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Lakeside Backpackers

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Lakeside Backpackers

6 Beds Female Dormitory | Living room
6 Beds Mixed Dormitory | Lake view
Living area
6 Beds Female Dormitory | Private kitchen
Twin Room

Reviews

6.0 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
The current price is NZ$115
includes taxes & fees
16 June - 17 June

Explore the area

View map
18a Lake Esplanade, Queenstown, 9300
  • Place, TSS Earnslaw Steamship
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Queenstown Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Queenstown Mall
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room

Twin Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for 6 Beds Female Dormitory

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

6 Beds Female Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for 8 Beds Mixed Dormitory

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi

8 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Queenstown

Lakeside Backpackers places you in the centre of Queenstown, steps from Lake Wakatipu and within a short 5-minute stroll of SKYCITY Wharf Casino. Highlights at this hostel include free in-room WiFi. .This hostel offers free WiFi in public areas, barbecues and a picnic area. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Queenstown City Centre hostel include Steamer Wharf and TSS Earnslaw Steamship.
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What's nearby

  • Steamer Wharf - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • TSS Earnslaw Steamship - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Queenstown Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Queenstown Mall - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Skyline Queenstown - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.) - 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

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 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
  • Fridge 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 a shower. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

Similar properties

Front of property
Pinewood Queenstown
Boydtown
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry room
3.9 out of 5, Good, 745 reviews
The price is NZ$122
includes taxes & fees
8 July - 9 July
Pinewood Queenstown

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Airport shuttle available
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas

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 accommodation

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 per cent 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.

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 per cent

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
On-site 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. On-site 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 all 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

Is parking available at Lakeside Backpackers?

Yep, Lakeside Backpackers has a free self car park.

How much does it cost to stay at Lakeside Backpackers?

As of 13 Jun 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakeside Backpackers on 16 Jun 2026 start from NZ$115, 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.

Are there any beaches close to Lakeside Backpackers?

Yep, Lakeside Backpackers is a short 6-minute walk from Queenstown Beach.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Lakeside Backpackers?

No, Lakeside Backpackers does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Lakeside Backpackers?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Lakeside Backpackers?

No, pets are not allowed.

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

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jared

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Aimee

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Very basic. Old, and could do with some love
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Hritvik Arjun

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Extremely filthy, an absolute waste of money. The staff is not good and doesn’t show any concern of keeping the property clean and tidy. It smells, has no ventilation system and is not at all good considering the location. I would never recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Dominic

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

brooke

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Uillians

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

4/10 Poor

Alexander

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

4/10 Poor

T G A Buma

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
Verified

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

NOPPORN

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024