Te Araroa Trail Hostels

The Te Araroa trail is New Zealand's newest long distance tramping route, from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. We've got hostels to suit walkers and hikers along the way.

North Island

YHA Ahipara

A five minute stroll from 90 mile beach, YHA Ahipara is the first stop on Te Araroa when travelling North to South. YHA Ahipara offers walkers great facilities and a range of accommodation including backpackers’ lodge, tent sites, cabins and a self-contained lodge. Dry out and store your gear while you refuel in the guest kitchen, make use of the laundry, check emails and trade travel stories beside the open fireplace or over board games and ping pong. 

Send your bounce box ahead or arrange to pick up extra supplies if you contact the hostel at least 48 hours ahead of arrival. When you’re ready to hit the trail again, staff can drop you off at Herekino Saddle for a small donation towards fuel. Book Now

YHA Bay of Islands Paihia

YHA Bay of Islands Paihia is ideal for Te Araroa walkers with a range of accommodation options from shared to private rooms, all ensuited. The hostel is 100m from the beach and a five minute walk to the Bay of Islands’ numerous water activities. Make the most of the hostel’s kitchen facilities to cook up a feed or ask staff for their favourite nearby restaurants. Wash your tramping clothes in the laundry facilities and then relax and unwind in the cosy lounge and outdoor area. Send your labelled bounce box ahead to collect upon arrival. Book Now

YHA Waitomo

Use the same hostel the folks building the nearby section of the Te Araroa Trail used. YHA Waitomo is an ideal stay less than one kilometre from the Mahoe Forest Track and one kilometre from Waitomo village.

Take in the stunning farm and native forest views. Relax and take a dip in the large swimming pool or swing in a hammock and unwind from your time on the trail. Send your mail or bounce box ahead or store extra luggage if you’re exploring the Waitomo area further. Book Now

YHA National Park

On the trail and under the shadow of three volcanoes, YHA National Park is well equipped for Te Araroa walkers. There's a drying room and plenty of storage for gear, a wood fire in the kitchen and an outdoor shop 700m away.

Wind down in the comfortable communal area with board games, movies or swap your book. Fuel up at one of the recommended local eateries before heading out again. Hostel transport to/from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu/Whakapapa Ski Field is offered for a fee. Call ahead to let staff know your plans and they will hold incoming mail for you. Book Now

YHA Whanganui

Set amongst spacious sub-tropical gardens, YHA Whanganui is adjacent to the Whanganui River and is a restful and quiet hostel that feels more like a B & B. Choose either a private or multi-share room and cook up a feed and refuel in the large kitchen.

Relax in the comfortable lounge with TV, music centre, games, cards and a small library – great for those resting their aches and pains from Te Araroa! Book Now

South Island

YHA Hanmer Springs

YHA Hanmer Springs is the perfect place to divert from the trail, soak up the mountain atmosphere and soak in natural hot springs. The hostel is a 3 minute walk from Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa for relaxing tired muscles before getting out onto the trail again. YHA Hanmer Springs offers a range of accommodation from private ensuite to multi-share. Use the drying room for your gear, relax in the courtyard with a BBQ or spend those chillier nights in front of the log fire. Book Now

YHA Arthur's Pass

Stay at YHA Arthur’s Pass, a small hostel with bag storage and a drying room for your wet gear. Choose from dorms to private rooms; ask the staff for instructions to the best spots to hear the Kiwi in the surrounding forests. Book Now