Hostels in New Zealand can be used by almost any age group. Check ahead to see which places accept older adults. Many people stay in hostels for cheap accommodations. This way, they can stay longer and do more fun things on their NZ vacation.
Gen X, Gen Y, Boomer, Senior? No worries.
Gregarious New Zealand backpackers can be found all over the country, zig-zagging their way from Auckland to Dunedin and beyond . And some of them are not college kids. An amazing new world is unlocked for down under travel connoisseurs and it's affordable for anyone willing to bunk in cheap accommodations.
Kiwis are so polite and friendly that it might take a while for a tourist to see what is so different about New Zealand. The country is clean and clear and eco-friendly, of course, but there is something else, too. People are traveling light and traveling differently.
A down under traveler soon begins to notice signs for cheap accommodations, such as:
- Coachman on the Square Backpackers - No upper age limit (Christchurch)
- City Groove Backpackers - No upper age limit (Auckland)
- Harbourside City Backpackers - No upper age limit, see comment below (Tauranga)
Stepping inside one of these hostels for a closer look, a traveler might determine that a few of the guests are in their 30's or 40's (or more) and are carrying small, lightweight suitcases, not backpacks.
Cheap Accommodations: Down Under Travel in Hostels is Spartan
New Zealand backpacking is not for everyone. The traveler must be prepared to lug their own pack or suitcase up a set of stairs in many locations. The bathroom is usually shared and is down a common hallway. Though technically there is no age limit (other than "over 18" in most places), one should email ahead to see if the establishment is comfortable with older guests. Also, some places are unsuitable for children.
New Zealand Backpackers Have Options
There are many options for those who travel light and plan their itinerary on the fly. Some things to know:
- April to October is easier for finding accommodations.
- May to September is tourist season and one should plan ahead or be flexible.
- Tourist Information Centers (marked with an "i" sign) have brochures and will help New Zealand backpackers make reservations, but they charge a fee.
- Rooms: Everything from single or double beds in a private room to dormitory style bunk-beds, like those in American summer camps.
- Women on cool NZ holidays: Some hostels are women-only or have women-only areas.
- Ensuite Room - has an attached private bathroom.
- Bring a sleeping bag or sleep sheet to save money. Bedding is usually available for a fee.
Accommodations for New Zealand backpackers are all over Kiwi country. Travelers can find backpacking hotels in city centers, in suburbs, out in the country, on islands, and on farms.
A Cool NZ Holiday: The Cost
Airfare to New Zealand can be quite expensive, so cutting "hotel" costs is one of the easiest ways to make down under travel affordable. Remember the mantra of cheap travelers,"It's just a bed." The charm of New Zealand is in its people and its natural wonders, which can knock the socks off even the most jaded travelers.
- Currently, the New Zealand dollar is approximately half that of the US dollar, though currency exchange rates fluctuate.
- Inexpensive dorm-style beds start at (NZ) $17.00 per person (about $9.00 US) and go up to over (NZ) $28.00, per person. However, dorm style bunks are usually not the best option for older travelers.
- Currently, an inexpensive single bed (private room) can be found on a beautiful farm for (NZ) $20.00, or about ten bucks.
- A single bed in a private room in Auckland runs from (NZ) $36.00 to (NZ) $50.00.
- A private room with a double bed (for a traveling couple) can be found in Auckland for (NZ) $27.00 to (NZ) $41.00, per person.
- A private room with a double bed (for a traveling couple) can be found on chic Waiheke Island for (NZ) $38.00 - $53.00, per person.
- Most accommodations charge these lower prices with cash payment.
Other Info for New Zealand Backpacking
- Bulletin boards in hostels often post job offers, cars or camper vans for sale, train, bus, or ferry, and ride sharing information.
- New Zealand backpacker lobbies usually have internet cafes.
- Some people prefer a backpacking package, but others don't like to be locked into a pre-set agenda.
In these days of crashing 401k's and downsizing, anyone with an adventurous soul, a sense of humor, and a flexible personality can still make travel a priority. The best New Zealand backpackers are people with open minds and happy hearts. Do use these cheap accommodations to make the most of an amazing down under travel adventure. Life can be one cool NZ holiday.
Hiring a Camper Van is another way to view fabulous New Zealand with an existential and fluid sense of freedom.
Christina Gregoire's other articles:
The Best Time to Go to Port Douglas Australia (To avoid Stingers Jellyfish - Great Barrier Reef)
Travel Therapy, Where Do You Need to Go? (Cool travel book FOR ANY WOMAN)
Free Melbourne Sightseeing - City Circle Tram (Best way to see Melbourne)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
