Travelers can challenge their companions to a round of pool at this Auckland hostel, then grab snacks from the deli while planning their next New Zealand adventure.
Choice Backpackers in central Auckland offers a warm, lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy arcade games, billiards, and in-room WiFi. Visitors consistently praise the helpful staff, a real asset when exploring a new city.
Located in Auckland Central Business District, a neighborhood in Auckland, Choice Backpackers is near a metro station. Auckland Ferry Terminal and Queens Wharf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mount Eden and Onehunga Bay Reserve. Traveling with kids? Make time for Auckland Zoo, or check out an event or a game at Spark Arena. Visit our Auckland travel guide
Close to University of Auckland and SkyCity Casino, Choice Backpackers provides an arcade/game room, a library, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a snack bar/deli.
Other perks include:
Express check-out, express check-in, and a front-desk safe
A video library, tour/ticket assistance, and luggage storage
A TV in the lobby, multilingual staff, and an elevator
Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Choice Backpackers include comforts such as free WiFi and safes.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Elevator
High-pile carpet in room
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
More
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Towels provided
More
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 16
Check-out
Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Towels are available on request for a refundable deposit.
Access methods
Access code, front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Nearby parking fee: NZD 24 per day (1640 ft away)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
We should mention
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
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.
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
What time is check-in at Choice Backpackers?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.
What time is check-out at Choice Backpackers?
Check-out is at 10 AM.
Where is Choice Backpackers located?
This family-friendly Auckland hostel is located in the business district, within a 10-minute walk of Queen Street Shopping District, University of Auckland, and Sky Tower. SkyCity Casino and Auckland Ferry Terminal are also within 15 minutes. Gaunt Street Tram Stop is 17 minutes by foot and Halsey Street Tram Stop is 20 minutes.
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Reviews
Choice Backpackers Reviews
7.6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The property is very centrally located. It is near transport, Queen St and shopping and restaurants. The room was fine. Jamie and Melanie were wonderfully helpful and friendly. Would stay here again.
Leigh
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
6/10 Okay
Emma
Feb 24, 2024
Disliked: Amenities
I stayed in a private room, which itself was very clean and comfortable. However the remainder of the facilities left a lot to be desired. The kitchen is small and cramped for the size of the hostel, with insufficient items for use. E.g. I could only ever find 3 knives in the whole kitchen. Similar can be said for the dining area. The location was fine, though a bit of street noise on a Friday night.
Seemed that those in dormitories were given their bedding on check in and had to make up beds themselves. Seems odd to me. Staff on the front desk did the bare minimum.
Despite emailing to confirm a late check in and being told it was fine I arrived in Auckland at 04.15 to receive a message saying I hadn’t sent ID (which I was not told when I reconfirmed my late arrival via email a few days before). The French receptionist wasn’t welcoming, I felt guilty even asking questions.
My main complaint is the lift and emergency exits. The lift takes a long time to move and often doesn’t stop in order of who has pressed their floor button (which was annoying), I tried to use the staircase and noticed nearly all the emergency doors were locked - what if there was a fire? All you have if a dodgy lift to wait in.
The room done the job, shower and toilets too, clean and quiet. But the building needs to be made more safe for everyone there- guests & staff included.
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
6/10 Okay
Jo-Anne
Nov 25, 2025
Only lounge area in lobby. Dining area far from kitchen. Staff were great though.
It's not really family friendly because it isn't a place for families with young children to stay but for solo travellers or backpacker groups. But it is safe and a good place to stay for minors thanks to the strict no alcohol and smoking rules and the level of security and protection the guests have with the keys and curfew. There was good amount of room for food to be stored in and the kitchen was spaced out well and not too crowded. Everyone respected the rules to keep things clean and tidy.