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Frequently asked questions

New Zealand hostels

 What are the hostels like?
Are there curfews at YHA hostels?
My plane arrives at 3am - can I check in at that time?
Will I have chores or duties to do?
Do I have to bring a sleeping bag?
Do I need to bring a towel?
Can I book ahead?
What types of rooms are available?
Can families be together in the same room?
I am travelling with both male and female friends, can we stay in the same room or do we have to stay in the single sex dormitories?
Can I buy food at the hostel?
Where can I put my luggage if I go out for the day?
Do Kiwi Experience and Magic Travellers buses pick up and drop off at YHA New Zealand hostels?
Do the hostels offer Free Airport Shuttle/Bus Pick Ups?
Is there a maximum length of time I can stay at any one hostel?
Can I make bookings for transport and activities at the hostel?
What are hostel kitchen facilities like?
Are there power points in the rooms?
Do the hostels have alarm clocks or hairdryers I can use?
Do you have a list of hostels overseas?

Other FAQs:
Membership,  International Travel,  International Hostels, Booking terms and conditions, Cancellations and refunds

Booking Terms and Conditions
Before booking check out our terms and conditions

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What are the hostels like?

No two hostels are the same, which is one of the fun things about YHA! There are converted farmhouses, lodges set in beautiful acres and modern purpose built hostels. The hostels you stay in will often become a unique part of your trip. Despite their differences, we can guarantee that all hostels have private and multishare rooms, shared bathroom facilities, shared kitchen facilities, 24-hour guest access, an abundance of information on local activities, and essential items such as milk, cereals, toothbrushes, snack food and drinks are for sale at reception.


Are there curfews at YHA hostels?

No, all New Zealand hostels have 24-hour guest access.


My plane arrives at 3am - can I check in at that time?

Sure, as long as you let the hostel staff know what time you’ll be arriving when you make your initial booking. They will then organise an arrival procedure for you.


Will I have chores or duties to do?

The traditional policy that all guests must help with the day to day cleaning of hostels is no longer in operation, which means you are free from the chores! However, YHAs do request that guests are considerate to others and that you tidy up after yourself - particularly in the kitchen!


Do I have to bring a sleeping bag?

Due to our Health & Hygiene policy, guests’ own sleeping bags and sleeping sheets are not allowed to be used in any YHA hostels in New Zealand. Duvets, pillows and all bed linen are provided for every guest and are included in the bed rate.


Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Although hostels provide all bedding and bed linen they do not provide towels or toiletries for guests.


Can I book ahead?

Sure. If you want to make a booking at a New Zealand hostel you can make your booking now, simply enter details in the table opposite. Alternatively, you can book through our Customer Services Centre, contact the hostel directly or make a booking from hostel to hostel as you travel.


What types of rooms are available?

All New Zealand YHA hostels have both private and multishare rooms. Some hostels even offer private rooms with ensuite facilities! Multishare accommodation is a shared room that generally sleeps between 4 and 8 people and is available in single sex or mixed gender dormitories. This is the cheapest way to stay at our hostels and for this reason hostels tend to have more of these rooms.


Can families be together in the same room?

Families are welcome at YHA hostels in New Zealand. Most hostels have family rooms available so that you can all stay in the same room. Families can also sleep together in a multishare room. If you want exclusive use of a multishare room you may have to pay for any beds that are in excess of your family’s requirements. This is especially likely in busy periods.
 

I am travelling with both male and female friends, can we stay in the same room or do we have to stay in the single sex dormitories?

All hostels have mixed gender rooms so couples and friends can stay together. If you’re booking online, look for ‘mixed’ shared rooms. If booking direct with a hostel, make sure you mention this at the time of booking.


Can I buy food at the hostel?

Essential items such as milk, cereals, toothbrushes, snack food and drinks are for sale at reception of all YHA hostels in New Zealand. A couple of the hostels do offer meals during the winter season – please check with the directly with the hostel.


Where can I put my luggage if I go out for the day?

All YHA hostels have high levels of security plus luggage storage facilities. For a nominal fee you can hire a locker or put your luggage in a storage area. All rooms are lockable so you can leave your bags in the room. Is there off-street parking at the hostels? The majority of the hostels have off-street parking. The spaces work on a first come first served basis. To find out if a particular hostel has off-street parking look for the ‘P’ in our hostel guide or under ‘Guest Services & Facilities’ in the hostel profiles.


Do Kiwi Experience and Magic Travellers buses pick up and drop off at YHA New Zealand hostels?

They sure do. Most other bus companies also drop off at hostels.


Do the hostels offer Free Airport Shuttle/Bus Pick Ups?

None of our hostels offer free airport transfers, however, they have strong links with local shuttle services and taxi companies that will offer discounts to guests staying at the YHA hostels. To find out more request the information when you book your accommodation.


Is there a maximum length of time I can stay at any one hostel?

Most hostels allow a maximum of 6 nights for guests staying at their hostel and this is the maximum number of nights available when booking online. If you would like to stay for a longer period of time it will depend on the time of year, size of the hostel etc. Just ask the hostel staff once you have arrived.


Can I make bookings for transport and activities at the hostel?

All YHA hostels in New Zealand have close ties with transport and activity operators in their area. Feel free to pick the brains of our staff and at Wellington, Auckland City and Christchurch City Central hostels visit the dedicated travel desk. They’ll answer your questions and can make most of your bookings for you – all you need to do is ask! Although this facility is available we strongly recommend that you pre-book for peak summertime travel.


What are hostel kitchen facilities like?

All hostels have the necessary equipment in their self-catering kitchens for whipping up any culinary delight – including pots, pans, plates and cutlery. Some hostels even have their own café or bistro for the culinary challenged!

Are there power points in the rooms?

Most rooms have power points.


Do the hostels have alarm clocks or hairdryers I can use?

This varies from hostel to hostel. Check with the hostel staff upon check-in.


Do you have a list of hostels overseas?

You can purchase our Hostelling International Guide. This guide is updated annually and lists over 4200 hostels throughout the Europe, the Mediterranean, Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. We also have individual accommodation guides available for some of the more popular destinations. To order these guide books visit our website Travel Shop or alternatively you can purchase these guides from the YHA NZ Customer Services Team, Freephone 0800 278 299 and most YHA hostels. To find out more about staying at hostels overseas go to the International FAQs.