Accommodation in Whangarei for Backpackers
So you’re heading northwards and you need a place to stay? Try Whangarei! With glowworm caves, a magnificent waterfall, diving trips to the Poor Knights Islands, and more, you’re bound to keep yourself entertained in this Northland city. To save your money to do awesome activities and travel longer, we suggest staying in one of the backpacker hostels in Whangarei!
Whangarei is lucky to have various hostel experiences, from a holiday park by the city’s key natural attractions to a renovated prison. There have been a few recent hostel closures, but we’ll update this list when more hostels become available. Additionally, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Whangarei for alternative stays.
Staying in a Whangarei Hostel Long-Term
If you are looking to stick around a little longer, enquire about working for accommodation in a hostel, otherwise known as WWOOFing. For more information, check out Everything You Need to Know About WWOOFing in New Zealand and 10 Lessons You’ll Only Learn When Working in a Hostel.
1. Whangarei Falls Holiday Park
Situated right by the iconic Whangarei Falls and walking track up to the Abbey Caves, Whangarei Falls Holiday Park has an ideal location for Whangarei’s free attractions. Whangarei Falls Holiday Park is kitted out with bunk rooms, as well as your usual holiday park facilities. Relax in the hot tub and make use of the barbecue. Whangarei Falls Holiday Park is a 10-minute drive away from the city centre.
Check Whangarei Falls Holiday Park out:
2. The Cell Block Backpackers
The funkiest backpackers in town has been renovated from a 1960’s jail to a classy hostel. With The Cell Block Backpackers‘ ideal location right in the heart of Whangarei, it couldn’t be more convenient. Facilities include a barbecue area in the courtyard, a well-equipped kitchen, a guitar and music dock, a female-only dorm and on-site parking.
Check The Cell Block out:
3. YWCA Whangarei
“It’s fun to stay at the YWCA!” The YWCA offers nightly and weekly rates on single and twin share rooms for both women and men. There are 24 rooms and communal bathrooms, lounger kitchens and laundry facilities. The YWCA is a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
[CLOSED] Little Earth Lodge
Escape to the countryside with Little Earth Lodge. The modern and purpose-built lodge situated among beautiful gardens is only a stone’s throw away from the Abbey Caves for free glowworm sightings. The lodge has an eco-friendly ethos for that feel-good factor. Little Earth Lodge is a 5-10 minutes drive from Whangarei city centre.
[CLOSED] Bunkdown Lodge
For a more homely backpackers in Whangarei, check out Bunkdown Lodge. Based in a historic kauri villa, this small hostel has some welcoming hosts, more welcoming pets to play with, as well as a few instruments lying around for a jamming session. On those sunny Northland days, relax in the spacious garden. Bunkdown is a 10-15 minute walk from the city centre.
More About Hostels in Whangarei
Now that you know the best backpacker hostels in Whangarei, plan more of your visit with these guides:
- Whangarei – Guide for Backpackers
- The Travel Guide to Whangarei on a Budget
- 19 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Whangarei
Finally, if there’s anything else we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Whangarei.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The Author
Laura S.
This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.