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Frequently asked questions

Membership

 Why should I join YHA?
Is there an age limit for YHA Membership? 
Do you have to be a member to stay at a YHA hostel?
How do I become a member?
How do I renew my membership?
Can I renew my membership while I’m overseas?
Why should I remain a member if I'm not travelling overseas?
How can I replace my lost or stolen membership card?
Are family memberships available?
Are group memberships available?
Can I use my New Zealand YHA membership in other countries?
What discounts do I get with my membership?
Do I need a photo for my membership card?
I’m leaving the country tomorrow, can I still purchase a card?
Can I renew my membership if it’s already expired?
Are there any guidelines regarding conduct in the hostels?

Other FAQs:
New Zealand hostels,  International Hostels,  International Travel

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Why should I join YHA?

YHA membership gives you access to quality assured accom modation in 4,200 hostels in over 80 countries. You can be sure that you're staying in safe, secure, clean and friendly hostels when you're backpacking with YHA. You'll also receive a free subscription to Hostelling HorizoNZ, our popular members travel magazine, and save heaps of money with the thousands of discounts available worldwide on transport, attractions, activities and more!  

Is there an age limit for YHA Membership?

You're never too old, and you're never too young. YHA is for everybody - all ages are eligible to join.  

Do you have to be a member to stay at a YHA hostel?

In New Zealand non-members can stay at hostels by paying a $3.00 surcharge added to the accommodation rate. If you have obtained membership since making your prepaid reservation or you purchase membership on arrival at the hostel, you will be refunded the $3.00 surcharge on presentation of your valid YHA/Hostelling International Membership.

If you do not have a YHA/Hostelling International Membership and would like to try our hostels before becoming a full member, then the DownUnder introductory membership card is available. This means you can stay at any YHA New Zealand hostel on the payment of the $3 per night Introductory Membership fee and the overnight rate. After 15 nights, the DownUnder card can be exchanged for a full Membership, which will then entitle you to the discounts and benefits of being a full member.

How do I become a member?

There are four easy ways to join YHA:
  • Fill out the Membership Application Form here on the website.
  • Call our Membership Services Team on (NZ) 0800 278 299,
  • Purchase your membership at one of our hostels or membership issuing agents (e.g. AA offices, Kathmandu stores, or STA Travel).  

How do I renew my membership?

If you are a New Zealand member you will receive a renewal notice about a month before you are due to renew. Simply fill this in and post to our National Office at PO Box 436, Christchurch 8140. Alternatively you can use the online application form on this website or call us on 0800 278 299. You can also pay for your renewal at any of our YHA Hostels, however your card will be issued from our National Office. 

Can I renew my membership while I’m overseas?

Yes. Just complete the renewal section of the membership form on our website. Please note that we will charge an additional $10 fee to post your membership card to you overseas. 

Why should I remain a member if I'm not travelling overseas?

With heaps of discounts throughout New Zealand, your YHA membership will save you money on transport, outdoor gear, attractions, and loads more! Plus don't forget we have 60 of the best hostels in the world right here in New Zealand!  

How can I replace my lost or stolen membership card?

There is a $5 fee for a new card, which we are happy to send you. Request and pay for your replacement card online, contact our National Office on 0800 278 299 if you want to pay by credit card, or send a cheque with your membership number and name to PO Box 436, Christchurch 8140. While waiting for your new card we can also send a confirmation letter via email to you which is widely accepted as a temporary measure.

Are family memberships available?

We don't offer a family membership, as such. But with our joint membership category, specifically designed for adults living together in a couple relationship at the same residential address, families with children 17 years of age and under could be members of the YHA network for just $60.

Here's how it works: If two adults in a couple relationship, are New Zealand residents and share a home address, they can join YHA NZ as joint members at the reduced rate of $60 for one year. Youth membership in the YHA is free until the member turns 18. (Please note that the joint and free youth membership categories are only for New Zealand residents, and can only be purchased through our National Office or at our hostels.) 

If you’re a New Zealander under 18 and you’re travelling overseas, be sure to sign up for membership before you depart, as most hostels require membership for anyone who wants to receive member benefits, regardless of age. If you sign up for membership in New Zealand, it’s free. But if you sign up overseas, you may have to pay the standard adult rate in that country. If you’re an overseas visitor coming to New Zealand, regardless of your age, you’ll need to have a YHA membership card to receive member discounts. The fee for a Hostelling International card is $40.  If you’re under 18, we recommend you join the YHA in your home country, as membership is probably free.


Are group memberships available?

Yes. Endorsed Group status is available to any bona-fide New Zealand based organisation; participants must be New Zealand residents. YHA Endorsed Group status is issued on an annual basis. To be considered as a group, there must be 10 or more members travelling. All group members are covered by a single group membership. Information on YHA group accommodation.
For all groups travelling into New Zealand, you will also be required to hold a current group membership from your home country. Please contact your home association for more information.

Can I use my New Zealand YHA membership in other countries?

Yes. Your YHA New Zealand membership means you can stay at any one of more than 4200 YHA/Hostelling International hostels worldwide.

What discounts do I get with my membership?

YHA has scored many discounts with transport and activity operators and retail stores - visit the discounts page for a complete list of YHA discounts in New Zealand. To find out about the 2,000+ YHA discounts overseas, visit hihostels.com.

Do I need a photo for my membership card?

No, YHA membership cards no longer include your photo. 

I’m leaving the country tomorrow, can I still purchase a card?

Yes! Simply pop into any one of our YHA Hostels, AA Centres, Kathmandu, STA Travel, Flight Centre or you can even pick one up from the information centres (I-Sites) at Auckland or Christchurch Airports on your way out. If you are still stuck give us a call on 0800 278 299 for alternative places to purchase your membership.  

Can I renew my membership if it’s already expired?

Yes, as long as it didn’t expire more than 5 months ago. If you decide to renew after your membership has expired, please be aware your expiry date will be the same month that your previous membership expired, but in the applicable year. If you want a full year’s membership, you will need to purchase a new card at the new subscription price.

Are there any guidelines regarding conduct in the hostels?

Yes, in order to ensure that all our guests have a memorable experience in our hostels, we ask that you have consideration for others at all times, and to interact positively with guests of all cultures who are also exploring the world through Hostelling. Read our hostel regulations.