Previously part of the ‘Old Mountaineer Hotel’, one of the first hotels in Queenstown all the accommodation at the YHA Queenstown Central hostel now includes ensuites and TVs (with free movies), free tea and coffee in private rooms and some rooms even have their own private courtyard or balcony overlooking the lake. Backpackers love that all the multi-share rooms are nice and small (5-share maximum) and all with private ensuites. The views from the comfortable upstairs lounge make for a most picturesque chill-out zone.
The staff are super-friendly and clued up about getting you the best possible deals on activities in Queenstown, which they’re happy to book for free on your behalf.
“Clean and well maintained, this hostel's crowning glory is the excellent kitchen and the lounge with its enormous windows and panoramic views of the lake… The staff are welcoming and helpful and the atmosphere is calm and family friendly. Amazingly located in the heart of town, you're steps away from great restaurants, shops and activities and just around the corner from the harbour.” – by Simone Egger, Lonely Planet
Please note this hostel offers day-time luggage storage and a small number of lockers.
Special features at YHA Queenstown Central that backpackers love:
- Located right in the centre of Queenstown. You couldn’t get any closer to the action.
- Lake views from the upstairs lounge and from a number of the bedrooms.
- All rooms have ensuites and are super clean.
- Internet & wireless facilities in the hostel.
- Movies played in your rooms and free tea and coffee in all private rooms.
- Board games and puzzles available in the comfortable common rooms.
About Queenstown
Queenstown is the best place in New Zealand to really do it all. Known as the adventure capital of the world you will be spoilt for choice in Queenstown, the home of bungy jumping and mecca for white water rafting, jetboating and skiing. Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona are all easily accessible ski fields to Queenstown and there are many more around nearby Wanaka too. Skydiving, luging, hang-gliding and canyoning are other popular adventure sports to try while in Queenstown.
Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Wakatipu with views across the lake to the dramatic Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown also offers more gentle pursuits. Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the old steamship the ‘Earnslaw’, ride to the top of the Gondola, visit nearby historic Arrowtown, take a ‘Lord of the Rings’ tour or enjoy the excellent local Central Otago wineries. Don’t forget the splendour of a day trip to Doubtful or Milford Sounds and in winter.
Whatever type of adventure you have in Queenstown, at the end of an exhilarating day enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Queenstown’s many world class restaurants or partake in some of the local brews at the many nightspots.
Top activities to do while backpacking in Queenstown
- Have a Queenstown adventure: bungy jumping, skydiving, white water rafting, jetboating, hang-gliding, luging and canyoning can all be experienced in Queenstown.
- In winter go skiing at nearby Coronet Peak, The Remarkables or Cardrona ski fields.
- Take a day trip from Queenstown to the magical Milford Sounds or Doubtful Sounds.
- Tour the Central Otago region’s many award-winning wineries and taste a drop or two.
- Eat, drink and be merry at possibly the best selection of restaurants
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Travel Tales
Bungy jumping in Queenstown