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The 10 Best Hostels in Nelson, New Zealand

Some of the best backpacker spots in Nelson

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Review Score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Built in 1888, The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar is a heritage building with free Wi-Fi, an onsite bar and restaurant and a cafe on weekdays

Prince Albert Backpackers is a 5-minute walk from Nelson. It is a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal. It is a 5-minute drive from Trafalgar Park and a 15-minute drive from Nelson Airport.

Beds were comfy, had good facilities, the staff were bang on and was close enough to walk to the town. Would highly recommend

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8.1
Very Good
844 reviews
Price from
$16
per night

Guests can choose between private and dormitory rooms, most with access to shared bathroom facilities. Secure lockers, luggage storage and bicycle storage are available. The hostel also offers mountain and city bikes for hire.

I like that my room was private. Comfortable bed and amenities. Physical key 🗝️ to the room. Staff is able to book trips, entertainment, and transportation. Laundry is good.

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8.3
Very Good
649 reviews
Price from
$17
per night

This hostel offers free unlimited Wi-Fi, a log fire in the guest lounge and heaters in all rooms. Guests can relax in the hammock in the garden.

The friendly staff can provide advice on local attractions. Tasman Bay Backpackers Hostel is a 10-minute walk from Nelson city centre and Nelson Bus Depot.

I came back two times in between different locations because I enjoyed the atmosphere of this place so much! Very, clean and homey place with great staff. Thank you again!

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8.8
Excellent
641 reviews
Price from
$19
per night

Bridge Backpackers is ideally located in the centre of Nelson, and offers a garden, free WiFi and a shared lounge. Located around 600 metres from Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson, the hostel is also less than 1 km away from Trafalgar Park. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, a tour desk and luggage storage for guests.

Big kitchen, big living room, good location to the Nelson center.

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7.5
Good
1,371 reviews
Price from
$23
per night

Situated in Nelson, less than 1 km from Christ Church Cathedral in Nelson, Honeysuckle House has a tranquil garden with native trees and rooms with free WiFi access. The property is around a 20-minute walk from Trafalgar Park, 6 km from Tahunanui Beach and 7 km from World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum.

Great host, provides tea coffee toast cereal ice-cream

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7.6
Good
222 reviews
Price from
$15
per night

Located in Nelson, The Palace Backpackers offers accommodation with free bikes and a shared lounge. The historical colonial villa is set in an enchanting garden with plum, lemon trees and flowers. It is a 4-minute walk from Christ Church Cathedral. Free WiFi is provided.

Really cool old Victorian house, with lots of character. Staff were nice and helpful, location was convenient, everything was clean and comfortable.

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7.1
Good
388 reviews
Price from
$19
per night

Offering private and dormitory rooms with free unlimited WiFi, The Bug Backpackers is just 15 minutes’ walk from local shops and restaurants. Guests can enjoy cooking their meals in the kitchen and eat in the dining area during the cold months and on the deck or in the garden during the warmer months. Bike rental services are available at the property.

The Bug Backpackers Nelson is a small hostel with a family atmosphere where it is easy to meet other independent travellers.

The staff is very friendly and helpful. The owner is also a great and interesting person to talk to. The atmosphere is relaxed. It’s clean and very comfy. Check it out!

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7.3
Good
370 reviews
Price from
$18
per night

Featuring free WiFi , Downtown Backpackers & Accommodation offers accommodation in Nelson, 400 metres from Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson.

Trafalgar Park is 600 metres from Downtown Backpackers & Accommodation, while Tahunanui Beach is 4 km from the property. Nelson Airport is 6 km away.

The bed was very comfortable and we were warned about the noise which wasn't too bad Apart from that we totally enjoyed our stay.

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4.4
Review score
51 reviews

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travelers know there's no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: Save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a little more.
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Hostels that guests love in Nelson

  • Avg. price/night: $59.02
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 844 reviews
    This would have to be one of the best backpackers we've stayed in! Great location, comfy bed and the staff were so friendly and helpful. We loved the restaurant and ate there twice!! Ghe place had a really good vibe and was a mixture of young backpackers and locals having a drink or meal.
    Helen
    Young couple
  • 7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 222 reviews
    The atmosphere in the hostel was super pleasant. The staff was always friendly and helpful! Rob, the owner, is a great person who is always open to a chat. There is ice cream in the fridge and the wonderful garden invites you to relax. Great location! Can only recommend it!!
    Paulina
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $40.73
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 370 reviews
    A warm welcome and friendly staff at the hostel, which is cheap for Nelson. The kitchen is good and there's some nice outdoor space. Our room was in a second building, which was well-sized and with a shared bathroom/shower, which worked well.
    eds2559
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $66.03
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 650 reviews
    Backpacker hostel very friendly and clean. I like everything. I really recommend this hostel. I would like to comeback
    roman
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $50.17
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 641 reviews
    Probably the best hostel we’ve stayed at, would recommend to anyone
    J
    John
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $65.71
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,377 reviews
    Best hostel I've encountered in a long time. Super helpful staff, great location.
    Carmantravel
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $43.68
    7.1
    Scored 7.1
    Good
    Rated good
     · 389 reviews
    perfect place to meet new people and to chill ! Absolutely one of the best hostels i’ve ever been to :))
    Milla
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $65.71
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,377 reviews
    Great location, well equipped kitchen. All of Nelson within walking distance. Best hostel manager - big shout-out to Tom! Really fun guy!
    Rafael
    Solo traveler
  • 4.9
    Scored 4.9
    Disappointing
    Rated disappointing
     · 288 reviews
    The girl on reception that checked us in was really lovely and helpful (Kat). The beds were alright. Close walking distance to a lot of shops etc. Cheap stay, good for a low budget. Easy check-in and check-out. There is a really nice rooftop smoking area with picnic table.
    Dean
    Group

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