This hostel couldn’t be more aptly named – nestled between the Wakatipu lakefront and Shotover St it’s right in the rapidly beating heart of this famous little resort town of Queenstown. Everything is on your doorstep – cafes, bars, restaurants and the waterfront with all its activities. 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, free tea and coffee in private rooms and some rooms even have their own balcony or a lake view. 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.
* Please note that there is no bike storage at the hostel
“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.” – by Simone Egger, Lonely Planet
Continue along State Highway 6 until you reach the Frankton Roundabout with a BP Station on the corner. At the Frankton roundabout take the turning onto Frankton Road (Route 6a). Lake Wakatipu is visible on your left on this scenic drive in. Continue along Frankton Road for 15mins which then naturally turns right into Stanley Street and down the hill into the town centre. At the second roundabout on Stanley Street take a left onto Shotover Street. Continue along Shotover Street. You will find YHA Queenstown Central on your left, immediately after the second roundabout and pedestrian crossing.
Please note: it's highly recommended to carry snow chains at all times in the winter months.
There is no parking at the hostel itself due to our central location and street parking is often time limited. There is meter parking available nearby and staff can direct you to the nearest car park. If you would prefer free parking please be prepared to walk around 15 minutes back to the hostel, subject to availability of street parking.
Queenstown Airport is 8km from the hostel.
Go along Airport Avenue and take a right at the roundabout onto Lucas Place. At the next roundabout take a right onto Kawarau Road (Route 6) until you get to the Frankton Roundabout with the BP Station ahead of you. Turn Left onto Frankton Road and follow as above.
Located just outside the main terminal, Super Shuttles run a service to town that costs $18 per person and $4 extra per additional person travelling together.
Local Connectabus leaves from the Airport twice every hour at 23mins and 53mins past the hour and is $12 to YHA Queenstown Central on a request stop. Let the Driver know that you wish to be dropped off at the YHA on Shotover Street and not the YHA on Lake Esplanade.
A taxi will cost from $35.
Pick up and drop off at the hostel is available. Please check with your specific provider and let your driver know upon boarding the bus that your destination is YHA Queenstown Central on Shotover Street.
Luma Festival (Jun 2 - Jun 5)
Winter Festival (Jun 22 - Jun 25)
Groups staying with YHA in Queenstown are catered for at YHA Queenstown Lakefront.
Whether your group is heading to Queenstown for an adrenaline filled stay or to explore the stunning scenery, YHA Queenstown Lakefront is a perfect base. Situated on Lake Wakitipu, the hostel has breathtaking views across to Walter Peak Station and beyond.
YHA Queenstown Lakefront hosts numerous groups annually who wish to explore this South Island activity-filled town.
