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Lakeside Backpackers

2.0 star property
Hostel perfectly located for exploring Queenstown

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Photo gallery for Lakeside Backpackers

6 Beds Female Dormitory | Living room
Living area
6 Beds Female Dormitory | Living room
Twin Room | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Twin Room | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
18a Lake Esplanade, Queenstown, 9300
  • Place, Steamer Wharf
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Queenstown Mall
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Skyline Queenstown
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Twin Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6 Beds Female Dormitory

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

6 Beds Female Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 8 Beds Mixed Dormitory

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

8 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Queenstown

Heart of Queenstown.At this Queenstown City Centre hostel, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Lake Wakatipu and SKYCITY Wharf Casino. Steamer Wharf and TSS Earnslaw Steamship are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in QueenstownOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Steamer Wharf - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • TSS Earnslaw Steamship - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Queenstown Mall - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Kiwi Park - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Skyline Queenstown - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Patagonia Chocolates - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Finz - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Smiths Craft Beer House - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪My Thai Lounge - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Pub On Wharf - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Lakeside Backpackers

Hostel perfectly located for exploring Queenstown
Lakeside Backpackers offers its guests barbecue grills, tour/ticket assistance, and a picnic area. WiFi is free in public spaces. Lakeside Backpackers also features laundry facilities, a television in a common area, and a microwave in a common area. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Queenstown hostel.

  • 4 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
Lakeside Backpackers offers 4 shared accommodations. This Queenstown hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Airport shuttle available
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Shared accommodations

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM

Late check-in subject to availability

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3.15 percent for credit card payments

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Front desk staffed during limited hours

At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3.15 percent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a security system and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a security system and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions. At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination.

We should mention

  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Lakeside Backpackers Queenstown

Lakeside Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Lakeside Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Queenstown

Frequently asked questions

How close is Lakeside Backpackers to the airport?

Lakeside Backpackers is 5.2 mi (10-min drive) away from the Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Lakeside Backpackers?

As of May 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakeside Backpackers on Jun 7, 2026 start from $61, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Lakeside Backpackers have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Lakeside Backpackers.

How close is Lakeside Backpackers to the beach?

This hostel is a short 6-minute walk from Queenstown Beach and 4.8 mi (14-min drive) from Frankton Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Lakeside Backpackers offer free breakfast?

Lakeside Backpackers does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Lakeside Backpackers?

No, there is no casino at this hostel, but SKYCITY Wharf Casino (4-min walk) and Skycity Queenstown Casino (7-min walk) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Lakeside Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Lakeside Backpackers?

This hostel offers free self parking.

Does Lakeside Backpackers have a pool?

Lakeside Backpackers does not have a pool.

Does Lakeside Backpackers have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Lakeside Backpackers to downtown Queenstown?

Lakeside Backpackers is 0.3 mi away from Queenstown.

Lakeside Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

6.0
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 23 reviews

5.6/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Staff & service

5.2/10

Amenities

5.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jared

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Great value for money. Awesome location. Facilities are old and dated but certainly provided an authentic experience. Really appreciate the flexibility to check in late. Ideal if you are in transit after a hike and need a one night lay over.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Simon

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Sadly, backpacker accommodation in Queenstown seems to have sunk to a lowest common denominator. Clean but scruffy and unloved, would not be tolerated if there were any options. Compare with AKL... One issue is that many residents are there long-term while working, not the typical travelling backpacker clientel.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Qingyi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I didn’t get email back about late checking. But some young man was there helping me to get key and carried my luggage up to the two staircases.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Sophia

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The room and living spaces were overall clean but the bathroom was not so much. The only light in the bathroom with the toilet was burnt out for the 4 days I was there and the 2nd toilet was out of order. The shower stalls were not the cleanest and the drains would not drain the best causing them to fill up and overflow if you didn't pay attention. The oven also does not work. I did cancel my nights at another hostel and stayed here 2 extra nights as I did feel very safe and street parking was overall decent. I would stay here again. A good price for what you get.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

brooke

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Blanket was full of hair that was not mine
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Wai Shun Wilson

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There's no on site parking for backpacker room even the app says "parking included". It's a dirty hostel but for the price and location you get what your paying for. I wouldn't stay there for more than just a sleep over night.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

T G A Buma

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Absolute dump, don’t stay there

Very run down and neglected property. But in a prime location. I would say the building will soon be bulldozed, so current operators are doing zero maintainence. Dirty and mouldy. Kitchen/Dining filthy. Kitchen sink tap fallen off. Absolute scum hole. Not recommended. Don’t know why Hotel.com lists this place. It is very substandard.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

So I stayed in a dorm. You are required to sign a sheet that says they aren't responsible for stolen items, however to get to the dorms it's a code that is laminated on the front counter so probably never changes and then there are no locks on the doors and no lockers in the room. They charge you to use the lockers in the small common area. So to me that is wrong to make guest sign something when anyone can walk in and take something of yours as the security is very low. Upon arrival I was told that I couldn't use the parking lot and I had to park on street (very busy street and it would have taken hours to find a free street parking spot. ) I had to show them on hotels.com where it said I could park on site and they did let me as long as they didn't need the spot. So it worked out. The kitchen was okay. It's really only as clean as the people using it leave it. Wasn't super clean, it wasn't well stocked but not scarce either. I stayed one night and it worked for that. I literally only booked here because of the advertised free parking. (So read carefully they may not offer the free parking option in the future)
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Dominic

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was a good place to stay for a night.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

NOPPORN

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Alexander, MIAMI

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Roome, kitchen and bathroom were dirty. Everything needs a deep cleaning..
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Federico

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
No hospitality, before check in I wasn’t allowed to go to the toilet because it wasn’t check in time… weird
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Uillians

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

DIEGO

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is the worst hostel, the staff was really rude with me, I was asking for the manager or supervisor to complain about something and the guy that it was working was challenging me to do the complaint. I send an email to get some help but they didn’t reply to me. No space in the rooms to leave you luggage. Do not stay in this hostel

2/10 Terrible

Shaked

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Last resort hostel

Went there only because I had no other option. It's far from the center and poorly maintained. I was offered hard drugs by the people who stayed there for a long time. Wouldn't go there, unless I have to.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
位置極佳, 價錢平. 呢個價錢就冇得要求咁多
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Bärbel

Liked: Cleanliness
Preis Leistung stimmt definitv. Die Betten waren bequem . Uns war die Küche nicht sauber genug. Essen wollten wir da nicht sind aber sonst auch eher im Motel und das vielleicht nicht gewöhnt.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

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