuite, single, twin, share rooms and multi share dormitory over two villas.  They have two lounges with a book exchange, computer and WiFi internet access.

There is a newly completed kitchen with high quality showers and toilets.  Verandahs is a family run business and offers great service and from what I can tell, peace and quiet!

Rooms range from NZD$23 to NZD$50 per night – they are all made up with fresh linen and duvets, there is a towel hire service for $2.

Located in Parnell on the edge of Auckland’s business district this lodge is full of character and offers a very ‘homely’ style of accommodation.  It is in easy walk to some great restaurants, cafes, galleries and upmarket shopping and close to the Link bus service, they offer free parking, bike storage and fast internet access.  Accommodation options include dormitory, bed shares, ladies share, singles, twin and doubles with prices ranging from NZD$28 to NZD$68.

This backpackers is a family owned business set in a colonial homestead in gorgeous park like grounds that has been recently renovated in 2008.  All beds are made up with linen and duvets and again, rooms offered range from dormitories, singles, twins and doubles.

Situated 3km from Auckland city centre facilities offered include internet, off street car parking, close to Mt Eden shopping centre, spacious lounge, all rooms are heated and a video and book library.

Prices range from NZD$28 to NZD$58.

Hopefully this will give you some food for thought when choosing accommodation in Auckland – you at least can be assured of a clean bed at a good price to rest your weary heads after exploring all that the city has to offer.

Image source: www.sxc.hu