Being known as the heaven on the edge of the earth, New Zealand is filled with fairytale views and wonderful cities to explore. Once you get there, you will notice the change in the air and immediately feel happier.
On your way to exploring all New Zealand has to offer, you are bound to give Napier a few nights of your time. This beachside city, which acts as a seaport, is known for its sunny climate, the wonderful Art Deco architecture, and the Norfolk Pines. Focus on everything this city offers, and let us give you the list of some of the best hostels in Napier. Make your reservation and allow yourself to truly enjoy it!
With a population of 67,000 citizens, the neighbourhoods are filled with joyful people – they comprise the essence of the city.
Our favorite hostels in Napier are:
- Stables Lodge Backpackers - best for Backpackers
- Toad Hall Accommodation - best for Couples
- Archies Bunker - best for Solo Traveler
- Extra: ART DECO on Corbett 1930s Design - best for Budget
The one thing that makes Napier a recognisable city is the level of detail that has been incorporated into its architecture. The beautifully restored Art Deco buildings can make up for the perfect stroll around the city. It looks like you are walking around on a movie set, and the feeling is truly amazing!
Go for a stroll down the famous Marine Parade – you will get to see many attractions along the way, and the coast of the South Pacific Ocean is simply incredible!
Read: full guide to the absolute best hostels in New Zealand – which is your favourite hostel in New Zealand?
Whenever you think of a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, one of the things that probably comes to mind is enjoying a glass of wine, right? Well, this can easily be made a reality given the fact that this area is home to more than 200 vineyards and 70 wineries. It’s truly an excellent opportunity to taste some new-world fine wine, and chat with the people in charge of making it!
Another exciting stop you should take is the Napier prison. Ask yourself – how many times have you had the possibility to enter an old prison? If you are an adventurous person but love to experience a little bit of history, then this is the perfect place for you to do that. This prison opened its doors back in 1862, and it operated up until 1993.
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Stables Lodge Backpackers
2. Toad Hall Accommodation
3. Archies Bunker
Those cultural lovers have a great place to channel their energy – and it is through exploring MTG Hawke’s Bay. You can visit some of the exhibitions for free and will get to learn a lot about the history and the culture throughout the years.
Another thing you shouldn’t miss while you’re visiting this amazing city is the locally-made ice cream! It is mostly made on-site with local ingredients only, and there are more than 40 different flavours available for you to enjoy.
Even though this is just a handful of the experiences you can indulge in on your stay there, we are about to move on to the list of the best hostels in Napier.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Napier
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Napier cost 15$ – 36$ per night for a bed in a dorm. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Backpacking tips for Napier:
- There was a devastating earthquake in 1931 that nearly destroyed the architecture of the city. However, it has swiftly been rebuilt and now stands for one of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand and the region.
- The most famous statue in Napier is the Pania of the Reef. It represents a beautiful maiden, a creature of the sea. It is immortalised in bronze, and it is one of the most significant landmarks in Napier. If you want to take a look at it, you should take a walk on the Marine Parade.
- If you are a wine enthusiast, there are plenty of tours for you to take. Think about transport, so you don’t have to worry about getting home safely. Once you have organised a driver, everything is easier from there!
- While you are visiting the prison, you can take your fingerprints, get a mugshot, and even dress up in prison gear! This is an informative and interactive tour that can help you get the most out of your visit there.
- MTG stands for a museum, theatre, and gallery, and it is the abbreviation you should be familiar with, especially if you have a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Now that you’re familiar with these tips, which will help if you’re visiting Naprief for the first time, it is time to move on to the list of the best hostels in Napier.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Napier are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Napier.
- Stables Lodge Backpackers – best for Backpackers
- Toad Hall Accommodation – best for Couples
- Archies Bunker – best for Solo Traveler
- Extra: ART DECO on Corbett 1930s Design - best for Budget
These are our favorite hostels in Napier. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Stables Lodge Backpackers
2. Toad Hall Accommodation
3. Archies Bunker
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Archies Bunker |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Archies Bunker |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Toad Hall Accommodation |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Toad Hall Accommodation |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Stables Lodge Backpackers |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Stables Lodge Backpackers |
| 🤑 Budget-friendly: | ART DECO on Corbett 1930s Design |
1. Stables Lodge Backpackers
Stables Lodge Backpackers is one of the cosiest places you can stay while you are in the area. The location is perfect, giving you the possibility to have a homey experience in the centre of the city. There is free parking, and winter heating too, and it is close both to the heart of the city and the ocean.
Other than the amenities we already mentioned, you can enjoy a book exchange, coffee and tea at all times, and free luggage storage. There is also a common kitchen area for you to use with all sorts of appliances. The rooms are standard 4-share rooms, and each bed has an individual reading light.
The staff is there to make your stay as pleasant as possible and help you get the best experience while you are exploring the city.
Location: Stables Lodge Hostel is a minutes’ walk from Napier Railway Station. It is a 5-minute drive from Napier city centre. Hawkes Bay Domestic Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
The best choice in Napier for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Toad Hall Accommodation
Just a 10-minute walk away from the centre of Napier is the location of one of the best hostels in Napier! This is an incredible way to spend your time there, providing lodging options that can help you relax after a long day of exploring the city. While you are a guest in Toad Hall Accommodation, you can enjoy the many facilities, including a barbeque area, a shared kitchen, a common lounge area, and a rooftop terrace!
You can choose between a private or a dormitory room, and depending on that, you will get to enjoy either a shared or a private bathroom.
There are many activities that you can indulge in – some of which include a billiard table and table tennis too. The game room is truly one of a kind.
Location: Toad Hall Hostel is a 4-minute drive from the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Te Mata Peak is a 20-minute drive away.
A great choice for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Archies Bunker
Archies Bunker is located in the last Art Deco building in the city. Guests appreciate the superb location and all the amenities that come along with staying in this hostel. On top of it all, this accommodation comes at quite an affordable price, making it the ideal choice for all those travelling on a budget.
Starting with the two fully equipped kitchens, an upstairs patio, a pool table, and a quiet lounge downstairs, this hostel offers a unique experience for sure. The quality of the continental breakfast is unmatched in terms of the price you pay for it.
The reception has flexible hours, so whenever you need to find a person on staff and ask them for assistance, they will help in any way they can.
Another thing that guests like about this place is that it is a non-smoking property. If you are a smoker, there is a designated area on the balcony.
Location: Archies Bunker offer accommodation in Napier, directly opposite the Beach Domain. A range of shops, restaurants and pubs are within a 5-minute walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is just a 10-minute walk away.
This is one of the best hostels in Napier for
- Solo Traveler
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Napier for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Napier is Archies Bunker. You can read about it here.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We have just one more suggestion for staying in Napier:
ART DECO on Corbett 1930s Design
Going for the full experience of the Art Deco style that is the basis of this incredible city, ART DECO on Corbett 1930s Design can give you everything that you have hoped for – and more! This is a great option for all those who are looking to stay in a beautiful place without extending their budget.
In terms of the amenities, you get to enjoy a wonderful garden view, a barbeque, and free private parking. The apartment inside is spacious, offering a bedroom, a living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a bathroom. You will also receive free toiletries, bed linen, and towels.
Couples seem to have a particular fondness for this accommodation – it is why it has been rated as one of the best ones you can find in Napier.
Location: ART DECO on Corbett 1930s Design is an accommodation located in Napier, 3.3 km from McLean Park and 4.7 km from Pania of the Reef Statue. Bluff Hill Lookout is 6.6 km from the apartment, while Splash Planet is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Hawke’s Bay Airport, 7 km from ART DECO on Corbett 1930s Design.
Check prices at: Booking.com
Creating a completely new experience for yourself, filled with tropical magic and plenty of cultures, can be a challenge. Thankfully, the city of Napier is up to par on it, making it the perfect destination you can choose. The next smart move you make is to take this list of the best hostels in Napier into consideration and use it as a starting point while you are searching for the perfect accommodation. All you need to do is book a place, and you are good to go!
What about the cheapest hostels in Napier?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Napier.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Napier
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Napier best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Napier?
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No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Napier put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Napier hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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Flights to Napier?
Hawke’s Bay Airport, commonly referred to as Napier Airport, is Hawke’s Bay’s main commercial airport, serving domestic flights to the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch as well as smaller centres such as Gisborne, Wairoa and Blenheim. The airport is located 5.8 km from Napier and 20.7 km from Hastings.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Napier, New Zealand.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- Best Hostels in New Zealand
- Best Hostels in Wanaka
- Best Hostels in Taupo
- Best Hostels in Nelson
- Best Hostels in Auckland
- Best Hostels in Christchurch
- Best Hostels in Wellington
- Best Hostels in Paihia
- Best hostels in Queenstown + Queenstown Budget Travel Guide
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Napier guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
