Heard of Base Hostel in Auckland? Or, maybe Queenstown?
You’re not crazy! Once upon a time, Base Hostel was the undisputed king of backpacker accommodation in New Zealand and Australia. They were the pumping heart of backpacking, and the Godfather of the hostel scene.
With massive hostels in prime locations like Auckland, Queenstown, and Sydney, Base was more than just a place to sleep—it was a rite of passage. If you were backpacking in the 2000s or 2010s, chances are you partied at Base, met lifelong travelmates there, or maybe even worked behind the reception desk for a free bed.
Then came the Covid pandemic. Borders closed. Travel stopped. The Base Hostel empire collapsed. Within a year the brand had vanished. Did we imagine all those wild nights?!
Today, Base Hostel is urban legend. But their legacy lives on. Hundreds of backpackers still search for “Base Hostel”—unaware that they’re chasing a ghost. So, if you’re one of them—this post is for you. Let’s take a look at what made Base so iconic, and where you can find that same social, budget-friendly backpacker vibe today.
Base Hostel was the life of the party
They were LOUD, fun (soooo much fun), and unapologetically social. It was like they pulled all the partypackers (?!) into their orbit—as soon as they entered Base territory. Their hostels were huge, often with hundreds of beds, and located amongst the action. In fact, often times they were the action itself.
Auckland’s Base Hostel was right on Queen Street. Base Queenstown was on the main drag. You couldn’t beat the locations. Or the free food. With backpackers coming and going 24/7.
But what really made Base stand out was the party atmosphere (even we partied at Base!). They had their own bars (Hello Sunshine, Altitude, etc.), nightly events, pub crawls, and themed parties. No matter what day of the week it was you were in for an epic night.
The on-site bars and nightclubs at Base were legendary themselves. They were the place to be if you wanted any day of the week to feel like the weekend. You could roll in solo and leave with a dozen new mates—feeling as though you’d known these people your whole life.
Base also offered travel desks, female-only dorms, budget-friendly beds, and they organised tours. The staff were usually backpackers themselves, working for accommodation and keeping the vibe alive. It wasn’t fancy—but it was fun, and that’s what mattered. Most didn’t give a toss about how often the floors got vacuumed.
Backpackers stayed there for the social atmosphere. For the party. That was the essence of Base. It was the place to be. Yes you could hear music thumping through the floors from the nightclub below their Queenstown hostel, but often times you were just in there yourself. Base was legendary.
5 best alternatives to Base Hostel
So, where’s the place to be now?! Who has taken their place? If you’re chasing that same energy—social, central, and backpacker-friendly—here are five hostels we’ve personally selected that carry the torch.
1. LyLo (Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown)
The New Kid on the Block. LyLo slides into first place with ease. In many ways it’s Base’s spiritual successor. But what Base lacked in quality LyLo makes up for big time.
Staying here is like stepping into the future. If LyLo had the rocket fuel beneath its hostels they would surely shoot up into outer space. They’re modern, tech-savvy, and designed for the next generation of backpackers. They even have fitness classes for crying out loud!
Their Auckland location is right in the CBD, close to Victoria Park and Westhaven Marina. You’ll find yourself in pod-style accommodation, equipped with everything you need. For those staying in a dorm the privacy of these pods makes a significant difference.
They also have handy locations in central Queenstown and just a few minutes walk from Christchurch Airport. LyLo offers self check-in, fast WiFi, and plenty of Instagrammable corners. Seriously—the interior design is a work of art.
Now, what makes them the most like Base? The social vibes of course! Their hostels are buzzing with energy and full of backpackers to meet. They’ve very much filled the hole Base left behind with the integration of their on-site bars and eateries.
You’ll find it easy to hang out and meet people. Plus, they also organise weekly events, like their Wednesday night pub crawl in Auckland. It isn’t strictly a party hostel in the traditional sense, but there’s always something happening at LyLo. Staying here is an experience in itself, and we highly recommend their Auckland hostel.
👉🏼 Wanna hit all the best Auckland spots? Check out our guide: 8 best things to do in Auckland for free.
🛏️ Pro tip: Book a pod in advance—LyLo fills up fast, especially in summer.
2. Adventure Hostels (Queenstown, Wānaka)
If you’re into a smaller, more personal vibe, the Adventure Hostels are a great pick. They have two hostels in Queenstown, and a cousin in Wānaka. This award-winning hostel chain is locally owned, super social, and right in the heart of all the action. The staff organise daily activities like quiz nights, pub crawls, potluck dinners, and movie marathons.
Their Adventure Queenstown Hostel has a cosy lounge, well-equipped kitchen (we baked there!), and a reputation for being one of the friendliest spots in town. It’s clean, comfy, and ideal for solo travellers who want to meet people without the chaos of a mega-hostel.
We absolutely loved staying here, particularly the sunny balcony that overlooks the Southern Alps and the bustle of Queenstown—epic views!
The Adventure Hostels are old-school in all the best ways. It’s no wonder they’re consistently regarded as some of the best places to stay down under. They’ve got that friendly social vibe that Base was famous for, while still being chill. No matter the location, you’ll be right at home with these guys.
👉🏼 Wanna hit all the best Queenstown spots? Check out our guide: 8 best things to do in Queenstown for free.
🎲 Pro tip: Join the nightly events—they’re free, fun, and a great way to meet other backpackers.
3. Nomads (Queenstown, Wellington)
Back in the day Nomads was Base’s biggest rival—you can think of them as the sister of Base (or half). It’s got that same social energy, attracting younger backpackers down for a good time.
Their Queenstown hostel is purpose-built, central, and packed with fun backpackers. There’s a sauna, a travel desk, and a massive kitchen. Plus, they offer free breakfast and dinner each day (Base was famous for its free food). Who doesn’t wanna save dollars while backpacking?!
Nomads Wellington is just as lively, located near Cuba Street with easy access to bars, cafes, and Te Papa Museum. The vibe is social but chill, and the staff are always up for a chat or a recommendation.
We stayed at Base’s Wellington hostel, which was close to Nomads, before starting our night, and hitting Courtenay Place into the early hours. Wellington’s nightlife is epic—and Wellingtonians are just really, really friendly.
Nomads delivers that classic backpacker experience—shared dorms, group dinners, and spontaneous nights out. It’s especially suited to younger backpackers and party people. In that sense they’re a close fit to Base, with backpackers once deciding between the two.
🌶️ Pro tip: Don’t miss the sauna at Nomads Queenstown—it hits the spot after a big hike.
4. Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers (Mount Maunganui)
Base never had a hostel in Mount Maunganui—but if they did, it would’ve looked like this. Pacific Coast Lodge is a laid-back spot with a vibe that feels like home. It’s a lively hub for meeting like-minded adventurers and enjoying everything this stunning beachy town has to offer.
We reckon you’ll love their outdoor spaces—perfect for those long summer nights. It’s that social Base Hostel energy on island time, and it’s a hard place to leave!
First up, the location is unbeatable. Just a short walk from the beach, you’ll have easy access to the Mount’s famous surf breaks and relaxed beach lifestyle. Mount Maunganui is a great spot to try surfing, and your stay comes with complimentary surfboard hire. And, when you’re done with your outdoor adventures, the lodge offers a cozy, welcoming environment to recharge.
You’ll find clean, comfortable rooms with plenty of options for budget-friendly accommodation.
What really sets Pacific Coast Lodge apart is the community spirit. The staff are always happy to share tips on local hotspots, and the hostel hosts monthly events and activities, ensuring there’s always something fun going on.
Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers is the ideal spot to make the most of your time in Mount Maunganui—that’s more than just a place to crash.
🏄♂️ Pro tip: Ask about surfboard hire—it’s free and the waves are beginner-friendly.
5. Haka House (Auckland, Bay of Islands, Queenstown, and more)
Boasting more than a dozen hostels in locations like Taupō, Rotorua, Franz Josef, and many more, Haka House is becoming a go-to for backpackers who want budget-friendly comfort without losing the social vibe.
Haka House is the rebranded version of Haka Lodge, and it’s growing fast. We think of them as an upper-class version of Base. They tend to be more on the chill side and attract a broader age group of backpackers. While not a party hostel—the Haka vibe is still friendly and fun.
Haka House hostels are designed with backpackers in mind. Expect clean, fresh interiors, comfy dorms (with privacy curtains—yes, please), and plenty of chill-out zones.
Whether you’re catching up on some solo downtime or getting social in a shared kitchen or lounge, these spaces make it easy to connect or unwind, depending on your mood. They also offer private rooms, female-only dorms, and well-equipped kitchens.
If you’re chasing adventure, new mates, and stylish digs without blowing your budget, the Haka House hostels should be high on your New Zealand hit list. They’re ideal for digital nomads, couples, or anyone who’s outgrown the party scene but still wants to be social. And that’s why they’ve made the list—they’re still a great place to connect with other backpackers.
You’ll meet others out here living the good life—road-tripping, hiking, partying, and sharing stories from the road. Plus, the staff are absolute legends. They’re always up for a chat, happy to help with travel tips, and usually know where to find the best happy hour in town.
🧘♀️ Pro tip: Stay in a smaller dorm for a quieter experience—you’ll still meet people in the common areas.
So, is Base Hostel really gone?
Yup. The brand is truly gone. Well, almost gone. Rumour has it they still operate a hostel in Thailand. But that’s another story…
The Base network of hostels in New Zealand and Australia have been sold or rebranded, and the party is over folks. Trust us, we were partying there until the very end (damn you Covid).
But the spirit of Base lives on in hostels like LyLo, Nomads, and Adventure Queenstown. Backpacking in New Zealand has entered a new era—you just need to know where to look.
Whether you were a solo traveller looking to make new friends or a group seeking a fun and budget-friendly stopover on your adventures, Base Hostel gave you memories to last a lifetime that kept backpackers coming back for more.
Base became part of the culture. So much so that people still ask what Base is today. They were the hostel on everyone’s lips—the place to be. They were a gateway to adventure and connection.
Whether you’re chasing wild nights, chill vibes, or something in between, there’s a hostel out there for you. And who knows? Maybe you’ll help start the next legendary backpacker chain. Stranger things have happened. Just ask us.
We’re feeling nostalgic writing about Base. Talk about a trip down memory lane… Go out and discover the next generation of hostels! Peace ✌🏼
🎉 Looking for an epic stay? Check out our 10 best hostels in New Zealand for 2025.
⭐ For travel inspo see our Kiwi-made insider guides to the 25 best things to do in NZ: North Island highlights and 25 best things to do in NZ: South Island highlights.
