Looking for the best hostels in Nelson? We got you covered.
One of the most famous cities here is Nelson, located in the heart of New Zealand and offering dreamy views of Tasman Bay. This city is known as the country’s geographical center and is quite popular for its year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, astounding views, and delightful seafood cuisine.
The good news is that to explore all the unique things this place has to offer; you get to stay at some of the best hostels in Nelson, New Zealand.
Known as the Land of the Long White Clouds, Nelson is considered a paradise by all those seeking adventures in nature.
Our favorite hostels in Nelson are:
- The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar - best for Backpackers
- Honeysuckle House - best for Solo Travelers and Couples
- Tasman Bay Backpackers - best for Social Butterflies
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar
2. Honeysuckle House
3. Tasman Bay Backpackers
From epic scenic views, gushing waterfalls, magnificent mountain ranges, and icy glaciers to lush green forests, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking valleys – this island city has all the elements that a backpacker’s heart desires. Here, you can explore the Abel Tasman National Park and walk on golden sandy beaches or kayak on the crystal blue water.
If you’re planning on hopping around, we also have a guide on the best hostels in New Zealand as well as other cities like Auckland.
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 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 Nelson
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Nelson have an average price of around $17 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room averages $53 per night. 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.
Transportation: Nelson has the most efficient public transportation system in the world. The best way to roam around the city is via bus, although you can also use numerous bike rental facilities.
🎁 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 Nelson are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Nelson.
- The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar – best for Backpackers
- Honeysuckle House – best for Solo Travelers and Couples
- Tasman Bay Backpackers – best for Social Butterflies
These are our favorite hostels in Nelson. 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. The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar
2. Honeysuckle House
3. Tasman Bay Backpackers
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Honeysuckle House |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Tasman Bay Backpackers |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Honeysuckle House |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar |
| 👯For Groups: | Honeysuckle House |
1. The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar
The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar is a heritage hostel boasting enchanting views of Tahunanui beach.
The hostel comprises several room options, including twins, doubles, and singles rooms. A notable feature of this accommodation is that all the rooms have en-suite facilities, carpeted floors, pressed linens, and duvets. Comfortable bunk beds and private bathrooms are available to make your stay even more pleasant.
Prince Albert Bar boasts epic nightlife for guests, is situated on the first floor, and offers delightful food. The Prince Albert Backpackers and Bar also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the building and free bicycle hire services.
Although an on-site bar and restaurant offer mouth-watering cuisine, you can also prepare your own meals in this property’s shared kitchen.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
A particular area is reserved especially for BBQ parties, and the vibes here are immaculate!
From this hostel, you have easy access to Trafalgar Park for hiking. This place is also famous for its Nelson’s column, majestic fountains, and iconic views.
The hostel boasts a beautiful terrace where guests can enjoy and relax after a long day exploring Nelson city.
Location: Centrally in the heart of Nelson city. The hostel is just a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal; you can easily hop on the bus to explore the breathtaking beauty of Nelson. This makes it very convenient and cheap to travel around the city.
The best choice in Nelson for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Honeysuckle House
Honeysuckle House is a family-owned property in Nelson, just minutes from the Christ Cathedral. This backpacker hostel radiates cozy, pleasant, and comfortable vibes and enhanced security, making it perfect for solo travelers!
Honeysuckle comprises a 6-bed dorm room, a 2-bed twin room, and one double room. Whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with friends, you can choose your ideal space based on your needs and budget. The rooms have clean and comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and showers.
The best part about this hostel is that it offers a plethora of free perks. You will enjoy free breakfast, ice cream, tea, coffee, and cookies daily. Guests can also take advantage of the free parking and free pick-up and drop-off services.
The Victorian design of the hostel adds to the elegant and pleasant feel. There is also an on-site garden that radiates immense tranquility and serenity.
A great choice for
- Solo travelers
- Couples
- Friend groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Tasman Bay Backpackers
Tasman Bay Backpackers is another excellent accommodation that made its way to our list of best hostels in Nelson, New Zealand. It is located in The Wood, near many famous national attractions.
Besides providing comfortable and spacious rooms for all travelers, the hostel also offers free hot chocolate pudding and ice cream served every evening. This allows the guests to relax and interact with fellow travelers over a nice bowl of tasty dessert.
The rooms in the Tasman hostel are equipped with clean beds, heaters, and private lockers. There is a queen room with a private bathroom, double and single rooms, and four or 6-bed dormitory rooms. A guest lounge with a fire log and a library are available on-site.
Tasman Bay Backpackers offer free bike rental service to the guests to make the exploration easy and convenient. Since Nelson is a hub for arts and crafts, the proximity of the Saturday Market makes it an ideal place to shop.
Nelson city center and Nelson Bus Depot are located within a 10-minute walk away from the hostels, which makes it convenient for the guests to stroll around.
This is one of the best hostels in Nelson for
- Social Butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Nelson for Solo Travelers?
The best hostel in Nelson for solo travelers is Honeysuckle House. It is family-owned and will basically be your home away from home during your travels.
Facilities are awesome, with plenty of free stuff to make your trip memorable, the staff is incredibly healthy, and the location is also convenient.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Nelson?
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 Nelson.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Nelson
- 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 Nelson 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 Nelson?
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Our Favorite Hostels in Nelson put on a map + sights
In addition to the best hostels in Nelson, Here are some of our favorite things to do in Nelson, New Zealand:
Explore the Abel Tasman National Park: Pristine beaches, lush greenery, and turquoise water – everything about this national park is fantastic. You can hike here or take a kayaking tour.
Try out the famous New Zealand pies: their mouthwatering taste will make you as for more.
Stroll along The Maitai River: It is surrounded by lush green forests on both sides and is composed of a plethora of diverse wildlife.
Hiking in Nelson is a must: Take a hike to the center of New Zealand to witness awe-inspiring views.
Every Saturday, Nelson Market takes place: Stalls are filled with artistic crafts, including jewels, pottery, and wood sculptures.
Explore Suter Te Aratoi o Whakat, or “The Suter”: Nelson’s regional art gallery that features the fantastic work of national and international artists. The best part is that there is no admission, so you’ll be able to explore this invaluable heritage for free.
Take in the natural sights: Nelson is also home to the world’s marvelous natural wonderlands including Te Waikoropupū Springs, Abel Tasman National Park, and The Farewell Spit.
Don’t forget about the marine life: Swim with the dolphins, take a whale-watching tour from Kaikoura, go to the blue penguin colony, walk among gannets or take a kiwi spotting tour to see New Zealand’s national bird – all of this while residing in some of the best hostels in Nelson, New Zealand.
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Nelson, New Zealand?
The best hostels in Neslon are:
- The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar – best for Backpackers
- Honeysuckle House – best for Solo Travelers, Couples and Friend Groups
- Tasman Bay Backpackers – best for Social Butterflies
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Nelson, New Zealand?
The best hostel for solo travelers in Nelson is:
Honeysuckle House
How much do Hostels in Nelson cost?
Hostels in Nelson have an average price of around $17 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room averages $53 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Any questions about hostels in Nelson?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Nelson?
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
Read the full list of all the best hostels in New Zealand here.
It includes the best hostels in NZ for couples, for solo-travelers, and party travelers.
Here are all more handwritten guides:
- best hostels in Queenstown + Queenstown Budget Travel Guide
- best hostels in Christchurch
- best hostels in Wellington
- best hostels in Auckland
- best hostels in Napier
- best hostels in Wanaka
- best hostels in Paihia
- best hostels in Taupo
- best hostels in Australia
- best hostels in Fiji
- Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse, Tasmania
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 Nelson 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
