Nomads Queenstown Backpackers
by the TopOfHotel team
Nomads is the cheapest party hostel in the centre of town — made for backpackers who want a social scene.
Nomads is the cheapest party hostel in the centre of town — made for backpackers who want a social scene.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Nomads offers both shared dorms (4 to 10 people) and private rooms, with a well-equipped shared kitchen that gets cleaned several times a day and a 24-hour front desk. Reviews flag a few recurring issues: lockers that are too small for a large backpack, no power outlet next to the bed, and dorm curtains that don't block light well. Some guests also note bathroom conditions that could use more attention — but at a price this low, that is part of the deal.
Food and amenities
The hostel atmosphere here is lively and genuinely friendly. Reviews describe it as easy to meet new people, with travelers from all over and a fun vibe, and the staff earn positive marks across several writeups. The shared kitchen works well for anyone trying to keep food costs down, and a supermarket sits a 5-minute walk away. Free Wi-Fi runs throughout the building.
Location and getting there
Location is the number-one thing that sets Nomads apart from the other hostels — it's just 100 meters from Lake Wakatipu, in the middle of the bar and restaurant strip. Beach Street is a 2-minute walk and Queenstown Mall about 5 minutes, which makes it ideal for backpackers who want to reach everything on foot without a car. The airport is roughly a 15-minute drive, or there is a shuttle bus.
Things to know before booking
Go in knowing the bars next door play music until 2 to 3 AM — reviews are unanimous that you should bring earplugs. Lockers are small, there's no plug by the bed, and dorm curtains let light through, so this is a classic budget hostel rather than a quiet retreat. Light sleepers and anyone wanting private facilities should weigh that carefully.
Our take
Nomads Queenstown is best for social backpackers who want the best location at the lowest price. If you're happy to sleep with earplugs in, aren't expecting private amenities, and want a classic hostel experience, it's a strong base for exploring Queenstown on the tightest of budgets. Its 7.4/10 from over 4,148 Booking.com reviews reflects exactly that.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The best location of any hostel in this list — just 100 meters from Lake Wakatipu, in the middle of the bar and restaurant strip.
- The cheapest option in the article, starting from about $14 a night, which makes it a strong base for backpackers watching every dollar.
- Friendly staff and a warm, sociable atmosphere where it is easy to meet travelers from all over.
- A well-equipped shared kitchen that gets cleaned several times a day, with a Countdown supermarket a 5-minute walk away for cooking your own meals.
- A 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
- Nearby bars run music until around 2 to 3 AM, and reviews specifically recommend bringing earplugs — light sleepers should look at a quieter hostel instead.
- The storage lockers are too small for a large backpack, there is no power outlet next to the bed, and the dorm curtains do not block light well.
- Some reviews mention bathroom conditions that could use more attention, which is part of the trade-off at this very low price point.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Queenstown
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Insider Tips
- Pack earplugs for every night — the nearby bars play music until 2 to 3 AM, reviews are clear about it, and it makes a big difference for anyone sensitive to noise.
- Use the shared kitchen — the Countdown supermarket is a 5-minute walk away, so cooking for yourself is easy and saves a lot if you are staying several nights.
- If you want more privacy, book a private room rather than a dorm bed — they cost a little more but suit couples or travelers who do not want to share a room.