Haka Lodge - Auckland, New Zealand

HOSTEL TYPE: Chill, but social

AVERAGE AGE: 18-34

TRAVELER TYPE: Your average, everyday backpacker 

LOCATION: Central

THE DORMS

Everyone knows I’m an advocate for a hostel that provides curtains for the bunk beds. The beds are antique-style, but they’re surprisingly very comfortable. The dorms range from private rooms, 7-bed dorms, and even up to 20-bed dorms for those backpackers who are really on a budget.

THE KITCHEN

The kitchen is what every hostel kitchen should be – spacious, numerous sinks, tons of refrigerator space, and ample amount of kitchenware. In addition to properly recycling plastics, they also have a bin for compost. Considering the state of our environment in 2020, this should be mandatory. But I digress. Above all else, the kitchen was always clean. 

COMMON AREA

The main longue area is connected to the kitchen, which gives solo travelers the opportunity to mingle and meet other backpackers. The couches are pretty comfy and I easily spent several hours in the same spot. Be aware that there aren’t many spots, so first come first serve. If there’s not enough space, feel free to head to the Netflix room. It’s usually always empty. 

THE ART

I really respect how their wall art paid homage and respect to their indigenous peoples, better known as the Maori’s. The dorm room numbers are in both English and Maori, and the halls are lined with Maori warriors. 

ATMOSPHERE

The only downside to this hostel is that the common areas close at 11pm. After that, there’s really nowhere else to go but to bed. However, the staff was friendly and the backpackers were easy to talk to. This hostel is much more on the chill side. So if you’re looking for a hostel to party at, this isn’t the place for you.

Adventure Q2 - Queenstown, New Zealand

1. Dorm

• So, you guys are already aware that I appreciate any hostel that has bed curtains. This one didn’t disappoint! Especially with each bunk coming with its own shelf, light, and USB plugs.  They even have a little handy red pouch for you to store your smaller belongings. Just be careful not to leave anything in there. 

• I also love the fact that the dorm rooms come with full length mirrors. Contrary to popular belief, backpackers like to look good, and mirrors matter. Plus, having an area for shoe storage is a major plus so our shows aren’t always bunched up inside of our humongous backpacks

2. Bathroom

• This hostel has a number of different bathroom setups, which is appreciated. They have handicap bathrooms for those who need it. Some bathrooms only have showers, some only have toilets, and some have both. Either way, you never have to wait in line to do what you need to do.

3. Views

• Queenstown, New Zealand is a very scenic city. The views from this hostel is perfect because you can see mountains and hills on either side. The lake is only three or so blocks away and the botanical gardens is even closer. There’s something very calming about seeing the sunset behind mountains while looking out from your dorm window.

4. Lounge Area

• This hostel also has an extremely relaxing lounge area for those digital nomads who need to get work done. It’s also equipped for travelers who just want to relax, watch Netflix, play Xbox, or just chill out on a huge beanbag. Either way, there’s something for everyone. 

5. Kitchen

• The kitchen is quaint, cozy, and comfy - which makes it easy to chat with other travelers. There’s enough refrigerator and storage space for everyone in the hostel. On top of that, there’s more than enough plates, cups, skillets, and utensils to go around.

Overall, this is easily a FIVE STAR HOSTEL. It’s actually been voted as the best hostel in the country multiple times. But you have to book far in advance, as Queenstown is quite small and the hostel sells out pretty quickly being that it only houses about 50 people. If there’s no available room, feel free to check out the sister hostel, Adventure Queenstown!

The Marion - Wellington, New Zealand

I don’t even know where to begin in telling y’all what an amazing stay I had at this hostel. So I’m just going to highlight a few things that should entice y’all enough to want to stay here if you ever go to Wellington, New Zealand. 

1.     The Overall Décor 

-       The pastel color scheme. The art work that’s propped throughout the hallways. The brick walls against the wooden floors. I mean, it felt like I was living on the 2nd floor Home & Décor section in Ikea.

2.     The Bathrooms

-       Y’all. Whew. On more than one occasion I found myself going into the bathrooms even when I didn’t have to use the bathroom - just to have a seat on the toilet and marvel at the beauty of it. The marbled walls, the copper sinks, the brick backdrops. I’m still suffering from withdrawals after leaving this place.

3.     The Lounge Areas

-       If you’re a traveling nomad or a digital entrepreneur, then you’ll surely love this place. There’s two lounge areas with extremely comfortable couches and throwcovers. I probably spent 90% of my time here. But if you like breaths of fresh air while you work, there’s also a rooftop for you. Just be aware that Wellington is known as The Windy City. That wind almost took me OUT a couple of times.

4.     The Bunkbeds

-       Okay. I can’t rave enough about the importance of hostels that provide privacy curtains, outlets, and charging pods next to each bed – this hostel had all three. On top of that, they provide with not one, but TWO pillows. That literally never happens in a hostel. Needless to say, I slept uninterruptedly like a baby in a fetal position each night.

5.     The Staff

-       The staff are also very accommodating and friendly. They make sure to invite the guests for the activities that take place – like a group exercise run around the city, walking tours, and even homemade Belgian waffles!

Overall, I love this hostel because it can be as social or as privately cordial as you want it to be. If you want to talk and make new friends, you have the opportunity to do so. But if just want to be left alone and get work done, people will gladly respect your wishes. If you’re looking for a party hostel, this isn’t that. However, the planned activities and the board games they provide make it very much a sociable hostel where you can meet other like-minded travelers. Oh, and did I mention they also have cute little pastel bikes they loan for free? Enough said. Go visit now!