YHA Queenstown Lakefront

YHA Queenstown Lakefront sits on Lake Esplanade, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu about ten minutes' walk from the town centre. It is part of the YHA New Zealand network and occupies a former hotel, one of Queenstown's first. Its lakeside position, with a walk along the lake into town, gives it a calmer setting than the hostels in the middle of town while keeping the bars, restaurants and activity operators within an easy stroll.

Dormitories are the main accommodation. Each bed has its own bedside light and power, and there are lockable cupboards with charging ports so you can keep phones and cameras secure while they charge. Towels can be hired and hair dryers are available, so you do not need to pack everything.

The shared spaces are designed for travellers who like to cook and socialise. There is a fully equipped kitchen, a communal lounge and a communal dining area, plus an outdoor area with a barbecue and a herb garden for summer evenings. Practical extras include laundry facilities and a drying room, which is valuable in Queenstown after a day of hiking in the rain or skiing, as well as luggage storage and bicycle storage for those riding the Queenstown Trail.

The hostel is listed as wheelchair accessible. Reception is staffed from 7am to 10pm, and outside those hours guests have 24-hour access with a door code, with a night manager on site. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am, so use the luggage storage if you arrive early or leave late.

Getting there without a car is easy: Queenstown Airport is 9 kilometres away, the Go Bus number 1 runs from the airport every 15 minutes and stops at a hotel two minutes' walk from the hostel, and shuttles can drop off and collect at the door. Staff also run a free travel booking service for activities. Parking is the main limitation. There is a small amount of paid on-site parking, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and free street parking nearby is also limited, so travellers with a campervan or hire car should plan ahead.

YHA Queenstown Lakefront suits solo travellers, couples and groups on a budget, walkers and cyclists, and anyone who prefers a quieter base with lake views to a party atmosphere. Bookings are made through the YHA website or by contacting the hostel.