Accommodation options for Backpackers in New Zealand

If you're traveling to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV), there are various accommodation options available to suit your needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you're looking for a short-term stay or something longer-term while working, here’s a detailed guide to accommodation options in New Zealand for WHV holders.

1. Hostels and Backpacker Accommodation

Overview: Hostels are one of the most popular accommodation choices for young travellers on a Working Holiday Visa. They are generally affordable, social, and convenient. Hostels cater specifically to budget travellers and often provide the opportunity to meet other travellers.

• Price Range: NZD $20 to $45 per night, depending on location and facilities.
• Facilities: Dormitory-style rooms, shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and communal areas for socializing. Private rooms are also available in many hostels, though at a higher price.
• Popular Hostel Chains:
  • YHA (Youth Hostel Association): A nationwide network of hostels with locations in most major cities and tourist hotspots.
  • Base Backpackers: A popular network with hostels in major cities and resort towns.
  • Nomads: Another widely known hostel group with locations across New Zealand.
• Booking: Hostels can be booked online through platforms like Hostel world, Booking.com, or directly through the hostel websites. Many hostels also offer discounts for long-term stays or loyalty cards for frequent travellers.

Pros:

• Social environment
• Affordable
• Great for meeting fellow travellers
• Many hostels are located in central areas near popular attractions

Cons:

• Shared rooms may not offer privacy
• Can be noisy and crowded, especially in peak tourist season

2. Motels and Budget Hotels

Overview: Motels are an excellent option if you prefer more privacy but still want to keep costs low. These establishments offer private rooms, often with kitchen facilities, which can be convenient for longer stays.

• Price Range: NZD $60 to $150 per night, depending on the location and amenities.
• Facilities: Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, kitchenette (often with microwave, fridge, stove), Wi-Fi, and sometimes laundry facilities.
• Booking: You can book motels through websites like Booking.com, Agoda, or directly from motel chains and independent owners.

Popular Motel Chains:

• Apex Motels
• Kiwi International Motel
• Discovery Motor Lodge

Pros:

• More privacy than hostels
• Kitchenette to save money on food
• Suitable for those traveling in pairs or looking for longer stays

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than hostels
• Less social environment, so not great for meeting other travellers

3. Shared Apartments and Houses

Overview: If you're planning on staying in New Zealand for an extended period, renting a room in a shared apartment or house might be a great option. This offers a home-like atmosphere and an opportunity to integrate with locals or fellow travellers.

• Price Range: NZD $150 to $300 per week (depending on the location and size of the room).
• Facilities: Private room with shared access to kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Some places may include utilities (water, electricity, internet) in the rent, while others may charge separately.
• Booking: Websites like Trade Me, Flatmates, and Facebook groups (e.g., “Kiwi Flatmates”) are great for finding shared rentals. There are also specialized websites for short-term rentals like Airbnb or Bookabach.

Pros:

• More privacy than in hostels
• Can build longer-term friendships with housemates
• Access to a kitchen allows you to cook your own meals and save money

Cons:

• Less flexibility: you may be tied into longer rental periods
• You might need to share the space with strangers, which can be less comfortable

4. Airbnb

Overview: Airbnb is a popular accommodation choice for travellers on a Working Holiday Visa who want the comfort and privacy of a home, or even a unique stay like a private cabin or farm stay. Airbnb can be especially useful for short-term stays or when traveling with a group.

• Price Range: NZD $50 to $200 per night, depending on the type of accommodation, location, and season.
• Facilities: You can choose from private rooms, entire apartments, houses, or even unique places like treehouses and glamping sites. Kitchens, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities are commonly available.
• Booking: You can book directly through the Airbnb platform.

Pros:

• Comfortable and private
• Often comes with fully equipped kitchens
• Wide range of options for different budgets and preferences

Cons:

• More expensive than hostels or shared houses
• Availability can be limited in certain locations, especially during peak seasons

5. Farm Stays and Rural Accommodation

Overview: If you want to experience rural New Zealand life, farm stays and rural accommodation options are excellent choices. Many farms in New Zealand offer work-for-accommodation deals, where you can work a set number of hours in exchange for free lodging and sometimes food.

• Price Range: NZD $0 (for work-for-accommodation) to NZD $100 per night for paying guests.
• Facilities: Basic accommodation on farms, including shared rooms or private cabins. Shared kitchen facilities may be available.
• Booking: Websites like Workaway, HelpX, or WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) are popular platforms for finding work-for-accommodation opportunities.

Pros:

• Opportunity to experience rural life
• Work-for-accommodation schemes allow you to save money while traveling
• Often in beautiful, scenic locations

Cons:

• Work-for-accommodation usually requires you to work a set number of hours each day
• May be isolated from cities or popular tourist spots

6. Camping and Holiday Parks

Overview: New Zealand is famous for its natural beauty, and if you're an outdoors enthusiast, camping can be an affordable and exciting way to stay in the country. Many holiday parks and campgrounds offer both tent sites and campervan parking spots.

• Price Range: NZD $10 to $25 per night for a tent site; NZD $25 to $60 per night for a powered campervan site.
• Facilities: Most campgrounds and holiday parks provide shared bathrooms, kitchen areas, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. Some also offer cabin rentals for a bit more comfort.
• Booking: You can book through websites like Top 10 Holiday Parks or DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites.

Pros:

• Low-cost option for those on a budget
• Great for those who love outdoor activities like hiking and exploring nature
• Opportunity to stay in beautiful locations, including national parks

Cons:

• Not ideal for those who prefer indoor accommodation
• Weather can impact your experience, especially in winter months

7. Student Accommodation

Overview: Many universities in New Zealand offer student accommodation, which can also be an option for Working Holiday Visa holders if you’re looking for a longer stay in a city. These accommodations are often less expensive than private rentals, though availability can be limited.

• Price Range: NZD $150 to $300 per week, depending on the location and type of accommodation.
• Facilities: Shared rooms or private rooms with shared kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. Utilities and Wi-Fi may be included in the rent.
• Booking: Check the websites of universities and student housing providers. Some universities offer rooms to non-students during the off-peak season.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Opportunity to meet students and other travellers

Cons:

• Limited availability, especially during the academic year
• May require longer-term commitment

8. Hotels and Resorts

Overview: While more expensive, hotels and resorts can be a good option if you want a more comfortable and private stay, especially for short-term visits or if you’re in a city for a job interview or a special occasion.

• Price Range: NZD $100 to $300 per night, depending on location and season.
• Facilities: Private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, room service, and often a restaurant or café on-site.
• Booking: Available on popular booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or directly through hotel websites.

Pros:

• More luxurious and comfortable
• Great for special occasions

Cons:

• Expensive, especially in touristy areas
• Less social and budget-friendly compared to other options

Conclusion

As a Working Holiday Visa holder in New Zealand, the type of accommodation you choose will depend on your personal preferences, length of stay, and budget. Hostels and shared accommodations are great for short-term stays and meeting people, while motels, farm stays, and holiday parks can offer more privacy or a more unique experience. For longer stays, shared apartments or Airbnb might be ideal.

It’s also a good idea to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons (December to February), to ensure availability and better rates.