Short answer: The three best hostels in Wellington are The Marion Hostel (a stylish stay in a historic building, great for solo travelers and couples), Trek Global Backpackers
(a fun, social backpackers near the waterfront) and Haka House Wellington (a comfortable all-rounder that suits students and older solo travelers). Compare live prices on Hostelz before you book, since Wellington gets busy around South Island ferry days.
Nau mai, welcome, to the absolute best hostels in Wellington, New Zealand. You may not know that Wellington is actually the capital of New Zealand. Many people mistake it for Auckland, since Auckland is the largest city in the North Island.
Wellington is a surprisingly green city, with a lovely waterfront promenade and great attractions. If you’re on your way to or from the South Island, we highly recommend spending a night or two here.
Our favorite hostels in Wellington are:
- The Marion Hostel - best for Solo Travellers
- Trek Global Backpackers - best for Backpackers
- Haka House Wellington - best for Families
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. The Marion Hostel
2. Trek Global Backpackers
3. Haka House Wellington
The overall design and amenities in these hostels are impressive. There are plenty of social activities to join and comfortable dorms to sleep in.
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
Personally, we prefer Wellington to Auckland. It felt a lot more open and in touch with nature. If you have a short time in the North Island and want to experience city life, we’d point you to Wellington. Auckland can feel like any other big city, with a heavy focus on business and a fast-paced lifestyle.
Here are all the 34 best hostels in New Zealand.
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here, plus every “Best Hostels In” guide we’ve written.
Quick Introduction to Wellington
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Wellington cost €13 to €17 per night for a dorm bed. A private room starts from €39 up to €60 per night. That’s a rough guide, just to set expectations.
Prices swing with the season and holidays, so always check live rates. The easiest way is to compare across the booking sites at once on Hostelz, or check Hostelworld.com or Booking.com directly.
Check-in and check-out: Check-in is usually from 15:00 (3pm), with check-out before 11:00 (11am). Most places store luggage if you arrive early or leave late. Just ask whether storage is free or costs extra.
🎁 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 Wellington are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Wellington .
- The Marion Hostel – best for Solo Travellers
- Trek Global Backpackers – best for Backpackers
- Haka House Wellington – best for Families
These are our favorite hostels in Wellington . 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 Marion Hostel
2. Trek Global Backpackers
3. Haka House Wellington
The 3 Best Hostels in Wellington
Here’s the quick comparison before the full write-ups. Skim it and see which one fits your trip.
Best Hostels in Wellington Compared at a Glance
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Marion Hostel | Solo travelers, couples | Stylish, historic-modern, calm-social | Central, by Cuba Street and Courtenay Place | Historic building, rooftop terrace, fancy showers, free CV checks |
| 2. Trek Global Backpackers | Backpackers, social solo travelers | Fun, friendly, social | 10-min walk to the CBD and waterfront | Free in-house activities, pool and foosball, female twin dorm |
| 3. Haka House Wellington | All-rounders, students, older solo travelers | Sociable but easy-going, spacious | Near Courtenay Place and Te Papa | Wide room choice, female dorm with private bathroom, huge kitchen |
How to Pick the Right Wellington Hostel
Not sure which one is you? Here’s the shortcut.
- Couple: 1. The Marion Hostel
- Solo traveler who wants comfort: 1. The Marion Hostel
- Backpacker who wants social: 2. Trek Global Backpackers
- Female solo traveler: 1. The Marion Hostel or 3. Haka House Wellington (female dorm with private bathroom)
- Students or older solo travelers: 3. Haka House Wellington
- Want a bar or nightlife: Nomads Capital Backpackers (further down)
- Cheapest bed, full stop: compare them all live on Hostelz
Hostelgeeks Tip: Wellington is the jumping-off point for the Interislander ferry to the South Island, so beds near the waterfront book out around busy sailing days. Compare your dates on Hostelz early to lock in the best-value spot.
The 3 Best Hostels in Wellington are …
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | The Marion |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | YHA Wellington |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Nomads Capital Backpackers |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | The Marion |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | YHA Wellington |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | The Marion |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Trek Global Backpackers |
1. The Marion Hostel
One of the newest hostels in Wellington sits within the walls of a beautiful historic building. Welcome to The Marion Hostel.
We love the blend of historic structure and modern amenities. It’s been done with style and isn’t too try-hard. There’s plenty of space to spread out, with the option to keep to yourself or socialise with other guests depending on how you feel.
Opt for a cosy 4-bed dorm, or the more sociable 10-bed mixed dorm. Either way, all beds come with a privacy curtain and sturdy wooden bunks that give you your own relaxed space. Otherwise, you might prefer a private double room with a queen-sized bed.
Drop your bags and check out the great common areas:
- Rooftop terrace overlooking Cuba Street
- Outdoor spaces
- Modern kitchen w/seating areas
- Sofa room
Looking for work? The staff offer free CV checks and interview prep for their guests, and they can help with your job hunt too.
Note: short and long-term stays are available here.
We have to mention the showers, they’re super fancy for hostel standards. It’s no wonder one guest described it as “it’s like staying in a luxury apartment.”
Location: Right in the heart of Wellington city centre, near Cuba Street and Courtenay Place. This is where the cultural and bohemian side of the city lives, with many of the main attractions within easy walking distance.
This is one of the best hostels in Wellington for:
- Solo travellers
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Trek Global Backpackers
Welcome to a fun, friendly backpackers in the heart of Wellington: Trek Global Backpackers! It’s a really cool spot for meeting plenty of other travelers, with a steady flow of things to do.
” Whether you are flying solo or travelling with friends our aim at Trek Global is to provide you with a memorable Wellington experience whilst giving you a homely and friendly base to explore from.”
Let’s jump straight in and look at some of the perks:
- FREE in-house activities
- Bicycle hire
- Pool table & foosball
- Large common area w/ beanbags, sofas & books
This hostel is mostly shared dorms, but there are also a couple of private rooms if you fancy some space to yourself.
Psst! There’s even a twin dorm set aside especially for female travelers.
No matter where you are in the property, FREE high-speed WiFi follows you everywhere. If you’re travelling by car, ask the staff about availability in their limited parking (there’s a $25 per night fee).
Location: An easy 10-minute walk from Wellington CBD and the waterfront. All the best sights are within reach.
This is one of the best hostels in Wellington for:
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Haka House Wellington
Haka House Wellington is the kind of hostel that suits a real range of traveler types. That’s thanks to the wide choice of rooms, the spacious layout and the handy location. The atmosphere is sociable but not OTT.
“This is everything an urban hostel should be!”
It’s an easy place to base yourself if you want affordable accommodation but have plenty of your own plans.
Here are the room choices:
- 4, 6 and 8-bed mixed dorms
- 4-bed female dorm w/private bathroom
- Single room (shared bathroom)
- Twin room
- Double room / Queen room
- Family room (sleeps 6 people)
Some of the mixed dorms also come with private bathrooms, so make sure you book the right one. The huge common kitchen is a great way to save money and cook for yourself, or there are good restaurants within easy walking distance.
Looking for student hostels in Wellington? We’d say YHA is the best pick for students, thanks to the amenities and location.
Location: Within easy walking distance of the bars, shops and theatres on Courtenay Place. It’s also easy to reach the waterfront and Te Papa Museum.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Wellington for Solo Travellers?
What’s seriously the best hostel in Wellington for solo travelers? Being a major city, it’s no surprise that all the hostels here work well for solo travelers in one way or another. Let’s keep it simple with an overview:
- Best hostel for solo travellers looking for luxury: The Marion
- Best hostel for solo backpackers: Trek Global Backpackers
- Best hostel for sociable solo travellers: Trek Global Backpackers
- Best hostel for older solo travellers: YHA Wellington
Looking at Wellington hotels too? Here’s one more recommendation that offers both private and shared rooms: Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers, with great common areas.
Party Hostels in Wellington
Alright party lovers and fun seekers, shall we look at the best party hostels in Wellington? We actually have some sad news.
The popular Base Backpackers Wellington hostel has permanently closed its doors. But the Base chain still has great hostels across the country (and in Australia). In fact, you can read more about Base Queenstown in our guide to the best hostels in Queenstown.
To take the edge off the disappointment, we’d like to mention Trek Global Backpackers Wellington. It isn’t technically a party hostel, but there’s definitely fun to be had thanks to the FREE in-house activities. The games area with free pool and foosball is a great place to meet new faces and show off your skills, and then there’s the BBQ area and outside patios.
Note: There’s an 11pm alcohol and noise curfew.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
As a second option, you could also consider Nomads Capital Backpackers. The rooms are very basic, but the atmosphere makes up for it if you’re keen to socialise and enjoy an on-site bar. A free dinner is included too!
At the bar you’ll find good drinks and meal deals every day, plus nightly activities to help break the ice even faster.
Bonus: All rooms have security-card access and reception is open 24/7. And the great nightlife just around the corner means you can keep the party going when Nomads Capital Wellington starts to quieten down.
Compare prices and check availability at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Cheapest Hostels in Wellington
Want the lowest price for your exact dates? The quickest way is to compare before you commit. Run your dates through Hostelz to see prices across the booking sites in one place, then book wherever it lands cheapest. Keep an eye on value, not just the headline price, since the cheapest bed sometimes skips breakfast or a central location.
What about the cheapest hostels in Wellington ?
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 Wellington .
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Wellington
- 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.
Discounts and Promo Codes
Any current Wellington discounts or promo codes show up here, so it’s worth a quick look before you book.
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 Wellington 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!
How to Book?
Once you’ve settled on a hostel, book through a major platform where your payment is protected and your bed is confirmed straight away. Not sure who has the best rate? Run the hostel through Hostelz first to compare across the booking sites in one go, then book wherever it’s cheapest. Book early over summer and around busy Interislander ferry days, when the best-value beds go fast.
Map of Wellington Hostels and Sights
Our Favorite Hostels in Wellington put on a map + sights
Let’s take a look at the map. Below we’ve pinned all three of the best Wellington hostels. We always plan our trips with a map of the sights and potential hostels, so we figured it would help you plan too.
We’ve also included the main attractions you’ll want to know about:
- Te Papa Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- Zealandia >>> AWESOME!
- Wellington Botanic Garden
- Cuba Street
Note: Zealandia is well worth a visit. It’s a big place, so allow at least half a day, if not a full one.
Any questions about hostels in Wellington ? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights
Flights to Wellington ?
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.
FAQs about Wellington & New Zealand
The questions travelers actually ask before booking Wellington, answered fast.
What is the best hostel in Wellington?
It depends on your trip. The Marion is the stylish pick for solo travelers and couples, Trek Global Backpackers is the fun, social backpacker spot, and YHA Wellington is the comfortable all-rounder for students and older solo travelers.
How much does a hostel in Wellington cost?
Dorm beds run roughly €13 to €17 per night and private rooms €39 to €60. Compare live rates on Hostelz before you book.
What is the best area to stay in Wellington?
Central Wellington around Cuba Street and Courtenay Place for cafes, bars and walkability, and near the waterfront for Te Papa and the harbour.
Are hostels in Wellington safe?
Yes, Wellington and New Zealand in general are very safe. Just take normal precautions around the nightlife late at night.
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Wellington?
The Marion for comfort, Trek Global for the social scene, and YHA Wellington as a reliable all-rounder.
Is there a party hostel in Wellington?
Base has closed, so there’s no dedicated party hostel now. Nomads Capital has an on-site bar, and Trek Global runs free activities (with an 11pm noise curfew).
What is the best hostel for female solo travelers?
The Marion for a stylish, central base, or YHA Wellington for its female dorm with a private bathroom.
How do I get from Wellington Airport to the city?
Take the Airport Express (AX) bus, which runs every 15 to 20 minutes to the CBD and railway station in about 20 minutes for around NZ$9, or grab a taxi or rideshare (10 to 15 minutes). There’s no train from the airport.
How do I get around Wellington?
It’s compact and walkable. Metlink buses and trains cover the wider city (pay with a Snapper card or contactless), and there’s the historic Cable Car and harbour ferries too.
How do I get to the South Island from Wellington?
Take the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry across Cook Strait to Picton, roughly 3 to 3.5 hours, leaving from the waterfront terminals.
How many days do you need in Wellington?
Two to three days covers Te Papa, the Cable Car, Zealandia, the Botanic Garden and Cuba Street.
When is the best time to visit Wellington?
Summer (December to February) is warmest, but pack a layer, Wellington is famously windy year-round.
Is Wellington worth visiting?
Yes. It’s a compact, green capital with a great food, coffee and arts scene, and it’s the gateway to the South Island by ferry.
What are some accommodation and public transport options in Auckland and Wellington?
The best and top accommodation options in Wellington are:
- The Marion Hostel - best for Solo Travellers
- Trek Global Backpackers - best for Backpackers
- YHA Wellington - best for Families
Public transport options in Wellington include electric buses, commuter trains, ferries and funicular. It’s also super easy to explore the city on foot.
As for Auckland? Check out our full guide to the best hostels in Auckland for more information.
Can we get work easily in New Zealand?
This depends on many factors, really! In regard to staying in Wellington and finding work, we recommend staying with The Marion Hostel. They offer long-term stay and free support in finding work.
What are the best smaller towns and cities to visit in New Zealand?
Hop on over to our epic guide the best hostels in New Zealand which includes all of the must-see destinations across the country, including smaller towns and cities.
More guides
Alright, that’s your answer to where to stay in Wellington.
Here again are the absolute BEST New Zealand Hostels plus insider tips.
We did the leg work for you, and we’ve got more hostel guides to other destinations:
- best hostels in Auckland
- best hostels in Queenstown + Queenstown Budget Travel Guide
- best hostels in Christchurch
- best hostels in Wanaka
- best hostels in Nelson
- best hostels in Paihia
- best hostels in Taupo
- best hostels in Napier
- 37 BEST hostels in Australia
- best hostels in Fiji
You can find all our new and updated Best Hostels In articles here.
We also put together a huge guide to hostels, covering how to build lifelong friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
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 Wellington 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
– – –
pin it for later
CLOSED: The Dwellington
Update: Our former #1 hostel has sadly closed its doors. We keep this content here for your information.
When it came to the coolest hostel in Wellington, The Dwellington sat firmly in the #1 spot. It was a 5 star hostel, after all. This was where style, cosy vibes and a homely feel came together to create a luxurious but affordable backpackers. It wasn’t the cheapest, but it was well worth the extra few dollars.
Over half the property was given over to great common areas, to give travelers the best chance of meeting each other. These spaces included:
- State-of-the-art cinema room w/Netflix
- Games room
- Outdoor spaces + BBQ area
In the kitchen there was an impressive 5-metre-long redwood dining table overlooking the tennis courts. It was perfect for sharing meals with new friends, sipping coffee or catching up on some work.
Extras: Free breakfast, fresh towels on demand, free parking and unlimited high-speed fibre WiFi.
Believe it or not, it didn’t stop there, the bedrooms were something to write home about too. There was a wonderful selection: private doubles, twins, triples, family rooms and mixed/female dorms. They were all designed with a familiar house vibe, with sturdy wooden bunks and colourful decor, and the private rooms were particularly spacious. One of our team visited and wrote an honest full review of The Dwellington. Staff could also sort out a free shuttle to the ferry terminal.
Location: In the historic suburb of Thorndon. There was a handy supermarket a few minutes’ walk away, and the bus station and train depot were about 10 minutes on foot.
This is one of the best hostels in Wellington for:
- Female solo travellers
- Older travellers
