5 Best Backpacker Hostels in New Plymouth & Taranaki 🎒 [2024]

1. Ducks & Drakes Boutique Motel & Backpackers

The colourful hostel in the centre of New Plymouth has a homely vibe. The welcoming hosts and the team of WWOOFers of Ducks & Drakes make for some good board game nights and chilling out in front of the TV. Relax out in the garden or in the sunroom after a day of doing a street art crawl around the city or going out for a surf. More practical features include a communal kitchen, dorm rooms and private double, twin and single rooms. Alternatively, there’s boutique motel accommodation with private kitchen facilities. For more motel-style stays, check out the 10 Best Motels in New Plymouth.

Check Ducks & Drakes out:

• Ducks & Drakes on Booking.com
• Ducks & Drakes on HostelWorld
• Ducks & Drakes on Trip.com
• Ducks & Drakes on Expedia

2. Ariki Backpackers

Ariki Backpackers is a laid-back hostel with an ideal location in the centre of New Plymouth. It includes all the essential facilities, from a communal kitchen and laundry, as well as the option to hire bikes, kayaks and surfboards. Room types include dorms, family rooms, triple, twin and queen rooms – all with ensuite bathrooms. Rooms are simple but ultra-affordable! Hit up the staff who are keen to tell you all the things to do in New Plymouth. For more accommodation with kitchen facilities, also take a look at the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in New Plymouth.

Check Ariki Backpackers out:

• Ariki Backpackers on Booking.com
• Ariki Backpackers on HostelWorld
• Ariki Backpackers on Trip.com
• Ariki Backpackers on Expedia

© Ariki Backpackers

3. Egmont Eco Leisure Park & Backpackers

Escape from the hustle and bustle of New Plymouth city centre in the Egmont Eco Leisure Park just a 5-minute drive/30-minute walk away. Lie in the hammocks listening to the calls of birds and walk along the stream in this seven-acre valley. There is a wide range of cheap rooms available, including dorms, camping sites, private rooms and even a fully self-contained apartment. Of course, there are communal facilities too, including a kitchen and barbecue, laundry machines, a bathroom block and even a volleyball court, playing field and tipis. BBH members will also benefit from a discount here.

Check Egmont Eco Leisure Park out:

• Egmont Eco Leisure Park on Booking.com
• Egmont Eco Leisure Park on HostelWorld
• Egmont Eco Leisure Park on Trip.com
• Egmont Eco Leisure Park on Expedia

© Egmont Eco Leisure Park

4. Wheatly Downs Farmstay (Hawera)

On your way in or out of the Taranaki region, don’t miss the Wheatly Downs Farmstay accommodation. This backpacker farmstay is an experience in itself where you can feed the animals, swim in the lake, walk among native trees and more! Wheatly Downs Farmstay is one hour south of New Plymouth near the town of Hawera. There is a four-bed dorm available, as well as private single, double and twin rooms. This hostel is also a BBH hostel. For more cheap accommodation alternatives, take a look at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in New Plymouth.

Check Wheatly Downs Farmstay out:

• Wheatly Downs Farmstay on Booking.com

© Wheatly Downs Farmstay

[CLOSED] Sunflower Lodge

BBH members rejoice for discounts here at Sunflower Lodge. Although it’s a bit out of the city (30min walk/5min drive), you can’t beat the spaciousness of its common areas and garden. Relax with a barbecue in the garden or soak up the sun in the conservatory.