Accommodation

PHOTO: Saltwater Lodge, Paihia, Bay of Islands

New Zealand has an extensive network of excellent backpacker hostels, providing clean and tidy accommodation in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Either privately owned, or part of a network such as VIP, BBH or YHA, they are pretty much guaranteed to be close to the action in every town, city, resort or tourist attraction.

Ranging in size from six to 500 beds, backpacker hostels usually have a mix of shared dorms, singles, doubles and twins. Expect to share kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities and of course, the communal living area - a great place to meet people from other countries, share travel tales and of course, the odd beer or three.

Tariffs include basic linen (though you often have to put a deposit down for larger places) and range from $18 - $20 per person for dorm accommodation, to $30 per person for a single room.

Alternatively, you can rent a house or apartment. Rent ranges from $95 to $200 a week in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Usually you’ll have to organise your own bedroom furniture as houses generally come unfurnished. If you are prepared to pay a bit more however, you may be able to get a house/apartment that is fully furnished. Rent is usually paid weekly and expenses such as electricity, food and phone are shared between others in the house.

Over the past couple of years, many millions of dollars have been spent on new premises, providing a great range of first class backpacker properties around the country. Some larger hostels now boast TV lounges, barbecue areas, hot pools or spas, bars, cafes, plus specialist travel information and booking centres.

Hostel Networks

Budget Backpacker Hostels www.bbh.co.nz

Huts and Campsites

There are many campsites and huts on conservation land throughout New Zealand. They offer a 'back to nature' style of camping and accommodation in scenic settings. Different categories, based on the facilities provided, offer experiences for different budgets.

DOC Campsites
The Department of Conservation (DoC) manages a large number of campsites on conservation land throughout New Zealand. These campgrounds offer a 'back to nature' style of camping in scenic settings. Charges for camping reflect the level of facilities provided and the cost to maintain and provide them. Currently the adult rate per night for a serviced campground is $6.50 to $8 and for a standard campground is $2 to $10. Camping is free in informal camping areas and for children under five. There are reduced rates for older children. Fees are collected by a camp warden or by a self registration system. Details are given at each campground. Generally, there is a box for fees and a receipt card to display on your tent or vehicle.

Huts

Huts have been classified into four categories, based on the facilities provided in or near them. The cost of staying for a night in a hut varies. A back-country ticket or annual pass is used. These tickets are available from DoC offices and visitor centres.

• Great Walks Huts: Have bunks or sleeping platforms with mattresses, water supply, hand washing facilities and heating facilities with fuel available. They may have cooking facilities and fuel and a warden.
• Serviced Huts: Have bunks or sleeping platforms with mattresses, water supply, toilet and hand washing facilities. They may have cooking and heating facilities and often a warden. $10 a night.
• Standard Huts: Have bunks or sleeping platforms, toilet and water supply. $5 a night.
• Basic Huts: Shelters and bivouacs. Huts with limited facilities which do not meet standard hut criteria. No charge.
• Department of Conservation - www.doc.govt.nz

PHOTO: Maungahuka-Hut, Tararua Forest Park

Holiday Parks

Holiday parks are equipped to please a wide range of people for a minimal cost. Within an attractive landscaped setting (often beside a beach or lake) they provide sites for tents, caravans and campervans. Many parks also have simple cabins, self-contained motel units and backpackers’ lodges. The casual living style helps to create a friendly atmosphere. If you’re setting up camp or parking a motorhome, you can choose a powered or non-powered site. Easy access to a shared kitchen and bathroom facilities is always part of the deal. Often you’ll also have the use of a dining area and a comfortable TV lounge. Motel units and backpackers’ lodges generally have self-contained kitchen and bathroom.