Bay of Islands and Far North Backpackers

Waitangi photo by Ben Crawford

The Bay of Islands is a world renowned tourist destination, made up the townships of  Paihia, Waitangi, Russell and Kerikeri.

Paihia is base to some of the world’s best deep sea fishing charter boats as well as many other sea-borne activities offering experiences ranging from a leisurely sail, to tearing around the Bay of Islands in a jet boat.

Waitangi is where, in 1840, NZ’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
A visit to Paihia is not complete without adding a visit to the magnificent Waitangi Treaty House and grounds which offer spectacular views over the bay.

Russell is one of the oldest towns in New Zealand and apart from being New Zealands first capital city, was also once host to whaling ship crews who indulged in the many (now closed!) brothels and drinking establishments that sprang up during the 1800’s.

Kerikeri is a horticultural hub with extensive orchards, with plenty of roadside stalls so you can experience some of the growers produce.
A visit to Kerikeri would not be complete without a visit to The Old Stonehouse down by the river.
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Backpackers New Zealand

Orewa Hostel

Auckland

Orewa is around 30 minutes north of Central Auckland and has a great white sand beach with just small waves as it is within the Hauraki gulf.

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Auckland North Shore Backpackers

Auckland

Backpacker accommodation on Aucklands North shore and North of Auckland at Orewa and Hatfields Beach.

Auckland City, home to nearly one third of New Zealand’s entire population, is nestled between two beautiful harbours, the Waitemata, on the Pacific and the Manukau on the Tasman Sea.

Auckland has 48 volcanoes, 50 offshore islands, 30,000ha of native bush, and kilometres of beautiful coast.

Auckland has much to offer to traveler; with amazing geography, its warm, humid climate it has inspired a lifestyle that’s regularly ranked in the world’s top ten.

When you tire of exploring the city centre, in a short time you can be cruising to Waiheke Island to visit great vineyards, eateries and art, or one of the many other islands in the Gulf. Trekking through the Waitakere rainforest in the city’s west.
Picnicking on a volcano overlooking the city.
Lazing on one of the North Shores beaches.
Surfing or walking along the black sands of the wild west coast at Piha or Muriwai.
Sampling wines at a vineyard or enjoying a relaxing meal at one of the hundreds of cafes and restaurants the city has on offer.

Auckland has everything you need to keep you interested, from climbing the harbour bridge and bungying off it!
Sail on one of the America’s Cup yachts.
An indoor ski field, underwater aquarium, casino, harbour cruises, a vibrant night life and café culture, and so much more, you’ll never tire of the country’s largest city.
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Auckland Harbour Island Backpackers

Auckland

Backpacker hostels and accommodation on the Islands in Auckland Hauraki Gulf Harbour.

Auckland City, home to nearly one third of New Zealand’s entire population, is nestled between two beautiful harbours, the Waitemata, on the Pacific and the Manukau on the Tasman Sea.

Auckland has 48 volcanoes, 50 offshore islands, 30,000ha of native bush, and kilometres of beautiful coast.

Auckland has much to offer to traveler; with amazing geography, its warm, humid climate it has inspired a lifestyle that’s regularly ranked in the world’s top ten.

When you tire of exploring the city centre, in a short time you can be cruising to Waiheke Island to visit great vineyards, eateries and art, or one of the many other islands in the Gulf.

Auckland has everything you need to keep you interested, from climbing the harbour bridge and bungying off it!
Sail on one of the America’s Cup yachts.
An indoor ski field, underwater aquarium, casino, harbour cruises, a vibrant night life and café culture, and so much more, you’ll never tire of the country’s largest city.
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Auckland

The Auckland CBD Youth Hostel is right in the heart of the action in Auckland.
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Auckland Backpackers close to CBD

Auckland

Auckland City, home to nearly one third of New Zealand’s entire population, is nestled between two beautiful harbours, the Waitemata, on the Pacific and the Manukau on the Tasman Sea.

Auckland has 48 volcanoes, 50 offshore islands, 30,000ha of native bush, and kilometres of beautiful coast.

Auckland has much to offer to traveler; with amazing geography, its warm, humid climate it has inspired a lifestyle that’s regularly ranked in the world’s top ten.

When you tire of exploring the city centre, in a short time you can be cruising to Waiheke Island to visit great vineyards, eateries and art, or one of the many other islands in the Gulf. Trekking through the Waitakere rainforest in the city’s west.
Picnicking on a volcano overlooking the city.
Lazing on one of the North Shores beaches.
Surfing or walking along the black sands of the wild west coast at Piha or Muriwai.
Sampling wines at a vineyard or enjoying a relaxing meal at one of the hundreds of cafes and restaurants the city has on offer.

Auckland has everything you need to keep you interested, from climbing the harbour bridge and bungying off it!
Sail on one of the America’s Cup yachts.
An indoor ski field, underwater aquarium, casino, harbour cruises, a vibrant night life and café culture, and so much more, you’ll never tire of the country’s largest city.

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Auckland CBD Backpackers

Auckland

Auckland City, home to nearly one third of New Zealand’s entire population, is nestled between two beautiful harbours, the Waitemata, on the Pacific and the Manukau on the Tasman Sea.

Auckland has 48 volcanoes, 50 offshore islands, 30,000ha of native bush, and kilometres of beautiful coast.

Auckland has much to offer to traveler; with amazing geography, its warm, humid climate it has inspired a lifestyle that’s regularly ranked in the world’s top ten.

When you tire of exploring the city centre, in a short time you can be cruising to Waiheke Island to visit great vineyards, eateries and art, or one of the many other islands in the Gulf. Trekking through the Waitakere rainforest in the city’s west.
Picnicking on a volcano overlooking the city.
Lazing on one of the North Shores beaches.
Surfing or walking along the black sands of the wild west coast at Piha or Muriwai.
Sampling wines at a vineyard or enjoying a relaxing meal at one of the hundreds of cafes and restaurants the city has on offer.

Auckland has everything you need to keep you interested, from climbing the harbour bridge and bungying off it!
Sail on one of the America’s Cup yachts.
An indoor ski field, underwater aquarium, casino, harbour cruises, a vibrant night life and café culture, and so much more, you’ll never tire of the country’s largest city.

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South Auckland Backpackers

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Hamilton and Surrounding Area Backpackers

Waikato Area map

The Waikato region has two spectacular landscapes—one above ground, the other below.

Above ground the view is dominated by the Waikato River and the rich rolling green of productive farmland.
The main centre is Hamilton—a city that serves the farming and university community.

Hamilton is famous for its gardens, their local zoo which has the largest free flight aviary in the Southern Hemisphere—an excellent chance to see and learn  about New Zealand’s distinctive native birds. The southern end of Hamilton’s main street offers an excellent choice of restaurants, cafes and bars.

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Coromandel Backpackers

The Coromandel Peninsula lies to the east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf, and has an estimated population of just under 27,000 people.

Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations.
With rugged volcanic hills covered in native rainforest, and more than 400 kilometres of spectacular coastline we promise you will find the beach of your dreams.
Bush and beach are easily accessible and in the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forest.

On the west coast, you’ll discover a beach, cove and harbour around every bend in the road lined with pohutukawa trees (a red flowering native that is known in NZ as the Christmas Tree).

The east coast has an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches, and an impressive, heavily forested mountain range running right through the middle of the entire peninsula.

Coromandel’s fascinating history is evident in gold mining, logging dams and ancient Maori pa’s (fortified village). The past is also visible in the colonial architecture and historical buildings that have been preserved in several towns around the region.

The natural beauty of the Coromandel has led to the area becoming a haven for artists and crafts people.
Take time to discover the many galleries and studios, or, fish, surf, dive, swim, wander along beaches, or, head into the hills and hike the trails in the forest.

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Mount Maunganui and Bay of Plenty Backpackers

Located at the entrance to a natural harbour in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga and the coastal areas of Mount Maunganui are always popular with visitors.

Tauranga and The Mount offer a wide variety of activities, Water activities, Adventure activities, Wildlife activities around the Bay of Plenty area of New Zealand.

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Backpackers New Zealand

Rotorua Backpackers

Central North Island

Situated almost in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is a small city that despite being one of the major tourist attractions in the North Island, still manages to retain some of the charming characteristics of a country town.

The area is a geothermal wonderland of geysers, boiling mud pools, and steaming craters – all accompanied by the interesting aroma of sulphur.

Surrounded by volcanoes, lakes, parks and recreational areas, it is a great place to go hiking or to view native flora and fauna. Great trout fishing, luging, skydiving and zorbing (another Kiwi invention!) are just a few of the many activities on offer.

Rotorua is also a centre where one can experience Maori cultural, be it watching Pounamu (Greenstone) being handcrafted to visiting a replica Pa (Maori fortress). It is a “must visit” if you want to learn about New Zealand’s Maori heritage and culture.

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Taupo and Central North Island Backpackers

Central North Island

Sitting at the centre of the North Island, Lake Taupo has plenty for the adventurer; skydiving over its clear lake, catching a wild trout, bungy jumping, jet boating or quad biking are just a few options available.

If none of this is to your fancy, why not relax in one of the many cafes offering views across the lake to Mount Ruapehu, or, play a round on one of Taupo’s five golf courses.

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Napier, Gisborne and East Coast Backpackers

Hawkes bay

NAPIER & HASTINGS

Renowned worldwide for its 1930’s Art Deco architecture, Napier is a popular year round destination as it boasts over 2,200 hours of sunshine a year.

Visit the National Aquarium of NZ, the Hawkes Bay museum, Marineland, Cape Kidnappers – home to the world’s largest gannet colony. Stroll along Marine Parade on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, chill out in one of the 30 cafes dotted around the town centre, offering the best of local produce, or, venturing further out of town to one of the many wineries, there plenty of choice for the traveler.

Long hot summers, complimented by mild winters, provide a wide variety of delicious fresh produce. Don’t miss visiting the Hawkes Bay Farmers Market which is held every Saturday morning; relax in the atmosphere of a traditional village market where you can talk directly to the growers and taste a variety of products form handmade cheeses, bread, ice cream, fresh fruit, vegetables and gourmet meat.

With over 40 wineries in close proximity to Hastings, producing some of the best wines NZ has to offer it would be virtually a crime not to visit at least a few of them! Many of the vineyards have on-site restaurants, or picnic areas, so why not indulge in a little wine tasting followed by a relaxing meal, enjoying the best the area has to offer.

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New Plymouth and Wanganui Area Backpackers

Taranaki area

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Wellington and Lower North Island Backpackers

Wellington Area

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Nelson Area Backpackers

Nelson Area

Nelson is located at the top of the South Island and has a warm sunny climate beside the sea.

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Nelson Area Accommodation

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Picton – Blenheim Backpackers

Picton Area

Picton is a picturesque waterfront town in the Marlborough region; home to award winning wineries. It is also Marlborough’s main commercial port and access to Queen Charlotte Sound.

Enjoy every possible activity form 4wd adventure to horse trekking, fishing, skydiving, hiking, sailing and all that this point of access to the Sounds has to offer.

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Blenheim and Picton Accommodation

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Christchurch Backpackers -Canterbury Region

Christchurch Area

Situated on the East Coast of the South Island, with a population of around 300 000, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island

Known as The Garden City, it offers extensive inner city public, private gardens and parks, with the Avon River slowly meandering though the city centre.

Still apparent, is the that Christchurch was founded by upper class English whose influence is still apparent in the city’s architecture, the very English Christ’s College, Cathedral Square, and punting on the Avon River.

While in the city, why not visit the Antarctic Centre or take a drive out to Akaroa, New Zealand’s “French” settlement where you can enjoy a unique atmosphere, great food, fishing and eco boat trips.

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Christchurch and Canterbury Area Accommodation

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Christchurch Backpackers

Christchurch Area

Situated on the East Coast of the South Island, with a population of around 300 000, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island

Known as The Garden City, it offers extensive inner city public, private gardens and parks, with the Avon River slowly meandering though the city centre.

Still apparent, is the that Christchurch was founded by upper class English whose influence is still apparent in the city’s architecture, the very English Christ’s College, Cathedral Square, and punting on the Avon River.

While in the city, why not visit the Antarctic Centre or take a drive out to Akaroa, New Zealand’s “French” settlement where you can enjoy a unique atmosphere, great food, fishing and eco boat trips.

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Christchurch Accommodation

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Greymouth Backpackers

Westport/ Greymouth

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Fiordland Backpackers

Franz Josef / Fiordland

MILFORD SOUND & FIORDLAND

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, located in the beautiful Fiordland region of New Zealand, Milford Sound is set within a world heritage region often called the Sightseeing and Walking Capital of the world.

THE GLACIERS

Remnants of the ice age cascade from the snowfields of the Southern Alps to valley floors 300 meters above sea level. Nowhere else in the world’s temperate climates are glaciers so accessible. With glaciers covering nearly half of the Aoraki / Mt Cook area you’ll have plenty of glacial option to choose from.

There are a range of guided excursions available that will provide professional guides who will give full explanations regarding the geological features, flora and fauna of the area.

If seeing the glaciers from above is more to your li,king, there are helicopter and fixed wing aircraft that also provide scenic flights and snow landings amidst New Zealand’s highest peaks, overlooking these glaciers. A range of walks exist, surrounding glaciers in New Zealand that provide excellent points for viewing the glacier as well as exploring the surrounding rainforest environments.

The combination of ice and temperate rainforest is a unique feature of New Zealand’s glacier country, and is an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world.

Franz Josef Glacier

Located in Westland National Park, Franz Joseph glacier is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions. It was named by geologist and explorer Julius von Haast in 1863, after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

It is the steepest and fastest moving glacier in New Zealand. Measuring 12 kilometer’s long, this 7000 year old body of ice is sliding down a mountain valley into a rainforest. Franz Josef can be safely viewed from as close as 15 metres.

Fox Glacier

At 13 Kilometers long and reaching 300 metres deep, Fox Glacier falls about 2600 metres throughout its journey. Named in 1872 after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s then Prime Minister, the Fox Glacier is only 25 kilometers from Franz Josef Glacier.

The Fox Glacier township is perhaps a little more laid back, offering a more relaxed atmosphere to soak up the surrounding beauty.

Tasman Glacier

At 27 kilometers long, the Tasman Glacier is an impressive sight.

Landing by small ski plane or helicopter, explore the spectacular ice formations and caverns for an unforgettable experience. From October until May, you can explore the Tasman Glacier’s terminal lake by boat.

The Tasman Glacier in New Zealand is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers, while the Murchison, Darwin and Bonney glaciers promise excitement for advanced skiers.

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Queenstown Area Backpackers

Queenstown - Otago

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Dunedin Backpackers

Dunedin Area

Situated on the East coast of the South Island, Dunedin is the only real “University Town” in the country.

Being a “University Town”, finding somewhere to drink will be the least of your worries. It offers a vibrant night life as well as great cafes offering a variety of cuisine, and accommodation abounds catering to every pocket.

Built on the back of a gold rush, Dunedin is regarded as the architectural heritage capital of New Zealand. Boasting the country’s first university, and arguably, the most photographed building in the country – the Dunedin Railway Building; this town offers visitors plenty of options to experience the essence of this unique town.

Spend time browsing the numerous boutiques offering locally and internationally renowned fashion, to studios selling contemporary collections of NZ jewellery, gold, silver, bone, paua shell, and kauri gum.

Don’t forget to visit Larnach Castle and the Otago Peninsula that hosts the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the northern albatross, the world’s rarest penguin, the yellow-eye.

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