The town of Taupo lies on the crater of an ancient volcano which is said to have last erupted almost 2,000 years ago. Today, it borders the spectacular shores of a lake by the same name, turning Taupo into an idyllic base to explore the vibrant nature that surrounds it.
Whether you come here to climb a mountain, ski, fish, or just relax, you’ll need a place to stay. This is where we come in with our guide to the best hostels in Taupo, New Zealand.
The Taupo hostels we’re recommending are perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and adventurers of all types. They border lakes and green hills and serve as the ideal spot to rest after a day filled with adrenaline-pumping sports or leisurely walks.
Our favorite hostels in Taupo are:
- YHA Taupo - Finlay Jacks Backpackers - best for female solo travelers
- Haka Lodge Taupo - best for solo travelers
- Rainbow Lodge Backpackers - best for backpackers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. YHA Taupo - Finlay Jacks Backpackers
2. Haka Lodge Taupo
3. Rainbow Lodge Backpackers
If you’re backpacking New Zealand we have other guides that might come in handy like: the best hostels in New Zealand and the best hostels in 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 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 Taupo
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Taupo cost $24 – $27 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $79 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: Taupo is a tiny town, and it’s possible to travel to almost any part of it on foot. If you want to get around the city, you can take the Taupo Connector bus (you can get a Bee Card if you plan on using it a lot, it’s a bus card you can load with money). E-bikes can also be rented, as cycling is a popular way to navigate the city.
Alternatively, you could also use taxis, but keep in mind that uber is not available in Taupo.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Taupo are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Taupo.
- YHA Taupo - Finlay Jacks Backpackers – best for female solo travelers
- Haka Lodge Taupo – best for solo travelers
- Rainbow Lodge Backpackers – best for backpackers
These are our favorite hostels in Taupo. 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. YHA Taupo - Finlay Jacks Backpackers
2. Haka Lodge Taupo
3. Rainbow Lodge Backpackers
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🙎♀️ Female Solo Traveler: | YHA Taupo - Finlay Jacks Backpackers |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Rainbow Lodge Backpackers |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Haka Lodge Taupo |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Rainbow Lodge Backpackers |
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Haka Lodge Taupo |
1. YHA Taupo - Finlay Jacks Backpackers
YHA Taupo - Finlay Jacks Backpackers is a modern hostel with plenty of features that make it stand out. With free, unlimited WiFi, Netflix, tea and coffee, a spacious balcony, a cozy TV lounge, a well-equipped kitchen, plenty of off-street parking, and the friendliest staff around, this hostel caters to the young generation of today.
We think this is the ideal place for solo female travelers.
The facility also offers POD beds, single beds, and quality WiFi, making it the perfect place to stay.
YHA Taupo Finlay Jack’s Backpackers is the ideal hub for your stay in Taupo. The hostel was also noted for being clean and tidy, with towels being changed daily. The atmosphere is pleasant and inviting, with plenty of outdoor seating, beanbags, hammocks, and a grassy area.
Location: Centrally located, near the river, in an area full of cafes, shops, and restaurants.
The best choice in Taupo for
- Female solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Haka Lodge Taupo
Discover the ultimate solo traveler experience at Haka Lodge Taupo! Situated in central Taupō and offering stunning views of Lake Taupō, this upmarket hostel puts the guest experience at the heart of everything they do.
With free unlimited WiFi, a modern and eco-friendly design, and a range of accommodation options, Haka Lodge Taupō has something for everyone.
Choose from self-contained apartments, private rooms, or dormitories with shared facilities. Relax on a sun lounger and enjoy uninterrupted views across Lake Taupō to Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Make the most of the nearby attractions with the onsite travel desk to help with booking activities like the Tongariro crossing, skydiving, and cultural tours. Plus, there are plenty of communal areas where you can meet travelers worldwide, like the large shared lounge, sun-soaked outdoor patio, and renovated modern kitchen.
All of this, plus the volleyball court and BBQ facilities, make Haka Lodge Taupō the perfect choice for your next New Zealand adventure!
Location: a bit further away from the shops, bus station, and eateries than other hostels in the area, this hostel is still within walking distance. Although the location isn’t ideal, the environment is comfortable and relaxing. Guests can enjoy stunning views from the kitchen balcony, and the outdoor garden comes complete with outdoor furniture.
A great choice for
- Solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Rainbow Lodge Backpackers
Rainbow Lodge Backpackers is the perfect stay for travelers looking for centrally located, budget-friendly accommodation in Taupo.
Established in 1985 by Mark & Sue Dumble, this independent hostel offers a range of rooms – dorms, shares, doubles, and twins – all made up and ready for guests.
Aside from free Wi-Fi, each room has its own heating for those chilly nights and complimentary tea and filtered coffee.
The hostel also boasts a fully-equipped kitchen and lounge area, with 24-hour access, a free sauna, and outdoor chill-out areas with plenty of fridge and freezer space.
Rainbow Lodge Backpackers is the perfect spot for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the waterfront, shops, and lake.
Location: Guests looking to explore the area can find several attractions nearby, such as the Taupo Bungy, which is a minute away, and the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, which you can reach within an 8-minute walk.
This is one of the best hostels in Taupo for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Taupo for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Taupo is Haka Lodge Taupo. It has awesome facilities and a lot of communal areas with an overall very friendly atmosphere where it will be easy for you to meet other travelers.
The environment is very comfortable and you will feel right at home very easily.
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 always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Taupo?
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 Taupo.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Taupo
- 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?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
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.
I 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.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Taupo 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.
My Best Hostels in Taupo for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
We’re listing all the three best Taupo hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
We also have a few suggestions on our favorite things to do in Taupo:
Huka Falls: one of the most-visited attractions in New Zealand. Here, 220,000 liters (58,118 gallons) of water thunder through the gorge each second, creating a breathtaking and powerful display.
Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings: Explorers looking for a unique experience should check out these impressive rock carvings, which are only accessible from the water. Join a boat tour to get the full view, or make an adventure out of it by kayaking there.
Otumuheke Stream: Take a dip in the soothing waters of Otumuheke Stream, nestled alongside the Waikato River in Spa Park. With several walking tracks leading to the stream, visitors can enjoy an invigorating stroll through nature before taking a refreshing dip into the idyllic waters.
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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:
