One of the frequently asked questions about hop on hop off bus passes is, do you need to book your accommodation in advance? Here's how it works...

Unlike the small group tours, accommodation is not included in the Bus Passes. But don't fret, as your driver guides can easily organise this for you each day. Simply tell them your preference (twin, double, dorm, bed), they book it and you just pay as you go. No need to book way in advance!   

You might ask, what if you run out of places to stay? Your first night's accommodation is guaranteed when you travel on the bus, saving you time and effort in searching for suitable hostels. Also, New Zealand has a wide variety of hostels, wilderness lodges and cabins to stay in, as well as a high standard of backpacker's accommodation so you won't run out of options. The drivers are adequately equipped to give you recommendation on places to stay based on your budget and preference.

At some very special stops, there may be only one accommodation option available. For example, the cultural stay in Mourea offers shared accommodation only. It costs more than a normal dorm share, but already includes afternoon tea, dinner, interactive performance, storytelling and breakfast.

Note that accommodation isn't included the night before you start your bus pass, so you'll need to book this in advance yourself. Check out Wotif for the best deals. 

ACCOMMODATION LIST

We've listed below some of the suggested accommodation around New Zealand for hop-on hop-off passengers. These venues give you a choice of dorm, double and twin share, and most have full kitchen facilities, a TV lounge and internet. 

Normal backpacker hostel rates are about $26-$32 per night for a dorm bed and $60-$80 for a double/twin room, $70-120 for double/twin room with ensuite. Take note though, that during peak season twin and double rooms may have limited availability. 

AUCKLAND

Base-ACB

Level 3, 229 Queen Street, Auckland

Ph. 0800 BASE NZ (2273 69)

Nomads Auckland

16-20 Fort Street, Auckland

Ph. 0508 NOMADS

Nomads Fat Camel

38 Fort Street, Auckland

Ph. 0508 NOMADS

YHA International

5 Turner Street, Auckland

Ph. 0800 278 299

YHA Auckland City

18 Liverpool Street, Auckland

Ph. 0800 278 299

PAIHIA

BASE - Pipi Patch Lodge

18 Kings Road, Paihia

Ph. 0800 BASE NZ (2273 69)

RAGLAN

Karioi Lodge

5B Whaanga Road, Whale Bay, Raglan 3297

Ph. 0800 867873

* No mobile phone coverage

MOUREA MARAE

Cultural night and overnight stay on a marae

The cultural night is an all-inclusive overnight stay including afternoon tea, dinner, interactive performance, storytelling, bed and breakfast in the cost of your night's stay.

* If there are less than 9 people, we stay in Rotorua with an alternative cultural option.

ROTORUA

BASE - Hot Rocks

1286 Arawa Street, Rotorua 3010

Ph. 0800 BASE NZ (2273 69)

LAKE ANIWHENUA

Kohtapu Lodge and Tribal Tours

3836 Galatea Road, Murapara, Galatea

Ph. 07 366 4777

* This is an all-inclusive overnight stay including accommodation, bed and linen, guided tour, dinner and breakfast in the cost of your night's stay. If there are less than 9 people, we will stay in Taupo as an alternative.

TAUPO

Urban Retreat

65 Heu Heu St, Taupo

Ph. 0800 872 261

BASE Taupo

7 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo

Ph. 0800 BASE NZ (2273 69)

WHAKAHORO

Blue Duck Lodge

4265 Oio Road

Whakahoro, RD2

Owhango

Ph. 07 895 6276

* No mobile phone coverage

NATIONAL PARK

Pukenui Lodge

1 Millar St, National Park 3948

Ph. 0800 785 368

WELLINGTON

BASE Wellington

21-23 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington 6011

Ph. 0800 BASE NZ (2273 69)

Nomads Capital

118-120 Wakefield St, Wellington 6011

Ph. 0800 NOMADS (666 237)

YHA Wellington

292 Wakefield St, Te Aro, Wellington

Ph. 0800 278 299

Downtown Backpackers

1 Bunny Street, Wellington

Ph. 04 473 8482

PICTON

Picton Villa

34 Auckland Street, Picton

Ph. 03 573 6598

NELSON

Paradiso Backpackers

42 Weka Street, Nelson

Ph. 0800 269 667

MARAHAU

The Barn

414 Harvey Road, Abel Tasman NP 7197

Ph. 03 527 8043

WESTPORT

TripInn Hostel - YHA Westport

72 Queen Street, Westport

Ph. 0800 737 773 / 03 789 7367

FRANZ JOSEF

Rainforest Retreat

46 Cron St, Franz Josef

Ph. 0800 873 346

WANAKA

BASE Wanaka

73 Brownston Street, Wanaka

Ph. 0800 BASE NZ (2273 69)

Mountain View Backpackers

7 Russell Street, Wanaka

Ph. 0800 11 22 01

YHA Purple Cow

94 Brownston Street, Wanaka

Ph. 0800 278 229

QUEENSTOWN

BASE - Discovery Lodge

40 Shotover Street, Queenstown

Ph. 03 441 1185

Nomads Queenstown

5-11 Church Street, Queenstown 9300

Ph. 0508 866 6237

FIORDLAND

Gunn's Camp

Lower Hollyford Rd

Hollyford Valley

Email: gunnscamp@ruralinzone.net

* No phone / mobile phone coverage available due to remote location

INVERCARGILL

Tuatara Lodge

30-32 Dee Street, Invercargill

Ph. 0800 4 TUATARA (488 2827)

STEWART ISLAND

Stewart Island Backpackers

Ayr St, Oban

Ph. 03 219 1114

MT COOK

Mt Cook Backpacker Lodge

11 Motel Access Rd, Mt Cook National Park

Ph. 0800 100 512

RANGITATA

Rangitata Rafts

Peel Forest RD20, South Canterbury

Ph. 0800 251 251

CHRISTCHURCH

Kiwi Base Camp

69 Bealey Avenue, City Centre, Christchurch

Ph. 0800 50 50 25

Jailhouse Accommodation

338 Lincoln Road, Christchurch 8024

Ph. 0800 JAILHOUSE (524 546)

YHA Christchurch Rolleston House

5 Worcester Blvd, Christchurch 8013

Ph. 03 366 6564

KAIKOURA

The Lazy Shag Backpackers

37 Beach Road, Kaikoura

Ph. 03 319 6662